Cheetham Hill in Manchester has seen a notable surge in vape shops, with 54 outlets now operating in the area, which was previously known for counterfeit goods and higher crime rates. The growth of these businesses has coincided with a reported reduction in crime, particularly drug-related activity, according to local shop owners and Greater Manchester Police.

Kamran, who works in one of the vape shops, described how the area has become safer since law enforcement cracked down on criminal gangs. “It’s a lot safer as the crime gangs and drugs have gone,” he said, adding that while some residents are uneasy about the influx of shoppers coming to purchase vapes, incidents remain rare. Isa Cheema, 21, employed at a family-owned shop, echoed this sentiment, recalling a past when drug dealers and armed spotters were common in the neighborhood. “It’s a lot safer now,” he said, though he described the concentration of vape shops as “pretty mad,” noting that most sales are wholesale rather than to individual customers.

The vaping market in the UK is estimated to be worth around £2.5 billion, with over five million users nationally. A significant factor in Cheetham Hill’s vape shop boom is the influence of Chinese manufacturers. According to a 2024 government report, about 80 percent of the world’s vapes are produced in China, mainly from Shenzhen, with approximately 90 percent of vapes sold in the UK originating from Chinese factories. Despite China banning fruit-flavored e-cigarettes domestically, these products are widely exported. Local retailers, such as distributor Ricky Lamba, report visits from Chinese “ambassadors” promoting new products. Several shop owners indicated that Chinese companies often subsidize advertising on storefronts, which reduces rental costs and helps maintain high retail density.

Concerns have been raised about the potential risks associated with these products. Graeme Downie, chairman of the Coalition On Secure Technology, cautioned that a new generation of “smart vapes” equipped with internet connectivity—manufactured in China—could pose cybersecurity threats, including data harvesting or location tracking without users’ knowledge.

While the reduction in crime is welcomed, many local residents express frustration over the dominance of vape shops in Cheetham Hill. Sue Bolton, a mother of one, and other community members have called for greater diversity in local retail offerings. Former communities minister Steve Reed described the situation as “absolutely bizarre,” emphasizing the need for a range of businesses to attract people to the high street.

John Leech, Liberal Democrat leader of the opposition on Manchester City Council, criticized recent government planning policy changes that have made it easier for vape shops to open without restrictions, potentially displacing other types of retail outlets like greengrocers.

Some residents, including taxi driver Ellis Hughes, remain wary of certain vape businesses despite improvements in safety, suggesting that some may still engage in questionable practices. Although there is no evidence implicating the 54 vape shops in Cheetham Hill in illegal activity, enforcement continues elsewhere. For instance, Greater Manchester Police recently issued a three-month closure order to a vape shop in Middleton for selling illegal vapes and tobacco, part of six suspension orders targeting shops around Oldham over the past year following tightened regulations on single-use vapes.

Overall, while Cheetham Hill’s vaping sector has contributed to a safer environment in the area, questions remain about the balance between public health, commercial interests, and the diversity of local commerce.