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Fifteen years ago, on October 8th, 2008, a small e-liquid company opened its doors in Blackburn, embarking on a journey that would forever change the landscape of the vaping industry.
15 Year Celebration Video
Since our humble beginnings, things have certainly changed around here. Today, we proudly operate a network of more than 150 dedicated retail stores throughout the UK, complemented by our industry-leading online store. Additionally, you can discover Totally Wicked products stocked in Asda stores, EG sites, and petrol forecourts all across the nation.
Today, we stand proud as Totally Wicked, celebrating 15 years at the forefront of this remarkable revolution. We’re absolutely thrilled to celebrate this milestone with all of you. So, grab your vape, kick back, and join us in a month-long celebration filled with memories, exciting giveaways, and a look back at our incredible journey.
15 Years of Transforming Lives
Over the past decade and a half, we’ve been on a mission to help smokers switch to vaping, offering a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes. And guess what? We’ve succeeded in a big way! More than 4.5 million people in the UK have given up smoking thanks to vaping, and countless others have significantly cut down on their cigarette habit.
The past 15 years have brought about transformation not only for Totally Wicked but for the entire vaping industry. There has been a significant shift in recognition and support, with vaping now gaining acknowledgment from prominent health organizations like OHID (formerly Public Health England,) Cancer Research UK, and the Royal College of Physicians. They now recognize vaping as a remarkably safer option to smoking.
The Totally Wicked Origin Story
Ever wondered about the origins of the name “Totally Wicked” and the iconic Mr. Wicked logo that’s been at the heart of our brand for 15 years? Well, it’s not just a whimsical doodle we came up with; there’s a bit of a story behind it.
Our journey kicked off when Jason Cropper, a lifelong smoker, stumbled upon the concept of electronic cigarettes. He hit the streets to introduce smokers to this revolutionary idea, and their response was a resounding “Totally Wicked.” That’s how our brand got its name, straight from the smokers who saw the potential in these new products to help them break free from the chains of tobacco.
Mr. Wicked
Now, what about Mr. Wicked? When we embarked on our mission to take on the tobacco giants by providing a safer alternative through vaping, many believed we didn’t stand a chance. Our aim was to disrupt the smoking industry and combat the perilous grip of tobacco addiction. The mischievous grin of Mr. Wicked personified the challenger spirit at the core of our brand.
Jason embarked on a personal mission to create a brand that didn’t just sell quality products but also embodied a set of promises that would guide us from day one until today. To this day, you can find these promises in every office and store bearing the Totally Wicked name.
In 2011, Jason’s brother, Fraser Cropper, joined him in this mission, and together, they turned Totally Wicked into a vaping industry trailblazer.
Taking a Stroll Down Memory Lane: Milestones
As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, let’s reminisce about some of the pivotal moments that defined our journey:
2008: Totally Wicked launches as an e-liquid only business
In 2008, Totally Wicked emerged as a pioneering force in the vaping industry, initially focusing solely on e-liquids. This marked the very beginning of our journey, where we laid the groundwork for what would become a revolutionary transformation in the world of vaping.
2009: The Titan E-Cig Breakthrough
The year 2009 was a pivotal moment for us. We introduced the Titan e-cigarette, our first foray into hardware. This marked a significant step forward, allowing us to offer not only e-liquids but also innovative vaping devices, setting the stage for our future innovations.
2010: The Tornado E-Cig Storms In
In 2010, we unleashed the Tornado e-cigarette, and it quickly became a sensation in the vaping world. Renowned for its simplicity and remarkable effectiveness, it played a vital role in helping smokers transition away from traditional cigarettes, establishing us as a leading brand in the industry.
2011: Expanding Horizons in Wigan and Germany
Our expansion was in full swing in 2011. We opened our first store in Wigan, bringing our products closer to the vaping community. Additionally, we ventured into Germany, expanding our international presence and bringing the vaping revolution to a broader audience.
2012: A New Headquarters and the Odyssey E-Cig
In 2012, Totally Wicked made a significant move, relocating to a new headquarters in Blackburn. This move symbolized our commitment to growth and innovation. Simultaneously, we introduced the high-quality Odyssey e-cigarette, further diversifying our product offerings and establishing a reputation for excellence.
2013: Joining Forces with St. Helens RFC and Red Label E-Liquid
The year 2013 brought two major developments. We formed a partnership with St. Helens RFC, marking our entry into sports sponsorship and strengthening our community ties. Additionally, we unveiled the iconic Red Label e-liquid range, a product that would go on to become one of our most beloved and successful offerings.
2014: Odyssey VV and UK-Made Innovation
2014 saw the launch of the Odyssey VV, a ground-breaking achievement as it was the first UK-made variable voltage e-cigarette. This innovation reinforced our commitment to producing high-quality vaping products right here in the UK.
2015: Setting Standards with a State-of-the-Art Facility
In 2015, we unveiled our state-of-the-art e-liquid manufacturing facility, setting new industry standards for quality and safety. This facility has been at the heart of our commitment to producing the highest quality e-liquids.
2016: Expanding the Arsenal with the arc Range
2016 marked the introduction of the arc range, a family of vaping products that broadened our offerings and catered to a wider range of vapers. The launch of the arc range solidified our position as an industry leader.
2017: Venturing into London and Partnering with Euro Garages
We expanded our retail network significantly in 2017, venturing into London and opening numerous stores. Additionally, we forged a vital partnership with Euro Garages, making our products accessible at more than 700 EG sites across Europe.
2018: A Decade of Celebrations and Rovers Partnership
2018 was a year of celebration as we marked a decade of Totally Wicked. We gave away a whopping £17,500 in prizes, including a substantial £10,000 cash prize to a lucky customer. Additionally, we initiated a partnership with Blackburn Rovers FC, a collaboration deeply rooted in our hometown of Blackburn.
2019: E-Cigarettes Shine as Effective Quitting Aids
In 2019, research highlighted the effectiveness of e-cigarettes as quitting aids, showcasing them as a powerful tool for those looking to break free from smoking. This research reaffirmed our mission to empower smokers to make the switch.
2020: Widespread Accessibility with Asda
In 2020, Totally Wicked products became even more accessible, being rolled out in over 420 Asda stores. This move made our products available to a broader audience and played a significant role in spreading the benefits of vaping.
2021: Proudly Sporting Blackburn Rovers FC
2021 saw us proudly becoming the front-of-shirt sponsors for Blackburn Rovers FC. This partnership highlighted our deep ties to our hometown and our commitment to supporting local sports.
2022: Introducing the VLTZ Range for Sustainability
In 2022, we continued our dedication to sustainability by introducing the VLTZ range. These products offered a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to disposable vapes, aligning with our mission to reduce waste.
2023: Celebrating 10 Years of Red Label and Launching Wicked Recycling
This year, we celebrated a decade of our beloved Red Label E-liquid. To make it even more special, we let you, our community, choose the next two flavours. Additionally, we launched the Wicked Recycling scheme, becoming the first UK vape retailer to introduce a responsible AAFT-approved vape recycling scheme, underlining our commitment to environmental responsibility.
A Word From Our CEO
Join Us in the Celebration
Join our 15 year celebrations this October as we celebrate our remarkable 15-year journey. Dive into our history by following our social channels, and stay updated with all the exciting festivities on our dedicated 15-year page. Here you’ll find Birthday Bundles, VLTZ offers, and more!
We can’t thank you enough for being a part of our incredible journey. As we look forward, we’re excited about what the future holds for Totally Wicked and for the countless ex-smokers we aim to help. Here’s to the next 15 years of transformation and progress, and we’re glad to have you along for the ride!