C-store update, more on Marlboro No. 54..

July 15, 2009








In the last C-store update on July 8th we reported that Philip Morris' (PM) new menthol Marlboro No. 54 cigarettes were a big seller, in fact, the c-store owners can't keep enough in stock and the wholesaler had limited distribution. It was felt that sales were probably strong because of the price was $2.42 a pack compared to Newport at $4.63 a pack (North Carolina>.

Now we find that the problem with the distribution was that there were problems in the manufacture of these cigarettes. But instead of extending the promotion period PM has ended it so prices have been returned to $4.42 a pack.

Marlboro 72s - the shorter Marlboro cigarettes are still a $1 off a pack. We still believe that Marlboro 72s are the same as Philip Morris International's Intense cigarettes..

In this one c-store PM is satisfied with the placement of their cigarettes (the t-set) and the moist snuff products (e.g., Skoal, Copenhagen) but not with the location of Black & Mild cigars. This c-store owner refuses to move these cigars so they are easier to view by patrons. As a result the owner is not eligible for the $30 monthly rebate.

Previous c-store update.,