Behind Eagan’s New E-Cigarette Shop

E-Cig Pigs, a new electronic cigarette store in Eagan got its start from two friends who see e-cigarettes as at least a cost effective way to smoke. The shop had its grand opening on Nov. 10 and owners Dwight Soeffker and Travis Schwartz describe the name of their shop as catchy and easy to remember.

E-cigarettes, describes the Washington Post, “are battery-operated products that heat tobacco-derived nicotine and other chemicals into a vapor that the user inhales, a process called ‘vaping.’”

The Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) does not currently regulate the products and it is unclear what effects e-cigarettes may have on health, the Washington Post reported. The FDA has, however, submitted a proposal to the federal government concerning the regulation of e-cigarettes. Some universities are considering banning the use of the product on campuses.

“I don’t say it’s healthier,” Schwartz said about e-cigarettes, “because it hasn’t been proven yet… I say it’s cost effective and can help someone quit.”

Both Schwartz and Soeffker use to smoke at least a pack of cigarettes a day. Soeffker said that after he started using e-cigarettes he regained his sense of smell and gained more energy. Schwartz agreed and wondered how in the past he withstood the smell of cigarette smoke.

“It even tastes bad,” Schwartz said.

Both also spend less money vaping than smoking cigarettes.

Soeffker told the story of a man who use to spend over $400 a month on cigarettes. The man was a heavy smoker who smoked two packs a day. After eight days, he stopped using regular cigarettes, Soeffker said.

There are kits, Soeffker, added for those who want to use e-cigarettes as a way to stop smoking.

“It makes you feel good,” Schwartz said, “to pass on what we did…” He added. “We do like the fact that we’re helping people save money or maybe quit.”

E-Cig Pigs is located at 4215 Nicols Road. It is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.