Click here for the Retail Observation Training
Store Information
1. CAREFULLY enter the store ID (6 digits):
Enter the 6-digit store ID number provided with the list of stores for your route. This number contains information about your area, how the store was selected, and an identifier that is unique to each store.
It is VERY IMPORTANT to check to make sure you entered the 6 digits correctly!
2. Coder ID (2-digits):
Enter the 2-digit code assigned to you by your Lead Contact
3 . Does the actual store name match the assigned store name?
- Yes, if the store names match. If the store name is not displayed, indicate that the store names match.
- No – Enter the correct name if the store name does not match exactly and enter the name as it appears on the storefront.
4. Does the actual store address match the assigned address?
- Yes, if addresses match.
- No – Enter correct address if the address does not match and enter the correct street address
5. Can you survey this store?
- Yes, I can.
- No, store does not exist. Select this if you cannot find the store or if it is permanently closed. [SKIP TO last Q]
- No, store is closed. Select this if the store exists, but it is not open during the time of your visit. [SKIP TO last Q]
- No, membership or fee required to enter. [SKIP TO last Q]
- No, environment is unsafe. Select this if you feel unsafe at any time. Leave the store immediately, and once you are safe, then use the back button to come back to select this option. [SKIP TO last Q]
- I was asked to leave before completing survey. [SKIP TO last Q]
- Other (specify) Select this if there was another reason you couldn’t survey the store, and then specify the reason in the text box. [SKIP TO last Q]
6. Does the store have any age restrictions?
- Yes, under 18 not allowed [a data collector 18+ must still complete the observation.]
- Yes, under 21 not allowed [a data collector 21+ must still complete the observation.]
- No
Look for a sign or a security guard or a person that tells you there is an age restriction. If the sign or security guard says, “Adults only,” or “No minors,” or doesn’t specify an age, select Yes, under 18 not allowed. If there is no sign and no person or if you don’t know, then you can select no. Then, someone that meets the age requirement needs to go back to survey the store.
Note: the survey can still continue as long as the data collector meets the age requirement.
Stay outside the store
7. Which products are advertised on windows and clear doors or elsewhere OUTSIDE the store (e.g., on buildings, sidewalks, gas pump islands, parking lots, etc.)? (Select all that apply)
Click here for a reminder about advertisements.
- Vaping products if there is at least one ad for any e-cigarettes, vapor devices, e-liquids, pods, cartridges, sometimes they’re also called starter kits
- Any other tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, cigar products, chew) if there is at least one ad for any tobacco product other than vaping products. This category includes cigarettes (e.g., Marlboro, Camel, Newport), chewing tobacco and snus (e.g., Copenhagen, Grizzly, Starr), cigarillos/little cigars (e.g., Swisher Sweet, White Owl, ZigZag, Royal Blunts), large cigars (e.g., Cohiba, Montecristo, Padron), blunt wraps, and hookah (e.g., Fumari, Starbuzz, and Tangiers)
- Alcoholic beverages if there is at least one ad for any type of alcoholic drink or product. Alcoholic Beverages includes beer, malt liquor, wine (including fortified wine), Japanese rice wine (sake), Champagne, and spirits (e.g., whiskey, rum, vodka). Other alcohol products include single- serving bottles like hard cider, hard seltzer, and canned cocktails
- Healthy beverages include water, unflavored milk, unsweetened juice, unsweetened coffee, or unsweetened tea
- Sugar-sweetened beverages include soda, sports/energy drinks, vitamin water, chocolate or other-flavored milk, lemonade, sugar-sweetened tea, sugar-sweetened coffee or sugar-sweetened juices
- Unhealthy snacks include candy such as chocolate bars, hard candies, and soft chews/taffy/licorice, other sugary snacks like cookies and cakes, salty snacks such as chips, cheese puffs, pretzels, and beef jerky, or ice cream
- Produce include fresh, frozen or dried fruits, vegetables and packaged salads
- Prepared hot foods include premade meals, hot dogs, sandwiches, and sides
- None of the above if there are no ads for any of the above products found outside
8. [Asked If one of the first two options for Q7 are selected, otherwise skip]
Does the vaping or other tobacco ad include a flavored tobacco product?
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products
- Yes, if at least one ad includes one or more flavored tobacco products
- No, if none of the ads include any flavored tobacco products
9. Does the store advertise mobile coupons for tobacco (including vaping products) anywhere on the exterior of the store?
- Yes, if there are any signs outside the store that describe mobile coupons for tobacco products, including vaping products (e.g., Marlboro Mobile or Camel Coupons).
- No, if there are no signs outside the store with mobile coupons mentioned.
10. OUTSIDE the store, are there any price promotions for the following? (Select all that apply)
Click here for a reminder about price promotions.
