'Vape capital of Britain' with 54 e-cigarette stores packed into two streets
Cheetham Hill in Manchester has become a hub for vape shops, with 54 stores concentrated on two streets, replacing a former counterfeit goods trade.Summary
Cheetham Hill, Greater Manchester, has transformed into a major center for e-cigarette retail, earning the nickname “Vape District” due to the concentration of 54 vape stores along Harris Street and Overbridge Road. This shift occurred after police ‘Operation Vulcan’ successfully tackled the area’s previous reputation as the ‘counterfeit capital of Europe,’ leading former counterfeit goods shops to be replaced by vape retailers. While some locals express concern, police maintain most businesses are legitimate. Retailers nationwide visit the area to purchase vapes wholesale, capitalizing on potential markups. Despite concerns from Communities Secretary Steve Reed about the lack of diversity on high streets, the area has seen a rise in vaping popularity, with approximately 10% of British adults currently vaping as of 2025, surpassing the number of smokers.
(Source：The Mirror)
