The quiet UK suburb that has become the ‘biggest vape market in Europe’ - 54 shops
A quiet UK suburb has transformed into Europe's largest vape market following police crackdowns on counterfeit goods.Summary
Cheetham Hill, a suburb in Manchester, has seen a massive influx of vape shops, with 54 stores concentrated on just two streets. This shift follows "Operation Vulcan," a police initiative launched in 2022 to combat organized crime and counterfeit goods, which resulted in the closure of hundreds of illicit shops and a significant drop in local footfall.
While local business owners lament the loss of traditional shops and the "dead" atmosphere, vape retailers claim the area has become a major destination for customers traveling from across the UK. They argue the neighborhood is much safer now than when it was a hotspot for gang activity.
The proliferation of these shops has raised concerns among local politicians regarding relaxed planning rules. Additionally, experts have warned about the security implications of the industry, noting that many smart vapes are manufactured in China, potentially posing data privacy and tracking risks.
(Source：Daily Express)
