E-cigarette Retail Outlets in Mexico: A Country That Bans the Sale

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Tobacco Control
• Consumer Behavior

Background:

• Restrictive e-cigarette policies exist globally, yet e-cigarette use persists.
• Limited data is available on vape store density and characteristics in countries with such regulations.
• This study addresses the gap by analyzing e-cigarette points of sale in Mexico.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a content analysis of electronic cigarette points of sale via the internet in Mexico.
• To characterize the retail landscape and marketing strategies of e-cigarette vendors.
• To assess compliance with existing regulations regarding e-cigarette sales.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study using Google Maps to identify e-cigarette stores.
• Searches conducted using terms like "electronic cigarette store" and "vape store" combined with Mexican states.
• Data collected between October 2021 and February 2022.

Main Results:

• 695 e-cigarette stores were identified, predominantly physical (69.2%) and hybrid (29.8%).
• Extensive marketing was observed, with free shipping (85.8%) and social media promotion (WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram).
• Low compliance with age verification (35.1%) and warnings about nicotine addiction (25.6%) were noted.

Conclusions:

• E-cigarettes are widely available and marketed in Mexico, suggesting noncompliance with regulations.
• The density of stores and brands highlights regulatory enforcement challenges.
• Recommendations include monitoring policy enforcement and regulating online sales and promotion more stringently.