CHARLOTTE, N.C., March 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --On the heels of an impressive 2011 retail expansion, blu Cigs has started 2012 where it left off the previous year, by boosting the number of U.S. retail locations carrying blu to nearly 20,000. Now, the e-cigarette company is celebrating another milestone - expansion into the Canadian market - via a new partnership with Canadian convenience store giant, Couche-Tard. The first Canadian retail location to carry blu Cigs, Couche-Tard will sell blu in over 500 stores across Quebec, with plans to roll out the popular line in its other banner stores across Canada later in 2012.
Couche-Tard will sell blu's zero-nicotine popular disposables - a convenient, budget-friendly alternative to traditional cigarettes, with one disposable equaling approximately 20-30 cigarettes. The blu brand is still available in big box retailers, major drugstore chains, and bars across the U.S., as well as online at www.blucigs.com.
Since its launch nearly three years ago, blu's technologically advanced products and unmatched quality control - as the only e-cig company whose juice is 100% made in the USA - have continued to attract a consistent and enthusiastic customer base to its website and to its brick-and-mortar retail base.
John Stefano, International Sales Executive for blu Cigs comments, "blu offers an excellent alternative to smoking, especially with its nicotine free products. This offers retailers an opportunity to replace dwindling tobacco sales - a benefit that is not only in the public's interest but also a plus for the bottom line."
"Couche-Tard is always looking for products that meet the demand and expectation of our customers. Moreover, as market leader we are interested in products that are on the cutting edge," said Jean-Marie Bourque, Couche-Tard Category Manager. "blu Cigs does just that, which is why we're looking forward to introducing them to our customers."
Jason Healy, blu Cigs comments, "It is in large part thanks to our loyal customers that we have been able to continue our current trajectory and expand in markets across the U.S. and now, Canada. This latest alliance with Couche-Tard further demonstrates our ability to move product off the shelves and reinforces the quality of the retailers we choose."
For more information, visit www.blucigs.com.
About blu Cigs
blu Cigs is the innovator of electronic cigarettes in the U.S., offering an alternative to smoking. blu's high-tech "e-cigs" look and feel just like traditional cigarettes - without the smoke, smell, tar and ash. blu Cigs are battery-operated - creating a smoke-free vapor "puff" that evaporates within seconds. blu Cigs are available in convenient disposables or rechargeable packs for continuous daily use, with or without nicotine and in a variety of flavors. blu Cigs have been featured in the presenter gift bags at the Grammy Awards and other celebrity events, and are used by a number of A-list actors, musicians, and athletes. Based in Charlotte, NC - at the heart of tobacco road - blu Cigs is the only e-cigarette provider whose ingestible contents are 100% made in the USA. For more, visit www.blucigs.com.
About Couche-Tard Inc.
Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. is the leader in the Canadian convenience store industry. In North America, Couche-Tard is the largest independent convenience store operator (whether integrated with a petroleum company or not) in terms of number of company-operated stores. Couche-Tard's network is comprised of 5,795 convenience stores, 4,128 of which include motor fuel dispensing, operated by 13 business units, including nine in the United States covering 43 states and the District of Columbia, and four in Canada covering all ten provinces. More than 53,000 people are employed throughout Couche-Tard's retail convenience network and service centers.
SOURCE blu Cigs
