Covid-19 and cigars in everyday life
Covid-19: In 2020, the world was confronted with Covid-19 pandemic, which led to restrictions in daily life. All stores, including tobacco stores, were closed to slow the spread of the virus. However, depending on the country and the legal situation, tobacco stores were allowed to remain open. Tobacco is one of the everyday necessities. Grocery stores and pharmacies were also open.
The year 2023: Everything back to the old?
The restrictions have long since been lifted. We are working and behaving as we did before the pandemic. Is that the case? How are you behaving? Write your comment, I'm interested to know if anything has changed for you.
Flashback: Year 2020, lockdown in March/April
It was a challenge for everyone, including cigar lovers, as they were no longer able to shop in their favorite stores as usual. But how did cigar smokers buy their cigars during the lockdown and where did they smoke them?
Online stores record record sales
Online stores boomed like never before - in all sectors. Cigar smokers also bought their cigars from online cigar stores during the lockdown. Online shopping made it possible for people to order their products from the comfort of their own home and have them delivered directly to their door.
During the lockdown and even after the first cautious easing of restrictions, online stores often achieved as much turnover in one month as they usually do in two or three months. It was not uncommon for them to even work at weekends to process the huge flood of orders and prepare them for shipping. They had to work under strict safety precautions (i.e. always wearing face masks). Occasionally, they were even inspected by officials to ensure that the working conditions complied with the lockdown rules.
Busy specialist retailers offered pick-up and delivery services
Those who didn't open, adapted. Cigar smokers could place their order by phone or e-mail and they organized delivery or pick-up.
In mountainous regions, for example, tourists were stuck in their hotels and unable to leave the country. Passenger flights were also suspended. Tobacconists delivered the ordered goods to the hotels or vacation homes. However, some also picked them up locally.
Covid-19 and the online smoking boom
Cigar smokers were restricted in practicing their hobby during the lockdown. All public places such as bars and restaurants with smoking areas or cigar lounges were closed and it was more difficult to find a place to enjoy a cigar. However, many cigar smokers organized private meetings and smoked "online". Video conferencing providers experienced a real boom.
The Covid-19 pandemic changed the lives of people all over the world. However, thanks to online shopping and support from local stores, people were able to continue enjoying their favorite cigars, but had to limit themselves to smoking at home, in the garden or on the balcony due to the restrictions.
And suddenly the home office was in fashion
One of the most important changes brought about by Covid-19 was the introduction of home office and virtual meetings (remote). Many companies and organizations realized that it is possible to work successfully without all employees having to be present in the office. This has led to a change in the way we work and communicate. Although some companies will return to old habits, it is also possible that many employees will work remotely, at least part of the time.
Further global changes due to Covid-19
The education system has also changed radically during the pandemic. Distance learning has increased significantly in many countries, and many pupils and students have gained valuable experience with virtual learning during the pandemic. For very many schools, however, it was a major challenge as they had neglected this technology in the past and had little or no experience with its organization.
Tourism and business travel have also been canceled. In the future, however, travel may look different than it did before the pandemic, with a greater emphasis on safety measures and digital processes such as contactless check-in and digital health certificates.
And now what?
For society in general, the pandemic can lead to a greater appreciation of health and hygiene. We will become more aware of how quickly diseases can spread and how important it is to take preventative measures. Climate change will also play a greater role in the future, as the pandemic has shown how important it is to work towards a sustainable and resilient society.
Really?
So here's my question to you again: Is everything back to normal after Covid-19?
The restrictions have long since been lifted. We are working and behaving as we did before the pandemic. Is that the case? How are you behaving? Write your comment, I'm interested to know if anything has changed for you.
I hope you enjoyed my latest article and found the information it contained interesting. I am very excited to hear your views and look forward to reading your comment 🤗
The boxes of Cuban cigars that I bought shortly before the lockdowns have multiplied in value, not only because of Corona, but certainly also because of it.
So I simply changed my enjoyment priorities, sold my Habano boxes at a high profit, and multiplied my cigar stock 😉
The joy dispensers were smoked before, during and after, with the same friends (okay for the wedding, sometimes after testing all those involved) and friends in a private setting or outdoors.
So from a purely smoking point of view: Same as always.
As far as the purchase was concerned, it was a pity not to have the personal face-to-face contact with the dealer, but then the contact was maintained via telephone and the cigars were bought online from him.
Has not changed the product IMHO.
My first daughter was born in 2020. She turned everything upside down. I can hardly tell how big the corona impact is compared to the new life situation...
But since I like to enjoy cigars on my own, my consumption was rather higher.
I just prefer to pair it with espresso on my own.
Rum and whisky with a cigar rather in company.
So if something is reduced, then alcohol rather than tobacco....
Hello Vasilij,
During the corona period, public smoking was even more restricted than under normal circumstances. Here I retreated more to my private rooms and reduced my smoking consumption, as there was often a lack of sociability. After Corona, I continue to smoke the most in my well-equipped lounge and enjoy attending cigar events and/or meeting up in a cigar club.