I was passing through Wilmington when I noticed this cigar shop. I pop in and begin to browse when the lady, I believe her name was Sam, asked me if I needed assistance. I told her I was trying to decide between two cigars. She then began asking me questions I presume to help me choose however what was frustrating was her description of the cigars seemed pretty inaccurate. Not to mention I had stated something I liked about a certain cigar and she went to correct me. I found it amusing because on the cigar manufacturing website they clearly state what tobacco is used, and that was the tobacco I referenced but persistent to argue with me about it. After dropping it because it was clear she didn't understand what she was talking about, I asked for a more cigars with the tobacco leaf I was looking for. She then proceeded to recommend me cigars not even close... idm people not having knowledge but she was pretentious without even having the proper facts. Not to mention i felt pressured to make a decision as she stood in the humidor and watched me as I was browsing. As far as price, meh, it's not the most expensive place but it sure as hell is not the cheapest either. You'll have better luck going online or to the Smoker Friendly in Leland. Cramped area inside, not really a lounge but a small shop with some chairs. Selection was okay at best but that's just preference. read more

This is a cute little spot where you can stop for a cigar. The staff is very helpful, and the cigar variety is ample; you are bound to find something good here (per my husband). Staff are helpful and friendly. Prices are about average overall for a decent cigar. 4 stars because this is a smaller store with limited seating. Also, they do have some alcohol but do not serve liquor. However, they do have a cute bar next door where you can grab a mixed drink and then sit out front to enjoy your drink and cigar. Worth the pit stop if you're a cigar fan. read more

Good service very friendly and knowledgeable as well as welcoming. Also the cigar selection was excellent.

Awful experience. Went into it to browse at cigars with my boyfriend and his father. When we left to say thank you he goes "where's your etiquette?" Confused we ask about what? All we did was look at some cigars. He was upset we picked up some tins to look at. Instead of kindly saying please don't do that OR having signs that say don't touch. He came at us and called my boyfriend's father naive... Will not be back. And we waited for this place to open. Honestly this store owner needs etiquette. Talking to customers like that is shameful. read more

***Cigar Shop Review*** If you're in the Wilmington/Leland area and in need of a a good cigar then you need to visit @thecigarexchange Lior has a great selection of cigars and is super knowledgeable! There is also a lounge inside where folks like to chop it up, and the atmosphere is an old school, friendly vibe! Best Cigar Shop in Wilmington, NC! read more

The Cigar Exchange - Fat Bottom Betty Cigar & The Cigar Exchange contact information! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Truth hurts. I point out their weaknesses in this market, and their response: ban me. In a month, I'll be basking in the glow of Cubans on a trip to Manila. Much better than paying high markups at -TCE. Their little shop won't make it two years from now. Oh, and one more thing: Go Palestine. read more

Whoever was working was on the phone and did not offer any assistance. Hung up the phone to complain to us about going in the humidor. Did not have a friendly attitude when addressing issue, he had with us. If someone is uneducated maybe take the time to help them and not shame them/put us down. I will never revisit this shop. I assume it was the owner of the shop that treated us like that, and I HIGHLY advise against visiting this shop. Especially if you are just browsing, he seems to get irritated about his overpriced cigars. read more

Stopped by The Cigar Exchange about 2 year ago and haven't stop going. What a great selection of cigars an atmosphere. Lior the owner is full of knowledge and is hospitality is second to none. If it's a cigar or even some wine this is the place to visit in Wilmington Nc read more

Always have a good time when I stop by and hang out here. The place is meticulous. The owner pays attention to detail in his store setting and humidor set up. It's in a great area where there is a fabulous scene; especially around Friday and Saturday during the spring/summer months... read more

I was looking for a specific item that would be found in a quality tobacco shop. A quick call to The Cigar Exchange confirmed they carried the item. We immediately visited and made the purchase. Quality customer service and a great experience. read more

Great spot in downtown Wilmington with a good variety of cigars available to purchase. Owners are awesome! Super friendly and knowledgeable of cigars. Check this place out you won't be disappointed read more

I am a novice cigar smoker. I just happen to stop in and ask a few questions. I was absolutely treated with respect, and they went over and beyond to make me feel welcome and help me understand the nuance of all of their cigars. I took a few of their recommendations and I'm so pleased. An outstanding experience. read more

Stop by the cigar exchange to get a couple cigars for friends and the owner is the most ignorant individual. I will never shop here. Go to Rocco's/Brooklyn's cigars. They have a better selections and the cigars are 3 to 4 dollars cheaper a stick and drinks are reasonably priced. read more

