I have couple near me that I use. One has just a few selections, and it's what he likes. His primary business is vape and roll-your-own crowds. He's more than happy to order boxes for you, but his mark-up means he can't touch on-line pricing. There is no place to smoke.

Second place is about 15 minutes away. Same business model (vape and ryo) but a much better selection of cigars. Prices aren't that bad, but I never asked about special orders. Also, no place to smoke.

Third place is different. Cigar bar in the basement of an upscale restaurant. Nice place, good seating, in an old train station. The owner is a true coneusiuer. I believe at best he breaks even here, money is from the restaurant. He sponsors a monthly tasting, has a cigar rep, liquor and beer samples, and food, all for 10 bucks. Bar pricing is reasonable, Discounts boxes off msrp that puts them close to Internet prices. Owner is a real friendly guy, and is always willing to talk cigars. If it was a little closer I be there more often than just the events.

The difference between these people and us is, for us it's a passion, a hobby. For these guys, it's a livelihood. You gotta pay the bills first, so you stock what sells the most. In the first example, it's a mom and pop. Pop is into cigars, but the area is more into the other stuff. Second example is a small, local chain. Better selection of cigars, but the employees are simply cashiers, and bulk of the business is lottery, vapes, and ryo. Third place is actually a cigar place. Bar is set up for smoking, the owner is there and circulates freely, knows cigars, and is happy to teach. His main business though, is the restaurant.

While it's nice think anybody who sells cigars is as passionate about them as we are, in the end, it's all about profit and loss. While we may open a business based on something we love, in the end it has to be about the bottom line. That's what keeps the lights on and the refrigerator full.