winter 2020 (jan/feb/mar)
A Solid Foundation: An Interview with Nicholas Melillo of Foundation Cigars
For Nicholas Melillo, the only way to build a cigar brand is to start with the seed and organically make the business grow.
Inventory Control Pays
It’s probably the most crucial component to building a business and cash flow, and it can also be the most challenging.
Rocky Mountain Refuge
Stag Tobacconist in Colorado is a full-service tobacco shop with a throwback touch.
The Midas Touch: Daniel Marshall Strikes Gold With His 24-Karat Cigar
Daniel Marshall thought his 24-karat gold cigar would be a unique touch for his custom-made humidors honoring the movie Scarface. Little did he know it…
The Blend: Fratello Navetta Inverso
Putting a unique twist on his original Navetta cigar, Omar de Frias creates a new taste profile.
The Blend: The Antigua Estelí Segovias
Named for the tobacco-growing lands of Nicaragua called Las Segovias, this cigar defines the flavors and essence of a country.
The Blend: J.C. Newman The American
American-made an honoring the company’s 125th anniversary, this cigar takes its inspiration from tradition.
Outside the Cigar Box: The Power to Make or Break Your Business
Staff scheduling and training influence your inventory control. All of it connects to profits.
The Tobacconist: Your Own “Top 25” List Is More Valuable than Theirs
Phil Ledbetter says try an in-store Top 25 list and watch your sales soar.
The Pipe: Three Cheers for Corn Cob Pipes
William Nelson pays homage to the corn cob pipe —its place in our history and in our pipe businesses.
The Industry: Argue with Your Accountant
Jarrid Trudeau offers his insights on the importance of inventory management.
Last Word: Who We Are
Luciano Mierelles of A.C.E. Prime argues it’s good business to put family over profits.
November / december 2019
W. Curtis Draper Tobacconist
District of Columbia’s oldest tobacco shop stays the course, as its owner, John Anderson, seeks to shape the future of our industry.
A Star is Born
Platinum Nova Cigars made its debut at this year’s PCA show and it’s two shining ambassadors are ready to enlighten you.
Sales & Service
It’s the foundation of every successful business model, but how should tobacconists best develop an effective sales and service strategy? We asked the experts.
Outside the Cigar Box: Thank You, Come Again
How apparel retailers have focused on growing their profits through converting first-time purchasers into recurring customers.
Southern Draw Cigars
The name conjures up feelings of hospitality, faith and family, with a little bit of the science of what makes a good cigar. Put it…
The Crux of the Matter
Half a decade ago, Jeff Haugen found himself at a crossroads —as a successful retailer tobacconist, he wanted to keep finding ways to grow his…
The Blend: Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust Sobremesa Brûlée
Offering a mild cigar with complexity. Steve Saka delivers a tasteful excursion from the full-bodied cigars he’s known for.
The Blend: Drew Estate ACID 20
Honoring 20 years, Drew Estate celebrates the cigar that redefined the industry.
The Blend: Diesel Whiskey Row
Inspired by General Cigar aging leaves in wine barrels, Justin Andrews has caught lightning in a barrel of the whiskey variety.
AIDA: A Model of Success
Scott Regina of Emerson’s Cigars explains awareness, interest, desire and action.