A stolen truck drove through the front window of Calgary’s One Stop Vape Shop on 17 Ave., making off with over $50,000 in vaping products.
The brazen smash-and-grab targeted only new merchandise bearing Alberta tax stamps, leaving older inventory untouched.
Store staff believe the criminals had visited the shop previously as customers.
"In the times we're in right now, crime is up everywhere. Theft involving vaping products has always been high risk, but it's become even worse due to the amount of taxes put onto the products," said the manager.
The robbery has left the shop with extensive damage, including a completely destroyed storefront.
The blue Ford truck used in the crime had no licence plates and is believed to be stolen.
The incident is part of a troubling trend affecting vape retailers across Canada, who face mounting challenges from both theft and regulatory pressures.
"This is happening throughout Canada. It's affecting every retail operation, but vape shops are particularly high risk," the manager explained.
Beyond the immediate losses, the break-in threatens the business's future.
Management expressed concern about insurance complications following the claim.
"We don't know if we'll be allowed to have insurance after this, or if premiums will become so high that we won't be able to afford them," said the manager.
The shop operates under strict regulations as a specialized vape retailer and cannot diversify its merchandise beyond vaping products.
Recent tax increases of 30% to 150% have significantly reduced profit margins, putting additional financial pressure on the business.
Police are investigating the incident, which was captured on the store's security cameras.