In Cheetham Hill, Manchester, two backstreets near the former Strangeways prison have become an unlikely hub for the vape trade. Over 50 shops specialising in vapes and related products now operate in the area, earning it the title of Britain's 'vape capital'. Most outlets are wholesalers, with signs reading 'trade only' and few passersby.
Among the businesses is Fly Vape, run by Ali, who opened just over two years ago. He sells vaping products to small retailers from across the UK, including Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. The shelves are stocked with colourful boxes of fruity flavours, alongside body sprays, soft drinks, and bongs. Ali describes the trade as 'OK, better than nothing,' but acknowledges he is not one of the 'big men' in the area.
Cheetham Hill has a history as a wholesale centre, but the concentration of vape outlets has raised concerns. In 2022, Greater Manchester Police and the city council launched Operation Vulcan to tackle criminal activity, closing 216 shops and seizing over £500,000 in cash and nearly 400,000 illicit vapes. Despite this, more vape outlets have moved into cleared units.
The UK banned single-use vapes in June 2024 for environmental reasons and to deter underage use. Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock of Manchester North policing team says the force's work has helped legitimate businesses operate safely, but monitoring continues. He highlights efforts to tackle money laundering through Operation Machinize, coordinated by the National Crime Agency.
John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, says there is no other vape wholesale hub this large in the UK, attributing the concentration to the area's wholesale history and the north-west's prominence in the industry.
