Tappoo reveals 12% increase in tobacco sales

Fijian retailer Tappoo registered a 12% increase in combined arrivals and departures tobacco sales at Nadi International airport in 2007. Home-made brands such as Benson & Hedges and Rothmans were the best-selling products. Despite the increase, the tobacco category has not always performed well, according to the company.

Tappoo executive director Kaushal Tappoo told DFNIonline: “There was a time when customers could bring two sleeves of tobacco into the country and sales were not so high. Now they can only bring one, which has helped to improve our arrivals tobacco business. Customers are now paying a bit more for the sleeves compared with three years ago, which is making arrivals tobacco very strong.”

The retailer has been hampered by strict legislation when it comes to promotions. “We cannot use big signage to highlight promotions, but can orchestrate subtle price-offs as long as they are not in front of the store,” Tappoo explained. “We also have displays on gondolas with small signs encouraging customers to buy two sleeves at the same time for a cheaper price than buying them separately.”

He also revealed strong cigar sales in the three walk-in humidors in departures and one in arrivals. “Cuban and Davidoff cigars are selling extremely well in the humidors, and a strong emphasis is being placed on the maintenance of the cigars,” Tappoo said. “Staff are trained to store the products at the correct temperature and we also follow advice from our suppliers.”