Convenience and tobacco retailer The Cigarette Store, which does business as Smoker Friendly, has named Tom Allen as its new vice president of operations, effective April 1, according to a Thursday announcement.
As VP of operations, Allen — who’s been with Smoker Friendly since 2016 — will oversee all day-to-day functions at the company , President Dan Gallagher said in the announcement. The company owns and operates 341 gas stations, tobacco stores, cigar lounges and liquor stores in 13 states under the Smoker Friendly, Tobacco Depot, Smoke ‘N Go, Havana Manor and Gasamat banners.
Gallagher said in a statement that Allen “will play a critical part in continuing to drive sales and profitability, streamline our operations, improve processes and ensure Smoker Friendly remains a leader in the retail tobacco industry."
Allen joined Smoker Friendly as retail operations manager, later becoming a region director for the company’s western business. Prior to joining the Boulder, Colorado-based retailer, he spent over a decade as an officer in the U.S. Army.
“With his dedication, leadership, and understanding of our company’s values and goals, Tom has consistently demonstrated the ability to drive results,” Gallagher said.
Allen’s promotion to Smoker Friendly’s executive team comes during a challenging time for the retailer, as interest in its core tobacco products declines among c-store consumers. In a Facebook post last month, Smoker Friendly said it would push back against a swath of newly proposed excise taxes on cigarettes and flavor bans on tobacco products, writing it "won’t accept these unfair proposals without a fight."
