Lovers of the Leaf

By pressing the 'I AM OF LEGAL AGE' button,
I agree that I am of legal age for smoking
and drinking in my country.

Share Article

Cigar Friendly – March 2, 2020

Cigar Factory Outlet – The Shapiros | Cigar Friendly: Norwalk, CT

The Shapiro family has been in the cigar business for nearly 100 years.

Text: George Manzella
Cigar Factory Outlet

In 1922, Morris Shapiro and his brother, Isador, opened a candy store and smoke shop in New York City called Shapiro’s Smoke Shop. A journey through the decades has transformed the family business from a tiny shop in Manhattan into a 4,000-square-foot (approx. 372-square-meter) retail outlet and federally licensed cigar factory in Norwalk, Connecticut, called Cigar Factory Outlet. “We have our warehouse, our offices and our retail shop there,” explains Brian Shapiro, who is co-owner with his father, Ron, and director of international sales for Oliva Cigar Company. “My Oliva International headquarters was ultimately based there as well.”

The retail outlet houses a “couple hundred facings,” but Oliva is the flagship brand, including a number of private-label bundle brands made by Oliva. Plus, they have their own cigar roller who makes cigars using only Oliva tobacco. The design of the facility is unique, in that the entire building is humidified, including the offices, warehouse and retail area. The entire space has a very open, “warehouse feel,” including the 500-square-foot (approx. 46-square-meter) lounge where they sell beer, spirits, and soft drinks.

The company’s success can be credited to its diversified business model within the industry. “We have a retail shop and cigar lounge, but we also found ways to expand beyond our physical location,” explains Brian. “We do weddings and corporate events, and distribute to golf clubs and liquor stores.”

INFORMATION

Cigar Factory Outlet
27 Hanford Pl
Norwalk, CT 06854
www.discountcigars.org

By loading the map, you agree to Google's privacy policy.
Learn more

Load map

Always unblock Google Maps

Done, and thank you.

Please check your inbox and click the confirmation link to complete your subscription. If you do not see the message, please check your spam or junk folder. We are delighted to have you as part of our community.

Your Cigar Journal Team

Trending Articles

Cigar Life & Culture – January 22, 2025

Great Wall Cigar Hosts Product Launch Event in Hong Kong & Macau

Cigar News – October 20, 2026

Tabacalera USA Announces New Roles for Key Leadership

New Releases – January 20, 2025

New Cohiba and Montecristo Short Humidors Year of the Snake

Cigar News – January 21, 2025

Puro Sabor Festival 2025: Day One

Cigar News – October 15, 2024

Light em Up Lounge – October / November 2024

Cigar News – January 24, 2025

Puro Sabor 2025: Day 3

Cigar News – January 22, 2025

Alec Bradley Releases Uncut Pairing with Green River Distillery

Cigar Industry – January 19, 2025

Twice The Celebration

Cigar News – November 16, 2024

Light em Up Lounge – November / December 2024

Cigar News – January 18, 2025

Maya Selva Cigars Premiere in Danlí, Honduras

Cigar News – January 15, 2025

Light em Up Lounge – January / February 2025

Cigar Friendly – January 15, 2025

Vintage Cigar Lounge Opens in Dubai

Cigar Industry – January 23, 2025

GPC Brings on Jaime Flórez-Estrada As Global Chief Growth Officer

Cigar Industry – January 20, 2025

Oliva and CSWC Create New Brochure of Rules

Cigar Industry – January 24, 2025

M. K. & Söhne takes over distribution rights for Rocky Patel

Cigar Industry – January 20, 2025

Chip Goldeen Joins Cayman Cigar Co. as EVP of Sales

Cigar News – January 22, 2025

Puro Sabor Festival 2025: Day 2

Cigar News – October 20, 2026

Plasencia Cigars and Corona Cigar Company Expand Product Partnership with Alma Fuerte