- Vaping products (e.g., Elf Bar, Esco Bar, JUUL, Blu, Vuse)
- New "non-menthol” cigarettes (e.g., Newport Non-Menthol, Camel Crush/Crisp Non-Menthol, Kool Non-Menthol. Look for the words “Non-Menthol” on the pack. Ignore red or gold packs.)
- Menthol cigarettes (e.g., Newport, Camel Crush)
- Regular cigarettes (e.g., Marlboro, Camel)
- Little cigars/cigarillos/cigar wraps (e.g., Swisher Sweet, White Owl, ZigZag, Royal Blunts)
- Large cigars (e.g., Cohiba, Montecristo)
- Smokeless tobacco includes Snus, Chewing tobacco (e.g., Copenhagen, Grizzly)
- Hookah/shisha (e.g., Fumari, Starbuzz, and Tangiers)
- None of the above if the store does not advertise promotions for any of these products
Go inside the Store
11. Which of these food items are available for sale? (Select all that apply)
- Healthy beverages (e.g., water, unflavored milk, unsweetened juice, unsweetened coffee, or unsweetened tea).
- Alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, malt liquor), wine (including fortified Wine, Japanese Rice Wine (sake), Champagne), and spirits (e.g., whiskey, rum, vodka). Other Alcohol products include single-serving bottles like hard cider, hard seltzer, and canned cocktails.
- Sugar-sweetened beverages includes soda, sports/energy drinks, vitamin water, chocolate or other-flavored milk, lemonade, sugar-sweetened sweetened tea or sugar-sweetened juices.
- Produce includes fresh, frozen or dried fruits, vegetables and packaged salads.
- Prepared perishable foods include premade meals, hot dogs, sandwiches, and sides.
- Unhealthy packaged snacks include candy such as chocolate bars, hard candies, and soft chews/taffy/licorice, other sugary snacks like cookies and cakes, and salty snacks such as chips, cheese puffs, pretzels and beef jerky.
- Ice cream includes soft serve, hand-dipped, packaged ice cream bars, and ice cream cartons.
- None of the above if none of these products are sold (it may be necessary to scroll).
12. What other non-tobacco products are available for sale?
- Clothing (e.g., hats, gloves, jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts, shorts, pants, skirts, dresses, underwear)
- Electronics (e.g., televisions, laptops, mobile phones, iPads, device accessories, video games)
- Toiletries (e.g., toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, makeup, personal care products)
- Over the counter medication (e.g., acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), cough suppressants such as dextromethorphan (Robitussin) antihistamines like loratadine/Claritin 24H, cough drops, cold remedies. This does NOT include approved cessation products like nicotine replacement therapy medications.)
- Automotive supplies (e.g., batteries, brakes, tires, car filters, and car accessories)
- Gifts/jewelry (e.g., toys, greeting cards, rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, toys, flowers, cards, other gifts)
- Guns (e.g., guns with ammunition, do not include BB guns, other toy guns)
- Lottery tickets (e.g., scratchers, Super Lotto, Powerball, Mega Millions, etc.)
- None of the above if none of these products are sold (it may be necessary to scroll).
13. What other products are available for sale? (Items associated with tobacco use) Select all that apply:
- Cannabidiol (CBD) for vaping (e.g., CBD pens or pre-filled devices. Brands include JustCBD, CBDistillary, Cheef Botanicals)
- CBD cigarettes (e.g., Wild Hempettes, CBD American Shaman Hemp Smokes and Diesel Puff).
- Other CBD products (e.g., topicals, gummies, lotions, pills, beverages)
- Approved cessation products (e.g., Nicorette, Nicoderm, Commit, Habitrol)
- Rolling papers/herbal wraps (e.g., tobacco/nicotine-free blunt wrap alternatives such as Primal, Twisted, and Juicy Jays)
- Glassware (e.g., pipes, bowls, bongs)
- None of the above if none of these products are sold (it may be necessary to scroll)
14. Which type of store is this? Select “other” for more choices: (Select one)
- Convenience store WITHOUT gas: These sell a limited line of goods that generally include milk/bread/soda/snacks. These include food marts that don’t sell gas (e.g., 7-Eleven, Circle K, Quik Stop). These stores do not sell raw meat, except for bacon.
- Convenience store WITH gas: Same as previous category, but this type also sells gas.
- Small market/deli/produce market: These have one or two cash registers and a limited selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, and raw meats intended to be cooked at home.
- Supermarket/large grocery store: Primarily engaged in retailing a general line of food, such as canned and frozen foods, fresh fruit and vegetables, and fresh and prepared meats, fish, and poultry (Safeway, Vons, Luckys, Ralph’s, etc.). They have three or more registers and may or may not also have gas pumps.
