January 26, 2024
In the world of vaping, one name has stood out and consistently grown over the years, becoming synonymous with quality and innovation – Vape King. Founded in September 2013, Vape King started as a humble venture in our living room. Little did we know, this was the beginning of a remarkable journey that would span across years and multiple locations.
The Early Years:
- September 2013 - The Genesis: We embark on our vaping journey, starting Vape King in our living room.
- April 2014 - The In-House Revolution: Vape King moves into a separate cottage on our property, expanding the size of the store and launching an in-house lab for what is known as Vape King classics today.
Expansion and Milestones:
- November 2014 - Loyalty Rewarded: The 5% back loyalty program is introduced, setting the stage for customer appreciation.
- December 2015 - Parkwood Debut: Vape King Parkwood opens its doors from our parents' house in Parkwood.
- February 2016 - Shopping Center Breakthrough: The Belairs store opens becoming the first retail location in an actual shopping center, marking a significant milestone.
- April 2016 - Expanding Horizons: Vape King Bracken opens, expanding our reach to JHB South.
- June 2016 - Flagship Unveiled: Vape King Fourways transitions from our cottage to a retail center, becoming the flagship store.
- July 2016 - Northcliff Joins the Kingdom: Vape King Northcliff opens, establishing a strong presence.
- August 2016 - Stoneridge Entrance: Vape King Stoneridge opens, expanding our reach to the East Rand
- October 2016 - Craighall Makeover: Vape King Parkwood transforms into Vape King Craighall, moving into a retail center.
- May 2017 - Megastore Transformation: Vape King Fourways expands into a larger space, becoming the Megastore we know today.
- July 2017 - Expanding to the west: Vape King Honeydew opens, broadening our footprint.
- September 2017 - Coastal Presence: Vape King South Coast Mall opens, marking the first retail location outside of Gauteng.
- October 2017 - Warehouse Milestone: Vape King moves into our first actual warehouse in Kyalami Business Park, streamlining operations.
Continued Growth and Innovation:
- January 2018 - Menlyn Maine Joins the Kingdom: Vape King Menlyn Maine opens, adding to our diverse portfolio.
- May 2018 - Prime Unleashed: Prime, Vape King's premium in-house range, is launched, produced in a state-of-the-art lab.
- September 2018 - Eastward Expansion: Vape King Benoni opens, sustaining our expansion.
- December 2018 - Crossing Oceans: Vape King USA is launched in Texas, USA, marking an international milestone.
- June 2019 - Crowthorne Arrival: Vape King Crowthorne opens, further extending our reach.
- October 2019 - Illovo Inclusion: Vape King Illovo opens, continuing the trend of strategic store launches.
- March 2020 - The Pandemic: Covid hits our shores forcing us to close all locations and stop trade for over 6 months due to the ban on tobacco sales, by the Grace of God we managed to survive this trying time
Consolidation and Strategic Moves:
- April 2021 - Warehouse Ownership: Vape King purchases its current warehouse and Head Office building in Kyalami Business Park, centralizing operations and moving the Crowthorne store into Head Office for an all encompassing head office experience
- September 2021 - Boksburg Emergence: Vape King Boksburg opens, contributing to our ever-expanding network.
- February 2022 - Centurion Joins the Kingdom: Vape King Centurion opens, bringing quality vaping products closer to more enthusiasts.
- March 2022 - Menlyn Maine Moves: Vape King Menlyn Maine relocates to Atterbury Boulevard, optimizing accessibility.
- April 2022 - Ballito Debut: Vape King Ballito opens, reaching new audiences in a vibrant market.
Adaptation and Evolution:
- August 2022 - BrackenVilla and Stoneridge Relocation: Vape King BrackenVilla moves to Brackencity, and Vape King Stoneridge relocates to Greenstone Shopping Center, showcasing adaptability.
- May 2023 - Coastal expansion: Vape King Umhlanga and Vape King Amanzimtoti open, reinforcing our presence in Kwa-Zulu Natal.
- June 2023 - Expanding the Kingdom in the East: Vape King Kempton Park opens, expanding our reach in the East Rand
Celebrating a Decade of Success:
- September 2023 - A Decade of Stories : Vape King celebrates our 10th birthday with an epic sale and a Zanzibar giveaway, thanking customers for their continuous support.
- October 2023 - Randhart Arrival: Vape King Randhart opens, adding another chapter to our story.
Looking to the Future:
- January 2024 - Future Ventures: With three new stores currently in the works and plans to open at least five more this year, Vape King remains committed to growth and excellence.
As we reflect on this remarkable journey, it's important to acknowledge the various store openings and events that shaped Vape King's history. From Montecasino to Cape Town, Krugersdorp to Port Elizabeth and other stores who are no longer a part of this tale, each chapter has contributed to the rich tapestry of Vape King's story. With numerous vape meets, product launches, charity drives, and competitions, Vape King has not just been a retailer; it has been a vibrant community powered by you, our customers.
As Vape King looks to the future with anticipation, we express gratitude to our loyal customers for being an integral part of this extraordinary journey. Here's to more years of innovation, growth, and vaping excellence!!