Usually, when I walk into a cigar store, I ask the clerk or owner permission to enter their humidor. When I'm inside I like to take my time in perusing the stock. It's like touring an art museum and enjoying the sites. However, I find in some stores that a representative, a few minutes later,follows me in. In the guise of trying to assist me, they watch over me like a hawk. I don't know how to react. Nya advice out there.

I'd continue to tour and enjoy the sites.

Once you become a regular to the point where you're recognized, I'm sure your escort will disappear. If not, maybe it's time to find another, more trusting, B&M.

if you plan on spending money in there, then you should be allowed to spend all the time you want in the humidor...

if the clerk joins you in there to chat, and make friends, then that's fine.. but if he's there to watch over you... get to know him, and see if the attitude changes.. if it does, then great.. if not, find yourself another B&M to shop at.. one that is more trusting

Thanks for the info. Happy smokes!

I would walk out go some place else.
You spend your money where you are made to feel welcome.If you where invited to someones house and they did that you would leave wouldn't you?

Good points. We have a few stores here in town that act like you are going to steal something.

When we opened our store a few years ago, I made sure everyone is asked if they need help & then leave the humidor unless they wave us in for help.

I can sympathize. One of the two B&M's here seems to go through salespersons about one per month. So there is always someone new working there, and they seem to act like a shadow while I'm in the humidor. It is VERY annoying, and makes me want to lick all of their $80 Opus X and put them back on the shelf. I want to see them call the cops on me because I licked some cigars!

It's annoying but we keep going back to Loblaws. I know it's the store policy to accompany the buyer into the walk-in. And, only 1 customer at a time is allowed in. What pisses me off the most is that I will be asked to leave the walk-in when there is a customer outside wishing to buy cigarettes etc. I don't like being rushed!

I can understand a cigar store having an employee come into the humidor to see if a customer needs help, but if a store made me feel as if I were a thief, I think I'd probably let them know that I didn't appreciate the treatment. And if it really, really bothered me I'd look for a different place to shop. That's a huge part of the cigar buying experience--finding a shop you enjoy, one that is staffed by people who make shopping for cigars a more enjoyable experience.

I second the toughts of Mr. Savona. I have found that once the B&M people get to know you they just let you alone. In fact when I go on Saturdays and grab one to smoke there they trust me to tell them what I smoked before I leave.

On the subject of huimidors, walk in or cabinet, is onew type more "upscale"? I think the higher end stores have walk in's although my favorite keeps the expensive sticks in cabinets in front of the counter.

I'd like to thank everyone for their responses. It only reinforces to me that we are a unique community bonded by the desire of our love of cigars.

I think if i was made to leave the walk-in when others were purchasing cigarettes i'd find another outlet.
Makes me glad that the owner of my B&M and I get along famously!

My experience has been that this happens most times in places like total tobacco or some other cruddy retailer that carries cigars but isn't really a cigar shop.

I've not had experiences like this at any of the upscale B&M's i've been to.

quote:

Originally posted by Maolruadhan:
I think if i was made to leave the walk-in when others were purchasing cigarettes i'd find another outlet.
Makes me glad that the owner of my B&M and I get along famously!

They have a business to run. Theft is a big problem, and they're just trying to prevent it. Why would you take offense at that? Put yourself in their shoes, and understand that many of these guys' livelihoods depends on the income that could be lost through stealing.

You could, of course, also use the whole cliched stealing forces the price of cigars up for the honest folks. So, I guess you might actually appreciate that they're protecting that product. Plus, not many people steal the cheap stuff. I mean, why bother?

I too have come across this problem, I have suggested to the merchant to install a camera and the security can be achieved at the front desk. Here, everyone is happy.

I only have a problem whenever they walk in the humidor and tell me the best cigar they have is a Stradvarious, or however you spell then name. Crappy over priced cigar. I have seen many people fall victim to this $30 cigar.

my local b&m is nothing like this. thats why i have no problem enclosing a book of matches from his shop with my pifs. hes a great owner, has no problem allowing people into his very well stocked walk in. there is nothing in the walk in behind lock and key. the gurkhas and the montes are laid out next to the sopranos and the padrons.

there are several cameras in the walk in which are angled down the wall to observe any theft or attempted theft. they are small and inconspicuous. not like a huge closed circuit camera that pans loudly back and forth.

maybe some of these shop owners should drop the 2 grand on a few small bubble cams and dvr system and keep the shop nazis behind the counter and out of your way while you shop.

Although in comparison to many of you guys, I am a rank amatuer. I have been a serious aficionado for about two years and I parttake in two cigar forums on a regular basis.

I know most every brand out there and I have tried most. With that said, I have two local B&M's that have people follow me in. They do so cause they know that I have tried most of what they have. They actually learn from me and I look forward to their questions. These questions make their services and product offerings better for all.

Some people don't know how to handle cigars and poke and pry them out of a full box tearing the wrapper. I don't mind being watched, it's a little bothersome but so is seeing a box with torn wrappers.

It also annoys me whem someone picks up a cigar and puts it under their nose and smells it