- Discount store/supercenter (e.g., Walmart, Target, Dollar Store): These sell a wide range of general merchandise including fresh and perishable goods, home goods and sometimes electronics. Include both smaller dollar stores, such as 99 Cent Stores, Dollar Tree, Dollar General, as well as very large discount department stores like Walmart, Target, and Kmart.
- Drug store/pharmacy (e.g., Rite Aid, Walgreens): Stores known primarily for selling prescription drugs as well as over-the-counter medicines. Do not include grocery stores with a pharmacy counter.
- Liquor store: These stores mostly sell beer, wine, other alcohol, and may sell a limited supply of snack foods.
- Gas station booth: A store consisting entirely of a kiosk or booth at a gas station that has no door for customer entry and may sell cigarettes or small food items through a store clerk’s window.
- Other (store types continue next screen) for more options on the next screen.
15. Which type of store is this? (Select one)
- Hookah bar/cafe: A restaurant or bar that allows customers to smoke tobacco from hookahs. Some serve food, but others don’t.
- Tobacco store/head shop: Stores that primarily sells tobacco products (e.g., Cigarettes Cheaper) or items related to the consumption of cannabis and tobacco, including pipes, bongs, and clothing related to cannabis and tobacco use. If they appear on your list of stores to survey, attempt to survey them all.
- Vaping product store: A store that sells primarily e-cigarettes or other vaping devices, including e-liquids and does not sell any other tobacco products. The word “vape” does not need to be in the store name for it to be considered a vaping product store.
- Other (specify) when none of the other store categories apply. To specify a different store type, enter a brief description, such as donut shop, restaurant, cell phone or video store, bait and tackle, auto repair, etc.
16. Does the store have a pharmacy counter (e.g., Safeway, Vons, Walmart)?
- Yes, if the store has a pharmacy counter (e.g., Safeway or Walmart with pharmacy).
- No if the store doesn’t have a pharmacy counter.
17. Are there signs for any of the following? (Select all that apply)
- Cessation information (e.g., classes, websites)
- Alternative sources to buy tobacco (e.g., online, delivery)
- None of the above
18. What type of tobacco-industry marketing is inside the store? (Select all that apply)
- Branded shelving units (e.g., overhead bins, Powerwall, countertop branded units).
- Price promotions
- Advertisements for mobile coupons if signs inside the store that describe mobile coupons.
- Other advertisements including signs, stickers
- None [SKIP NEXT Q IF SELECTED]
19. Does the tobacco-industry marketing inside the store include a flavored tobacco product?
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products
- Yes, if there is marketing for includes one or more flavored products
- No, if there is no marketing for flavored tobacco products
20. INSIDE the store, are there any price promotions for the following? (Select all that apply)
Click here for a reminder about price promotions.
- Vaping products
- New "non-menthol” cigarettes (e.g., Newport Non-Menthol, Camel Crush/Crisp Non-Menthol, Kool Non-Menthol. Look for the words “Non-Menthol” on the pack. Ignore red or gold packs.)
- Menthol cigarettes (e.g., Newport, Camel Crush)
- Regular cigarettes (e.g., Marlboro, Camel)
- Little cigars/cigarillos/cigar wraps (e.g., Swisher Sweet, White Owl, ZigZag, Royal Blunts)
- Large cigars (e.g., Cohiba, Montecristo)
- Smokeless tobacco includes Snus, Chewing tobacco (e.g., Copenhagen, Grizzly)
- Hookah/shisha (e.g., Fumari, Starbuzz, and Tangiers)
- None of the above if the store does not advertise promotions for any of these products
21. Where are tobacco products shelved? (Select all that apply)
- Main checkout area, behind or near the register
- Somewhere else visible to customers (e.g., customer service area)
- Shelved where customers can’t see them
- None of the above
22. Which products are sold here? (Select all that apply)
- Vaping products (e.g., e-cigarettes, vapor devices or e-liquids) if the store sells any products used to vape nicotine. Do not include non-nicotine devices like CBD or aromatherapy pens.
- Any other tobacco (e.g., cigarettes, cigar products, chew) if the store sells at least one tobacco product other than e-cigarettes, vapor devices or e-liquids. This category includes cigarettes, chewing tobacco, snus, cigarillos/little cigars, large cigars, blunt wraps, and hookah.
- None of the above if no products from these categories are sold. In this case, you will be taken to the end of the survey and will not be asked to answer any further questions.