Update: the lighter I purchased went bad somehow. I called up Lior, and I explained the problem. Ridiculously patient with me. He wanted me to swing by and let him look at it. Once again, Lior went above and beyond! He checked every possible issue and determined the lighter was defective. He promptly replaced it under lifetime warranty. The customer service is is difficult to explain or put in words because it's so high. 6/5 stars. Oh, and got 3 more sticks. Thanks Lior, you put my mind at ease every time I visit. read more

I moved to the Wilmington area recently and was looking for a good cigar shop after being spoiled by a good one in Colorado and instantly fell in love with this shop. It is a a smaller shop with a great humidor and selection and quality service. I could not of lucked out more with this find. The seating is great and they even have a wine selection if you would like a glass with a cigar. I say this is a good gem of Wilmington located close to the water front and many great restaurants around to grab a bite before or after your visit to this shop! read more

If you're a cigar lover as I am, then if you come to downtown Wilmington, you have to stop in. Lior the owner is very friendly and welcoming. I ask him for a recommendation and he did not steer me wrong. So while the wife, daughter and granddaughter went shopping, I struck up a conversation with Lior and 3 other customers in the store, puffed on a potent, but flavorful 70x5 cigar, and watched the world go by for an hour or so. Doesn't get much better than that! When I left, I thanked Lior for his hospitality, and he thanked me for my repeat business. Customer service like that is hard to find these days, but you find it here in spades. I highly recommend The Cigar Exchange. read more

Another "back in the day" store with rockers in the front, an open door and beautifully maintained wood floors! There were a group of guys sitting around inside who left me thinking I had just walked into there home! Very inviting and welcoming!!! Since I'm not a cigar expert, I asked the young lady -who's name I asked and don't remember- and she gave me quite a bit of helpful information. I even learned the different ways to cut a cigar! I loved this atmosphere that had quite a large selection of cigars and supplies, but didn't seem at all commercial; just down home! read more

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We accidentally dropped a cigar and the man at the counter came storming into the humidor accusing us and telling us that was our cigar now, demanding we pay for it. We paid the $10 for the cigar that fell, returned the other cigars we picked out. Donated the $10 cigar and won't be back. There are several other great places in the area. read more

Lior is awesome. Welcoming and knowledgeable. Great ventilation. TV's for entertainment. Right next door to a cocktail bar. I will be back.

Great experience with my guys. Definitely would come back. Solid recommendations excellent customer service. read more

The Cigar Exchange - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

Awesome Cigar shop. Lior, the owner is a true aficionado. He was very patient, as I am new to the cigar world. The selection seemed plentiful and I was easily overwhelmed with so many options. The atmosphere was awesome and I cannot wait to go back. I highly recommend if you're staying in the area to stop by. read more

Like all the other reviews, I was greeted and treated like an old friend. I'm a mildly experience cigar smoker and was stoked to see a solid place within walking distance of my hotel downtown. The staff was friendly, informative and helped guide me to a decision for my friends. read more

Great small city cigar shop. Excellent, friendly service. I am just getting back into cigars so my knowledge isn't up to date. Helpful owner (?) was willing to walk me through and hook me up with two wonderful smokes. read more

I was in Wilmington visiting relatives and took a walk by the bustling waterfront. I luckily walked past Cigar Exchange and decided to give it a try. The owner Lior was an excellent host and made me feel at home. Being that I'm a beginner he patiently recommended some great cigars. I highly recommend that you pop in. read more

A first time cigar purchaser. The owner was very friendly and informative. He was incredibly patient and willing to walk me through where to start. Cut my cigar and prepared it as he showed me how to light it. Everyone in and outside of the business we're very nice and helpful as well. Great spot to grab a glass of wine and a good cigar. read more

Very very conversational with us. We stopped in and purchased several cigars, went to a couple shops and bars, then came back to enjoy a cigar in the lounge. The owner was very invitational to us and carried on several conversations with us. We have been here twice on vacations and will continue to come back each time we come to Wilmington! read more

The Cigar Exchange - Alec Bradley Black Market cigar. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

I was in Wilmington this past week. I had some free time on Thursday and walked to this shop. I frequent shops all over the USA and the islands. I arrived soaking wet from the rain outside and was warmly greeted by Lior. Purchased several sticks and sat enjoying the atmosphere and the company. Ended up staying for three hours having great conversation with Lior. I walked out happy and promised to return in the future. Small space yet comfortable. Great visit! read more

Walked in the store because the boyfriend loves cigars. Lior was very knowledgable, and spent about 20 minutes speaking to us about cigars and humidors. Very surprised about the previous reviews in regards to poor customer service. I thought he had superb customer service skills, that he took the time to speak to us and answer all of our questions and concerns. Instead of ordering from an ordinary cigar website for future orders, I will definitely order from this shop when the hubby needs to re order. We purchased a new humidor and cigars and the hubby left as a happy man, especially when he threw a military discount in there. Will definitely recommend to family and friends who love cigars ! read more

