In the past, there was a cigarette-selling store at the entrance of nearly every alleyway in Shanghai. The store was solely dedicated to all brands of cigarettes before branching out into selling soap bars, umbrellas, matches, mosquito-repellent incense, sweets, and postage stamps on consignment. In addition, if small change was needed, the store was a good place to go. While making a profit, the store provided convenience to customers.

Cigarettes sold in the store came from different cigarette factories. Those couldn’t afford a whole pack of cigarettes had no choice but to buy the cigarettes made by peddlers. There were also some peddlers offering smoking paraphernalia to the customer’s door and some peddlers collecting cigarette ash.