23. Which vaping products are sold here? (Select all that apply)
- Disposables (e.g., Elf Bar, Exco Barr, JUUL, Vuse)
- Other vaping products (e.g., e-cigarettes, cartridges, box mods)
- E-Liquids
24. Which other tobacco products are sold here? (Select all that apply)
- New "non-menthol” cigarettes (e.g., Newport Non-Menthol, Camel Crush/Crisp Non-Menthol, Kool Non-Menthol. Look for the words “Non-Menthol” on the pack. Ignore red or gold packs.)
- Menthol cigarettes (e.g., Newport, Camel Crush)
- Regular cigarettes (e.g., Marlboro, Camel)
- Little cigars/cigarillos/cigar wraps (e.g., Swisher Sweet, White Owl, ZigZag, Royal Blunts)
- Premium/large cigars (e.g., Cohiba, Montecristo, Padron)
- Smokeless tobacco includes Snus, Chewing tobacco (e.g., Copenhagen, Grizzly, Starr)
- Hookah/shisha (e.g., Fumari, Starbuzz, and Tangiers). Only include the hookah or shisha tobacco, not the pipe alone
- Loose-leaf tobacco (including roll-your-own and loose-leaf pipe tobacco)
- “Tobacco-free” nicotine products includes tobacco industry products such as chewing gum (e.g., Lucy), pouches (e.g., ZYN, Velo, On!, Lucy), lozenges (e.g., Velo), toothpicks (e.g., Pixotine), gels/lotions (e.g., NicoFix) Note, these ARE tobacco products, even if they’re marketed as being “tobacco-free”
- None of the above if none of these products are sold (it may be necessary to scroll)
25.Are non-cigarette tobacco products labeled chill, ice, or cool sold here? These products are advertised as unflavored products with a cooling sensation.
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products.
- Yes
- No
26.Are menthol/mint flavors of non-cigarette tobacco products sold here? (e.g., wintergreen, peppermint, frost, winter chill)
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products.
- Yes
- No
27. Are menthol/mint flavors of non-cigarette tobacco products sold here? (e.g., wintergreen, peppermint, frost, winter chill)
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products.
- Yes
- No
28. Which tobacco products are available in explicit flavors (e.g., menthol, mint, fruit, sweet, or liquor)?
- Hookah/shisha
- Single cigars over $12
- Loose-leaf tobacco
- Other (e.g., vaping products, LCCs, chew, pouches).
29. Are non-cigarette tobacco products available in fusion, solar, jazz, green, or royal haze flavors? These products have ambiguous flavor names that do NOT refer to actual food, beverages, or herbs
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products.
- Yes
- No
30. Did you find another concept flavor?
(Do not spend additional time searching if not). Concept flavors have ambiguous names that do NOT refer to actual food, beverages, or herbs.
Click here for a reminder about flavored tobacco products.
- Yes, describe the brand and flavor of one: __________
- No
31. Which tobacco products are available in fusion, solar, jazz, green, royal haze, or another concept flavor?
- Hookah/shisha
- Single cigars over $12
- Loose-leaf tobacco
- Other (e.g., vaping products, LCCs, chew, pouches).
32. If little cigars/cigarillos are sold here, what is the SMALLEST pack of little cigars/cigarillos? (Select one)
- 1 (store sells singles)
- 2 to 4
- 5 to 9
- 10 to 19
- 20 or more
33. What is the price of the cheapest pack of little cigars/cigarillos?
- Less than $1
- $1.00-$1.99
- $2.00-$2.99
- $3.00-$3.99
- $4.00-$4.99
- More than $5
34. What’s the cheapest single pack of cigarettes? How much is it?
- Clerk provided price (Enter price on next screen) to enter price on the next screen
- I had to look for lowest advertised price (Enter price on next screen) if the clerk says something like, “I don’t know, figure it out yourself.” In this case, answer the question based on the lowest priced cigarettes you see advertised.
- Unable to determine only if you have no information from the clerk or the advertised prices. Try to avoid this option.
35. Cheapest single pack of cigarettes: $_. _ _ (Enter X.XX)
- Touch the box to bring up the numeric keypad.
- Enter in dollars and cents (#. ##) in the box marked: $ Your Answer
- Enter the pack price in dollars and cents, including the decimal point: #. ##
36. Is sales tax included in the cheapest cigarette price?
- Yes (“tax included”) if the price says “tax included” or the clerk said the price includes tax.
- No (“plus tax”) if the price says “plus tax” or the clerk said that sales tax isn’t included.
- Unable to verify if you can’t tell and the clerk won’t answer the question.
37. Any additional information about this store (optional): Any additional information about this store observation can be entered into the open-ended comments box. Record anything important about this particular store, such as “Pharmacy closing out tobacco products.” Please use this comment box to clarify if you are not sure on the store type when you were unable to survey the store.
Leave the store and select, "DONE" to save your answers. Then proceed to the next store on the list.