Famous Smoke Shop
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Retail, Wholesale, E-commerce |
| Founded | October 1, 1939 in New York City, United States |
| Founder | David Zaretsky, Rose Zaretsky |
| Headquarters | Easton , United States |
Area served | United States |
Key people | Arthur Zaretsky (owner) |
| Products | Cigars, humidors, cigar accessories |
| Website | famous-smoke |
Famous Smoke Shop ranks as one of the foremost mail order cigar retailers within the United States. Established in October 1939 in Midtown Manhattan, it began as a modest cigar and gift retailer. In 2000, the company shifted its operations to Easton, Pennsylvania in response to escalating rent and tax expenses in New York. The absence of a state cigar tax in Pennsylvania provides a significant competitive edge. The enterprise specializes in both retail and wholesale distribution of cigars, humidors, and related accessories through mail order catalogs, a physical storefront, and various online platforms.
Incorporation and growth
In October 1939, David and Rose Zaretsky formally incorporated Famous Smoke Shop in New York City. Their son, Arthur Zaretsky, became involved in 1970 and assumed full ownership by 1984. From its inception, the company has preserved a physical retail presence, initially operating out of a 350-square-foot location at 1433 Broadway. Over time, it expanded to additional Manhattan sites before ultimately relocating to a 24,000-square-foot facility serving as the Easton headquarters.
The company introduced its inaugural mail order cigar catalog in 1970, originally presented as a typewritten price list. Presently, this catalog is produced monthly by an internal team comprising copywriters and graphic designers. The cigar market experienced robust growth from 1992 through 1998, with sales increasing by as much as 36% in early 1996. This surge enabled investments in advanced telecommunications and computing infrastructure alongside enhanced marketing initiatives, including expanded catalog offerings and an increased digital footprint.
Famous-Smoke.com launched in 1997, marking the firm’s entrance into e-commerce. It now manages multiple web properties catering to distinct customer segments: CigarAuctioneer.com (established 2004) facilitates online auctions for humidors and accessories; CigarMonster.com (started in 2006) features daily promotional deals; and CigarDomain.com targets wholesale clients. This diversified approach supports the company’s objective to extend its reach across both retail and wholesale markets.
Cigar manufacturing
Famous Smoke Shop holds exclusive ownership and distribution rights for several cigar brands crafted by prominent producers including Rocky Patel, Padrón, La Aurora, and Don José "Pepin" Garcia. These strategic alliances strengthen the company’s product lineup and bolster its position within the cigar industry.
See also
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- American companies established in 1939
- Retail companies established in 1939
- Companies based in Northampton County, Pennsylvania
- Easton, Pennsylvania
- Privately held companies based in Pennsylvania
- Mail-order retailers
- Online retailers of the United States
- Cigar retailers
- 1939 establishments in New York City
- Companies of the United States by year of establishment