I believe the deeming regs specified no vending machines.
I occasionally go to smoke shops to find the little Juul pods, and am amazed that they carry at least as much vape gear as the vape shops, mostly along other things we can't discuss on this forum. Typically they are in glass cases, prices unmarked, and the staff is not that knowledgeable or interested, but still surprising to see. Last one in Salem, NH, had a Moonshot, and everything from tfv8 to older tanks not seen that much anymore, like the original Arctic and Atlantis (v1), all sorts of mods up to the Koopor 300 (and some DNA), plus plenty of name brand juice. I've never seen any provisions for juice tasting in these sort of shops.
Given the nature of their primary business, I wonder if they are better equipped to deal with inspectors, regulations, and selling items regardless of their legality. Perhaps they get somewhat of a free pass, due to the idea that many people pass what they believe to be a head shop, say "not for me," and keep going. I will say I've never seen other customers looking at the vape gear, so maybe it's a strategy for the future, expecting some vape shops to go away, and not putting all eggs in 1 basket.
I was in one just north of NYC last month that was a cigar shop rather than a head shop, but had at least a passable selection of vape gear. They also had a small selection of liquids unsuitable for this forum.
I doubt any of these shops would appeal to noobs, not sure yet what they are looking for. They probably wouldn't appeal to the common analog smoker who might otherwise go to a gas station or convenience store.
