Big Smoke

Located at 213 West Appleway Ave. Ste 1 in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, Big Smoke has been serving the local community for a significant period, as one long-term customer of approximately 25 years attests. Primarily known as a smoke shop, Big Smoke offers a diverse range of tobacco and vape products, catering to various preferences and needs. Their selection includes an "awesome selection of tobacco and vape products," with specific mentions of "real reasonable prices on loose pipe tobacco in a variety of sizes, brands, etc.," as well as "portable cigarette rolling machines and tubes" for customers looking to make their own cigarettes as a cost-saving measure. While the primary focus is on smoking and vaping supplies, some liquor stores or establishments with a broad license might carry a limited selection of general merchandise, though it is less common for a dedicated smoke shop to feature items like candles prominently. For local users searching within the platform category "Candles Near Me," Big Smoke's offerings are unlikely to directly align, but it's worth considering if they might stock any novelty or related items.

The environment of Big Smoke, based on customer feedback, appears to be welcoming, largely due to the positive interactions with the staff. The fact that the same friendly faces are seen "year after year" suggests a stable and positive work environment, which translates to consistent and familiar service for regular customers. This longevity of staff implies that the owners are likely doing something right in terms of employee retention, fostering a team of "hardworking valuable customer service expert team members." This consistent presence of friendly staff contributes to a positive and comfortable atmosphere for shoppers visiting Big Smoke.

Customer service at Big Smoke is generally praised, with one long-term customer highlighting the "fantastic people who work for this fine establishment" and noting that "the majority of their regular staff are great!" This positive sentiment underscores the importance of friendly and helpful staff in creating a loyal customer base. However, a more recent review from January 2024 raises significant concerns regarding potential pricing discrepancies at the back register's 50% off bin. This customer reported being charged full price on two separate occasions for tobacco products selected from this discounted bin, attributing it to being "distracted and in a hurry" and thus "NOT paying close attention." The subsequent attempt to contact Big Smoke by phone to resolve the issue was unsuccessful, with "NOBODY answer their business phone after approximately 20 rings" and no voicemail option available, even when the store was reportedly not busy. This lack of phone responsiveness presents a notable lapse in customer service.

The features of Big Smoke primarily revolve around its extensive selection of tobacco and vape products. The availability of various sizes and brands of loose pipe tobacco at reasonable prices caters to pipe smokers. For those who prefer to roll their own cigarettes, the store offers portable rolling machines and tubes, providing a cost-effective alternative to pre-packaged cigarettes. Additionally, one review mentions that Big Smoke is a "good place for smokes and beer and vapes and pipe tobacco," indicating that they also sell beer. This diversification beyond just tobacco and vape products could attract a broader customer base. However, the recent issue with the 50% off bin, where items were allegedly charged at full price, is a concerning feature that customers need to be aware of.

In the context of "Candles Near Me," Big Smoke, as a smoke shop with a potential sideline in beer, is unlikely to be a primary destination for candles. Smoke shops typically focus on tobacco, vape products, and related accessories. While some convenience stores or gas stations that also sell tobacco and alcohol might have a small selection of basic utility or novelty candles, it is less probable that a dedicated smoke shop like Big Smoke would carry a significant or specialized candle inventory. Local users specifically searching for candles would likely find more relevant options at gift shops, home goods stores, grocery stores, or pharmacies in the Coeur d'Alene area.

The services offered at Big Smoke would primarily include the sale of tobacco products (cigarettes, pipe tobacco, cigars), vape products and accessories, and potentially beer. The positive reviews suggest that staff are generally helpful and knowledgeable about their products, providing assistance to customers in making their selections. However, the negative experience with the 50% off bin and the lack of phone response indicate potential shortcomings in their service recovery processes. Customers encountering issues might face inconvenience in resolving them, as highlighted by the reviewer who had to plan a special trip back to the store for a refund. The long-term customer's observation about staff retention suggests good internal management, which usually contributes to better in-store service under normal circumstances.

Promotional information explicitly mentioned in the reviews is the existence of a "50% Off bin" displayed near the back register, offering discounted tobacco and other miscellaneous items. This could be an attractive feature for budget-conscious customers. However, the discrepancy in charging full price for items selected from this bin, as reported by a customer, undermines the perceived value of this promotion and necessitates caution for shoppers. Beyond this discounted bin, there is no other promotional information provided in the reviews. It is possible that Big Smoke may offer other promotions in-store or through local advertisements, but this cannot be confirmed based on the available feedback.

In conclusion, Big Smoke in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, is a long-standing smoke shop known for its awesome selection of tobacco and vape products, reasonable prices on pipe tobacco, and generally friendly and helpful staff. They also offer beer, diversifying their offerings slightly. However, recent customer feedback highlights a significant issue with potential overcharging for items from the 50% off bin and a lack of responsiveness to phone inquiries, which are important points for local users to be aware of. While Big Smoke serves as a reliable source for smoking and vaping needs, it is unlikely to be a primary destination for those searching for "Candles Near Me." Customers should exercise caution and double-check their receipts, especially when purchasing items from the discounted bin, and be prepared for potential difficulties in contacting the store by phone.