Cheetham Hill's Transformation into Britain's Vape Wholesale Hub
In the heart of Manchester, two adjoining backstreets near the former Strangeways prison have emerged as an unlikely epicentre for Britain's vaping industry. Cheetham Hill, historically a Victorian textile district, now boasts more than 50 shops specialising in vapes and related products, earning it the nickname the "vape capital" of the UK. This concentration of wholesalers, many bearing signs stating "trade only", has sparked curiosity and concern in equal measure.
The Rise of a Vape Wholesale District
The area's evolution into a vaping hub is rooted in its longstanding wholesale heritage. Over the years, Cheetham Hill has been a centre for various trades, but the recent surge in vape outlets is unprecedented. Harris Street and the adjacent industrial park on Overbridge Road, locally known as "the square", are lined with garish signage promoting brands like Lost Mary and Vaplay. Giant billboards and flickering video displays welcome buyers to a world of "Golden Juice" vape liquids and "Pod Royal" kits.
Shopkeeper Ali, who runs Fly Vape, represents the modest end of this trade. His tiny wholesale business, open for just over two years, sells vaping products to convenience stores across the UK, with customers hailing from Leeds, Bradford, and Hull. Despite his sales being overshadowed by larger operators, Ali notes that working in the vape trade is "OK, better than nothing". His shelves are stocked with candy-coloured boxes of fruity flavours, alongside body sprays, soft drinks, and bongs.
Challenges and Controversies in the Vape Trade
Cheetham Hill's reputation has been marred by past criminal activity, notably its label as "counterfeit street". In 2022, Operation Vulcan led by Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council resulted in the closure of 216 shops and the seizure of over £500,000 in criminal cash, including nearly 400,000 illicit vapes. Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock emphasises that ongoing monitoring ensures a safer environment for legitimate businesses, with efforts like Operation Machinize targeting money laundering.
Despite these crackdowns, the area struggles to shake its incongruous image. An American candy store stands out among the monotony of vape shops, and many business owners remain wary of publicity. Shop manager Gurnan Singh, for instance, withdrew permission for photographs after his head office intervened via surveillance cameras.
The Economics and Demographics of Vaping
John Dunne, director general of the UK Vaping Industry Association, confirms that Cheetham Hill is the largest vape wholesale hub in the UK. The north-west region has claimed a prominent slice of the industry, valued at nearly £3.2 billion by the end of 2024. A study by Health Equity North reveals that vape shops on English high streets have increased by almost 1,200% over the past decade, with twice as many in the north as in the south.
Dunne explains that vaping hotspots often align with areas of high smoking rates and economic deprivation. "Vaping is considerably cheaper than smoking," he notes, adding that lower costs for warehousing, labour, and rents in these regions fuel the trade. Hazel Cheeseman, chief executive of Action on Smoking and Health, points out that vape products offer profit margins four times higher than tobacco, attracting retailers from barbers to chicken shops.
Regulatory Pressures and Future Uncertainties
The industry faces significant changes with the upcoming vaping products duty of £2.20 per 10 millilitres of liquid, set for October, and the proposed tobacco and vapes bill. This legislation will regulate product design, promotion, and retail licensing, potentially reducing the number of outlets. Cheeseman predicts shrinkage in areas like Cheetham Hill as compliance costs rise.
Dr Chris Snowdon of the Institute of Economic Affairs warns that increased costs could drive smokers back to cigarettes or towards black market alternatives, undermining public health goals. Meanwhile, sellers in Cheetham Hill express mixed feelings about the future. Some, like Raj, who opened his shop four years ago despite never vaping, find it "easy to sell here" due to high customer traffic. Others, however, admit to merely "surviving" after the ban on single-use vapes.
A Community of Wholesalers and Buyers
Trade in Cheetham Hill is brisk, with retailers travelling from as far as Glasgow, Ireland, and London. One store manager reports selling 500 boxes of refillable liquids monthly, equating to 2,500 units funneling into British high streets. Popular brands like Hayati, manufactured in China but headquartered in Hong Kong, dominate sales. On Sundays, custom doubles as retailers from farther afield stock up.
George Best, operating Uncle's Vape Co, highlights the area's multicultural trading history, from Jewish and south Asian immigrants to recent Afghan entrepreneurs. At 67, he has been in the business for 14 years, transitioning from the rag trade to help people quit smoking. His shop features a rainbow of e-liquid flavours, from blueberry to cola, supplied to retailers across the UK.
As the industry braces for regulatory shifts, the future of Cheetham Hill's vape capital remains uncertain. While some sellers thrive, others contemplate exit strategies, reflecting a broader tension between economic opportunity and public health concerns in Britain's evolving vaping landscape.
