Two B&Ms that I used to buy from both used write-ups or clips of Cigar Aficionado ratings attached to shelves or to open boxes.
The owner of one B&M told me the practice boosted his $ intake by 20%.
The Counter Man in the other B&m (this guy knew cigars and he kept the place out of the red) said
regulars who spent 2-3 hundred or more every time they came in,
asked for,bought cigars that were given high ratings by C.A.
This was during the "Cigar Boom" years.