Liverpool prospering once again

Liverpool is to be the Capital of Culture in 2008, and already it’s benefiting. Anwer Bati looks at how the cigar market is doing there

Money is pouring in to Liverpool, now that it’s Capital of Culture 2008” says Mick Orchant, owner of Turmeaus, the city’s only specialist cigar stockist. But it isn’t, of course, the first time the place has prospered – which is why Turmeaus, founded in 1817 by a Frenchman, is the second oldest cigar business in this country.

When Orchant – who runs C.Gars Ltd, the highly successful internet and mail order cigar merchant – took over the business in 2003, it was, he says, “very run down and needed new ideas.” So he gave it a complete makeover and turned it into “an all singing, all dancing tobacconist – an emporium with everything to do with smoking.”

Decorated in late 19th century style and located in the business area near the famous Liver Building, it’s definitely clubby: customers can even enjoy free coffee as they relax in the leather armchairs.

Orchant, who also owns four other outlets around the country, says business is “going very nicely” – with around 20 per cent annual growth. As a result, he plans to open a second shop in Liverpool, on the other side of town.

Apart from local prosperity, Orchant also puts his success down to staff training and incentives.

“There’s no doubt that if the staff aren’t knowledgeable and enthusiastic, you’re not going to sell anything,” he says. “We give them constant training, particularly when there’s something new – not only through Hunters & Frankau, but also through our own scheme.”

A few hundred yards away, Evan Willemse, foo.....

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By Dominic Roskrow

Section : City Watch

Page number : 8

Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005.

This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements.



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	Liverpool prospering once again Liverpool is to be the Capital of Culture in 2008, and already it’s benefiting. Anwer Bati looks at how the cigar market is doing there Money is pouring in to Liverpool, now that it’s Capital of Culture 2008” says Mick Orchant, owner of Turmeaus, the city’s only specialist cigar stockist. But it isn’t, of course, the first time the place has prospered – which is why Turmeaus, founded in 1817 by a Frenchman, is the second oldest cigar business in this country. When Orchant – who runs C.Gars Ltd, the highly successful internet and mail order cigar merchant – took over the business in 2003, it was, he says, “very run down and needed new ideas.” So he gave it a complete makeover and turned it into “an all singing, all dancing tobacconist – an emporium with everything to do with smoking.” Decorated in late 19th century style and located in the business area near the famous Liver Building, it’s definitely clubby: customers can even enjoy free coffee as they relax in the leather armchairs. Orchant, who also owns four other outlets around the country, says business is “going very nicely” – with around 20 per cent annual growth. As a result, he plans to open a second shop in Liverpool, on the other side of town. Apart from local prosperity, Orchant also puts his success down to staff training and incentives. “There’s no doubt that if the staff aren’t knowledgeable and enthusiastic, you’re not going to sell anything,” he says. “We give them constant training, particularly when there’s something new – not only through Hunters & Frankau, but also through our own scheme.” A few hundred yards away, Evan Willemse, foo..... To read the rest of this article you can buy this issue or subscribe to Cigar Buyer to have every issue delivered direct to your door. By Dominic Roskrow Section : City Watch Page number : 8 Published in Cigar Buyer Issue 3 on 01/05/2005. Subscribe Buy this issue More from this issue Preview other issues This article is 69 months old and some information provided may be time sensitive. Please check all details of events, tours, opening times and other information before travelling or making arrangements. Copyright Cigar Buyer © 1999-2010. All rights reserved. To use or reproduce part or all of this article please contact us for details of how you can do so legally.