Recessionary treats a smokin' bet

Consumers have no doubt cut their spending during the recession, but in what is proving to be a contrarian trend, sales research shows they are still willing to splurge on things they view as “treats” for themselves.

Kevin Godbee plans to capitalize on this counterintuitive occurrence with a website dedicated to cigars. “A cigar is a treat,” he says. “When times are tough, people want something to make them feel better.” He makes the comparison between cigars and cheesecake, which he says has experienced an uptick in sales due to the recession.

With the launch of CigarChronicles.com, Godbee makes his return to the world of cigars after three years focusing on pipes with his online publication PipesWorld.com. He shifted his focus from the rolled tobacco to packed due to a three-year non-compete clause he signed after selling his first cigar website, Cigar-Review.com.

To take on writing duties, Godbee assembled a team of outside consultants ranging from a gourmet chef to a wine connoisseur.

He says the picture of cigar smokers has changed a lot since he was young. “I saw a construction worker chomping on a stogey,” he says.

But that image has been classed up over the years to that of a millionaire floating through the sky in a personal jet puffing on a cigar, he says.

Godbee launched his new site to fit the niche between the two extremes. “I wanted to create something for the average guy,” he says.

The site also includes updates on legislation affecting cigars and a forum for cigar-lovers to connect.

The response has been tepid so far, with 1,500 unique visitors to the site on the launch date and 1,200 on the second day. But Godbee is optimistic about his site increasing popularity. “Everybody who smokes cigars has their own blog,” he says, “but we have professionals.”