Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Apparently we're getting one in northern Kentucky a few months from now. Supposedly with a lounge, and full bar.

For those of you that have visited them, what are they like? Prices? Selection? Knowledgeable staff? Overall impressions?

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I've been to the one in Tampa a couple of times. Huge selection, staff was for the most part pretty knowledgeable, and the prices were comparable to online, with some deals here and there. I didn't have time to check out the bar and lounge, though, but it was a very large and nicely furnished area.

It's worth checking out, IMNSHO.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I visited the location in Katy, TX and was a tad underwhelmed. The staff seemed nice, but I would definitely not call it a 'superstore.'

https://i.postimg.cc/jdq6PcbR/PXL-20...-171017502.jpg
https://i.postimg.cc/HkRQGC7L/PXL-20...1010161-MP.jpg

The selection met my expectations, and the lounge area was acceptable. Keep in mind I had high expectations.

They had a buy 5 and get the 6th free...they had a couple of brands exempt...but none that I cared about.

I would go back if I had money burning a hole in my pocket and wanted to buy a handful of expensive sticks not found at my B&M.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Porch Dweller, Lockspur, thanks for the responses. Six hundred and thirty some views, with just two responses tho? Don't y'all like me anymore?

Oh wait, maybe ya didn't like me in the first place. :r

So, this new CI is going in to a retail/restaurant/movie complex where there's no close, free parking. (It's Newport on the Levee, if you're interested.) I've been on the Cincytucky cigar scene for thirty plus years, and I can say for sure, a lot of the local crowd doesn't favor paying for several hours of parking, to hang out and herf. I guess the place will draw out of town visitors too, but not year round.

And the rents in this place are high. The big spaces stay vacant more than they get leased out. Got to "put a$$es in the seats"** most every day, whether July or January, to pay those bills.


**A quote about baseball, from Pete Rose. It seems to apply to lots of things, I steal it frequently.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I like ya just fine, Brian. Just never been.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I didn't respond, although I read it. I've never been to one and have no experience to relate.

Peace of the Lord be with you.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I wonder if they will have an indoor lounge

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Indoor lounge and a patio outside, according to online articles from City Beat and LINK NKy websites. Not as big as their superstores, about 5800 square feet total. Use your Elder math to find the square root. :D

But like I said, the pay-to-park thing will be a downside.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Nothing like that here except a JR Cigars outlet, minus the lounge

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Like others, I have never been. They just opened one in JAX that is about about hour drive for me. I looked at their website and they say it's 6,200 sqft and includes a lounge with a full bar, TVs, yada, yada, yada.

An hour going through JAX after have a drink or five is not the best idea in my head. So, I doubt I'll be stopping by anytime soon.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

I've been told that at one time, CI had plans to have a total of 25 brick and mortar locations, by 2025. But I think that COVID, followed by a down economy, slowed the mission down considerably.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

St. Louis and Orlando are slated to get one each this year too, if my Internet snooping and cigar rep street snitch pals can be trusted.

Orlando would be ambitious wouldn't it? Quite a cigar scene there already.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

So like I posted elsewhere, this new location is now sorta kinda open. You can buy cigars (with a credit card, not cash at this time), sit down inside or outside to smoke it. However not much of the inventory is priced yet. Plus, for now no liquor license, doesn't look like even soft drinks available.

The staff is trying to be helpful but after about 40 years of knocking around cigar shops I just find them pesky. Hopefully they'll learn to read their customers.

On the plus side the ventilation system seems top notch.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

And now I hear through my network of locals that this location has its cigars priced, and its bar operating. Opinions differed about the prices.

Per CI itself, the grand opening is December 6th. Sounds like swag bags including A CUTTER AND A LIGHTER for the first 500 people through the doors. I'll try to be the 501st to show up. :D

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Ask to talk to Sven and Gonz. They love that.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Hey Brian, sounds like they're trying to get the feet under them. Hopefully they get everything sorted out this week.

Looking forward to your next review.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Maybe you shouldn't be. :r I went yesterday and they were "temporarily closed", due to problems with the humidity system, according to the manager, who opened the door long enough to tell me that.

My response was, "I wanted to call first, but you don't have a local phone number published online", which she admitted was true. Plus, they added a "No firearms or other weapons on these premises" sign, although only on the front door. Sure, they can do that, but it's pointless if not on the other entrances too.

Plus, the sign mentions a PENNSYLVANIA Criminal Statute as the reason for the prohibition. As all of you that paid attention in your social studies classes know, Newport Kentucky is NOT part of the state of Pennsylvania.

That bit of stupidity (I mean, mere oversight :rolleyes: ) is probably above the pay grade of the store manager to address, so I'll have to address the brain trust at corporate about that. If I decide the place is worth patronizing anyway.

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

Not the most auspicious start ever.....

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

:tpd:

Re: Tell me about Cigars International Superstores..
 

As mentioned in Banter, I attended their grand opening last night. Underwhelming. No hurry to return unless they have a great deal on something. A good friend tells me that online is the way to transact with CI. Better prices at Party Source, regarding sticks I buy enough to stay current on.

Enough from me, but will answer questions if asked.