Sale of Single Cigarettes Heating Up

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Tough times are usually measured by the unemployment rate, the stock market or foreclosures. But for many, tough times can be measured in the simplest of things, such as the sale of single cigarettes, or "loosies."

Higher federal taxes levied in April have driven cigarette pack prices up. Add in the down economy and corner convenience stores like Murphy's Express in West Charlotte say that single-selling cigarettes are a hot item these days.

The store's owner said that since the economy hit, they have gone from selling 8 to 10 packs an evening to 17 and 18 packs an evening of just single cigarettes.

With demand up, the price has gone up. Single cigarettes are now selling for 40 cents a piece, up from 35 cents this time last year.

However, at least one customer, Fralisha Butler, said she is viewing the high cost as an opportunity to kick the habit -- simply because she can't afford to keep buying expensive cigarettes.

See the report on FoxCharlotte.