Ville’s new vape shop sparks questions about targeting kids & teens

To the Swarthmorean,

We are writing to express our deep concern with the window display at the new shop, Brooklyn Smokes & Exotics on South Chester Road in Swarthmore. There is a very clear display of colorful animated water bongs in the front window, right at a young child’s eye level. Next time we’re walking around town with our young sons, we’ll probably walk by the vape shop and get questions about drug paraphernalia from our 5-year-old. 

I (Jason) walked into the store on Monday afternoon and had a respectful conversation with the owner. I explained my concern and asked if he would move the bongs to another area, away from the front window. He said no. He told me no one has complained about the window display.

After talking with local friends and colleagues, it’s clear that people are concerned about this shop, and not just the window display.

The store sells Kratom, a legal but highly addictive and dangerous drug, according to childmind.org. They sell vape pipes with cartoon characters and superheroes, as well as candy and cookies. There doesn’t appear to be an age limit to enter the store, and it’s very close to a school bus stop. 

The store is attracting children and teens and exposing them to dangerous substances and habits. This is concerning. 

Sarah and Jason Kilpatrick
Wallingford