Smokers are switching to lower cost products or quitting as a slumping economy pinches pocketbooks and the government steps up its campaign against smoking, reports Chosun Ilbo.

Ministop convenience store cigarette sales fell 7.6 per cent last year while discounter Homeplus reported tobacco sales down 16.7 per cent, the Seoul-based newspaper said on its website. Seven-eleven stores reported a 4.3 per cent decline and discounter E-Mart a 5.7 per cent decline. CU cigarette sales slumped 0.5 per cent. Lotte Mart tobacco sales were down 5.7 per cent.
Sales of cheaper brands priced below KRW 2,600 (EUR 1.82) increased 1.6 per cent, Chosun Ilbo reported. (pi)