Wild Bill’s Tobacco has acquired all 34 Cheap Tobacco store locations, including 33 in Central and Eastern Ohio and one in West Virginia, according to a press release from Wild Bill’s Tobacco. The deal closed in early November and “allows Cheap Tobacco Founder and CEO Dennis Harper the ability to retire after celebrating his 30th year with Cheap Tobacco.”
Harper stated, "We’re confident that Wild Bill’s Tobacco will continue to provide amazing products and service you’ve come to expect, while adding even more options to enjoy. We wouldn't have passed the torch to anyone else but the Wild Bill’s family. Their reputation as a leader in our industry can't be understated. We are proud to have served you over the years and know you will enjoy the added benefits of this transition."
Prior to this deal, Wild Bills’s Tobacco had over 200 stores in Michigan, Indiana and Ohio and celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Wild Bill’s said it is “thrilled” to add its first store in West Virginia with this acquisition. Wild Bill’s said it is the second largest tobacco retailer in the United States and continues to rapidly grow its brand as the premier tobacco retailer in the world.
“This acquisition allows us to serve a broader customer base and be a part of new communities across the Midwest,” said Jon Welzel, chief marketing officer at Wild Bill’s Tobacco. “Guests will still experience the competitive pricing that became synonymous with Cheap Tobacco, but the store design that is brought to life and streamlined for customer needs, selection and speed at checkout as well as the expanded product offerings and premium customer experiences will create a unique experience for these new members of our family.”
The retailer plans to renovate and provide a facelift to all 34 Cheap Tobacco stores within the next six to nine months. Walk-in humidors will be added to each of the locations, which will feature cigars from around the world.
Through this acquisition, Wild Bill’s Tobacco “has retained all Cheap Tobacco store-level employees, from district managers down, and plans to offer additional benefits for Cheap Tobacco staff members.”