Cigars International Launches Permanent Free Shipping on All Orders
Cigars International now offers free shipping on every order—no minimums, no promo codes. The retailer’s bold move could reshape online cigar retail competition.
A Game-Changing Move for Online Cigar Retail
Cigars International, the world’s largest cigar retailer, has announced free shipping on all orders — a significant shift in the online cigar market. The change applies immediately and requires no minimum purchase or promo codes, marking a first for a retailer of this scale.
Previously, Cigars International used free shipping as a limited-time promotion, but this move establishes it as a permanent feature. The announcement positions Cigars International ahead of competitors in convenience and value, setting a new standard in the industry.
The Impact on Scandinavian Tobacco Group
Cigars International is owned by Scandinavian Tobacco Group (STG), which also owns Cigar.com, Cigarbid.com, Thompson Cigar, PipesandCigars.com, and Cigora. As of now, the free shipping policy applies only to Cigars International.
Industry analysts suggest that the shift could come with substantial costs. According to an unnamed source, the move may cost STG millions of dollars annually due to the retailer’s shipping volume. STG, a publicly traded company, may need to disclose these expenses in future financial reports.
What It Means for the Cigar Market
The decision could prompt other online retailers to reconsider their shipping models. Free shipping with no conditions remains rare in the cigar world.
While Cigar Page—founded by Cigars International’s original founder Keith Meier—has offered unconditional free shipping from the start, most large competitors still apply limits. For instance, JR Cigar and Famous Smoke Shoprequire minimum spends, typically around $99, to qualify for free delivery.
With Cigars International’s bold new policy, the industry may be on the verge of a pricing and convenience shift that reshapes customer expectations across major online cigar retailers.
