Many years ago I was in the coin-operated amusements field. That includes vending. We ran cigarette machines in local restaurants and bars. We no longer see those, as smoking is no longer allowed in most public places.
I do recall sitting in the shop one day as we updated the credit units in said machines. Cigarettes were going up to 85 cents a pack. We knew eventually the price would rise to a whole dollar. And we were wise, because we knew that NO one would pay a whole dollar for smokes. Nope, not a soul.
Fast forward to today, and cigarette prices are on the signs at Speedway and other places. And from those days back when, I still follow cigarette prices. I have never been a smoker, so it is strictly a professional interest. I noted that the top of the line brand was now selling at $7.10 a pack. OVER seven dollars. People still buy them...