Empire Vape & Tobacco

Empire Vape & Tobacco has earned itself a solid reputation among Sanford smoke shop regulars, and one look at the shelves tells you why. This is a place that covers the bases: vapes and disposables, a wide spread of e-liquid and vape juice, cigarettes and a few of the top cig brands, plus a decent-sized humidor if cigars are your thing. They also carry CBD and hemp products along with the smoking accessories you'd expect. Locals will tell you the selection is genuinely big for a shop this size, and if you can't find something the staff are quick to help you figure out what you want.

Ask anyone who shops here and Mercedes' name comes up fast. People rave about her, and for good reason: she's patient, she actually knows her stuff, and she'll walk you through flavors and options instead of leaving you guessing. One regular was so taken by the help she got that she was plotting to drop off lunch as a thank-you. There's another young woman with long hair who gets the same warm words.

Now and then we've heard the odd grumble about someone being glued to a phone, but the standout service is what most folks remember. Here's the fun part that keeps coming up: the two shop cats. People genuinely come in to pet them, and more than one person has said the kitties are half the reason they stop by. The store stays clean, the music's usually going, and it's the kind of place where you feel comfortable browsing.

One honest note we'll pass along: the posted morning hours don't always hold, and a few people have shown up early only to find the door still locked. If you're making a special trip, it may be worth heading over a little later in the day. Beyond that, this is a friendly, well-stocked vape and tobacco shop in Sanford that regulars are happy to recommend.