Purchasing Cigarettes in the US: Trends and Insights

Introduction: Objective

This post examines trends in cigarette prices and purchasing patterns while exploring characteristics associated with the quantity and location of cigarettes purchased by adult smokers in the USA.

Tobacco Control Policies: Goals and Impact

Key Goals of Tobacco Control Policies

Many tobacco control policies aim to:

1. Reduce cigarette consumption among current smokers.
2. Discourage tobacco consumption among non-smokers, especially youth.

Price Increases as a Strategy

Increasing cigarette prices remains the most effective way to achieve these goals. Higher prices reduce the likelihood of purchase and consumption.

Factors Influencing Cigarette Consumption

Price-Minimizing Behaviors

Smokers often adapt to higher cigarette prices by:

• Buying cigarettes in bulk (cartons or multipacks) instead of single packs.
• Switching to lower-priced brands or brands offering discounts.
• Shopping in locations with lower prices, such as online stores or duty-free shops.

Adjustments in Smoking Habits

Some smokers respond to price increases by:

• Reducing their daily intake of cigarettes.
• Stopping their cigarette consumption entirely.

Economic Challenges and Affordability

Declining Affordability of Cigarettes

The steady rise in cigarette prices, coupled with economic challenges like unemployment, stagnant wages, and rising household expenses, has made cigarettes less affordable over time.

Purchasing Trends: Cartons vs. Single Packs

Rise in Carton Purchases (2020–2022)

Between 2020 and 2022, carton purchases increased significantly compared to single-pack purchases. Smokers who buy cartons save an average of $10.63 per carton, while multipack buyers save about $5.53.

Decline in Grocery Store Purchases

Purchases from grocery and discount stores have declined, while online tobacco stores and outlets have seen a surge in sales.

Characteristics of Bulk Buyers

Demographics of Carton Buyers

Female, older, white smokers are more likely to purchase cigarettes by the carton or multipacks. They often shop at locations associated with tax avoidance, such as:

• Online tobacco stores.
• Duty-free shops.
• Indian reservations.

Conclusion: Shifting Trends in Cigarette Purchases

With rising cigarette prices, more smokers now purchase cartons rather than single or multipacks. Carton sales continue to grow, leading to a decline in purchases from grocery and discount stores. An increasing number of smokers report using low-tax sources like online tobacco stores as their preferred purchase location.

Nowadays, most smokers buying cigarettes in the US choose to shop online for convenience and cost savings.