The Cigar Exchange - Montecristo cigars - Tobacco Shops Near Me - Wilmington, North Carolina

This is a great place to hang out and watch the world go by. It feels like stepping back into 1950's Havana. The shop smells fantastic, small but well-curated selection of high-end cigars at reasonable prices. Lior is engaging and knowledgeable, and happy to teach about various aspects of the products, from growing process to end product and experience. read more

I came in here with some friend to pick up a cigar for a friend who couldn't make the trip down to beautiful Wilmington. Upon walking in we felt a little out of place because everyone else in there was clearly from one of the many nearby law offices and was smoking a fifty dollar+ cigar. After spinning around in a little climate controlled room for a bit, the shops owner dropped by to see if we needed any help. This guy was totally un-pretentious and helpful. He asked a bunch of questions about who we were purchasing the cigar for and how long it would be until we saw them and ended up hooking us up with the perfect smoke. It's refreshing to walk into that kind of environment and not feel like you're being hustled. I almost wish that I smoked cigars just so I could support this business, because they totally deserve it. read more

Though I don't look my age I have been smoking cigars for 35 years. I entered the door with the greeting " You do know you're in a cigar shop?" At that point my wife decided to wait outside. The prices were average, the selections few ( covid MAYBE). Bought 2 cigars $36.61 & had to apologize for my choice of words in characterizing the differences in stocks. Not tourist friendly. read more

Came into town on Friday with my girlfriend for the weekend at the beach. Stopped into this place on Saturday night during the fight - My girl was trying to talk me out of cigars because of the smell but it has been a while and needed a good Acid or Drew Estate. Sadly the owner or manager was a complete douche to us - demanding a cover charge because we stopped in during the fight. I personally hate MMA and boxing. Well this was great for my girl because it meant we left without buying anything. Went to Brookelyns the following day for a superior customer experience. Def won't be back here as we are from Raleigh and come down often. read more

Small, but friendly atmosphere. The gentleman at the counter was extremely nice and knowledgeable about the tobacco selection. Wish I would have had time to hangout for a bit, but was just in town for a wedding. Will hopefully be back. read more

Outstanding Customer Service. This place raises the bar for old school, small business style of polite and respectful interaction. The attention to detail and generosity was top shelf. My best experience with any business in a while. Five Stars all day. read more

The cigars are great but the real draw is the atmosphere the owner Lior has created for smokers. Very inviting place to not only buy but to hang out and smoke your purchase. Selections are updated constantly so you can always find a new brand to try, with Lior gauging your tastes and recommending the perfect cigar. C'mon downtown and have a smoke! You won't be disappointed. read more

Stopped by on a biz trip. It was a Tuesday night. Two regulars sitting in chairs puffing away. Owner was very welcoming. Although small space he has optimized it to give it a very comfy feel. The cigar selection is not vast but it's good. I wish I could have travelled over the weekend. Saturday's are busy. I will definitely stop by again. read more

My favorite cigar store in this big beautiful country. Pretty little shop with a wonderfully curated selection and absolutely top notch ownership. Lior the owner is fantastically knowledgeable, genuinely welcoming, and completely hospitable - you can't get any better. Stop in, you won't be disappointed! read more

Walked into this store on the whim of the couple my boyfriend and I are traveling with because the boys wanted a cigar. We were immediately welcomed and the store owner took the time to show us different kinds of cigars and explain a lot about them. He answered all of our questions and was very personable and patient with us. He even helped our friend troubleshoot issues he was having with his humidor and gave him some great tips to get it back in working order! It was such a pleasure to have such friendly attentive customer service! If you are looking for a good cigar in a friendly environment, I would definitely recommend this place! read more

The Cigar Exchange stands out. With an excellent selection of cigars and a personable owner packed with knowledge, he takes time to explain the different qualities of cigars while making you feel at home. I highly recommend visiting. A world class business in its own right! read more

One of a kind! Not just the store, but the owner Lior. I am an avid cigar smoker. Both businesses and pleasure travel have afforded my wife the opportunity to visit shops all over the country. We have always enjoyed meeting the wide range of personalities, all of which are enjoyable, that cigar smoking seems to attract. What makes each shop special though is the person guiding the experience. Although we have very few bad experiences, meeting Lior has been our greatest experience. Visiting Lior and the Cigar Exchange has become both a travel destination and, more importantly, a visit to a dear friend. Lior is both knowledgeable and cutomer service driven, attentive to each and every customer. From novice to aficionado, I have watched Lior always provide exceptional service. His shop is a home for local regulars, a meeting place for regulars and travelers, and an educational experience for any first time smoker or gift buyer. Lior is now a close friend and considered family. So, when in Wilmington, stop by and meet new friends, enjoy a smoke or just the Lior experience. You will be impressed and you will be back. read more