Famous Smoke Shop celebrates 70 years of success with commemorative cigar series

EASTON, PA -- Famous Smoke Shop, the nation's leading online retailer of premium handmade cigars, turns 70 this year, and is celebrating its septennial with a series of exclusive, limited edition "70th Anniversary" cigars produced by some of the industry's leading cigar manufacturers.

Two Famous 70th Anniversary cigars are already in-stock. Perdomo Cigars has created a 70th Anniversary selection in three sizes: Churchill (7" x 50), Toro (6" x 50), and Robusto (5" x 50). The blend features three-year-aged Nicaraguan longfillers and binders encased in silky Cuban-seed Nicaraguan Corojo wrappers. The smoke is full-flavored, revealing complex woody-nutty flavors with delicate notes of pepper on a long finish. Presented in boxes of 20 cigars, the cigars are also affordably priced, starting at $82.99/box.

Padrón Cigars has also created a 70th Anniversary cigar for Famous Smoke Shop in a box-pressed Robusto (5" x 50). Made to the same exact standards as Padrón's world-renowned "Anniversary" selections, the cigar is exquisitely handcrafted with 4-year-aged Nicaraguan tobaccos and offered in natural and maduro wrappers. The smoke is smooth, creamy and brimming with earthy, robust flavors laced with notes of sweet spice, cocoa and espresso. The cigars are presented in boxes of 20 and are specially priced at $14/cigar.

Famous Smoke Shop first opened its doors in New York City in 1939. Founded by David and Rose Zaretsky, Famous Smoke Shop was little more than a storefront operation located in midtown Manhattan. A true "Mom & Pop" business, the store eventually moved to West 39th Street. After the passing of his father, Arthur Zaretsky took over the helm in 1981. Arthur's mother, affectionately known as "Rosie" to customers, stayed on until 1999. Rosie was loved by customers because of how well she treated them. As Arthur recalls, "Her philosophy was to always put the customer first." 

Realizing that more profit could be made by becoming a mail-order company, Arthur began running one-line ads in local newspapers, and mailed respondents a price list of available cigars typed on an old IBM Selectric Composer typewriter. As he learned the ins and outs of direct marketing, Arthur eventually began producing a catalog and fine-tuned his business to suit the needs of his fast-growing customer base.

By the early 1990's, the internet was becoming a new channel for commercial enterprise.

"In 1994, I remember taking a phone order from a customer for a box of Excalibur cigars," said Arthur. "The customer asked me if I'd ever heard of the World Wide Web or 'surfed the internet.' 'What's that? I asked.' 'I can't explain,' he said. 'Just call this 800 number and get yourself an account for an ISP. They'll explain what you need to do.'" Shortly thereafter, Famous-Smoke.com was online.

Today, Famous Smoke Shop is located in Easton, PA and is positioned at the top of the country's leading discount cigar retailers. The company prides itself on offering the best values in the cigar industry including the best shipping policy, the freshest cigars, and quick turn-around time. Moreover, unlike their closest competitors who have been acquired by European-based tobacco conglomerates, Famous Smoke Shop is still American owned and operated.

"My Mom and Dad were working class folks," said Arthur. "They taught me how to properly treat customers and tend to their needs, a tradition I have continued to this day by bringing value and excellent customer service."

Recently, Famous Smoke Shop began offering its own credit card through Revolution Money, Inc. For a limited time, customers who apply and are approved for a Famous Smoke RevolutionCard receive $25 off their first two Famous Smoke Shop orders of $50 or more.

The Perdomo and Padrón cigars created for Famous Smoke Shop's 70th Anniversary are just the beginning, and in the Famous Smoke Shop tradition, affordably-priced. More Famous 70th Anniversary cigars from La Aurora, Plasencia, Manuel Quesada, J. Garcia, Camacho, and Rocky Patel, among others, are expected later this year.

"I'm honored that these fine manufacturers have agreed to work with us during this very special year," said Arthur. "In the meantime, we will continue to be competitive, and provide our customers with the finest selection and service in the industry."

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About Famous Smoke Shop

Famous Smoke Shop is the nation’s leading discount retailer of imported premium handmade cigars, offering one of the largest selections of premium cigars, cigar humidors, and cigar accessories, including a free monthly catalog. Famous-Smoke.com has been awarded BizRate's "Gold Honoree" status for excellence in customer service, product selection, customer satisfaction, and per-dollar value.