The cannabis industry is transforming, and dispensaries are at the forefront of this green revolution. As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve, dispensaries play a pivotal role in shaping the future of this burgeoning industry. From seedy head shops to boutique stores with “budtenders” that take you through their product line, cannabis retailers are expanding and evolving.
This growth has been driven by a rapidly expanding industry and record-high public support for cannabis legalization.
Online Ordering and Delivery
The growing legalization of cannabis is driving more consumers to explore the industry. A dispensary in Exeter is taking note and providing customers with online ordering and delivery services to make the experience even more convenient.
For example, customers can shop from their smartphones via a dispensary app and receive text notifications when their order is ready for pickup. This allows customers to avoid long dispensary lines, making the process more convenient.
Another trend that could significantly impact the cannabis industry is the rise of boutique retail experiences. Dispensaries are offering artisanal products such as glass pipes and rolling papers. Some customers are also looking for a new specific and unique bubbler to add to their set-up. Keeping products like these stocked at all times is a great way to engage customers and create loyal followings to drive repeat purchases and referrals.
Additionally, cannabis businesses utilize digital overhead displays to inform their customers of new products and deals. This technology can display strain information, including the strength and intended effect of a particular cannabis product.
Furthermore, it can also be utilized to communicate with the public and educate them on cannabis-related health benefits. This can increase brand trust and credibility as well as reduce social stigma surrounding the use of marijuana.
Boutique Retail Experiences
Amid the hype and glamour surrounding cannabis, boutique retail is taking hold. These cannabis-branded stores follow in the footsteps of luxury and lifestyle brands and embrace elements like branding, experiential design, and locally sourced materials to build brand loyalty and connect with consumers.
The result is a retail experience that’s as much about creating a curated and thoughtful consumer experience as it is about the products themselves. These craft brands thrive by delivering an in-store experience as unique and memorable as their products.
While the experience inside a dispensary is gaining popularity, many consumers need help getting to one for various reasons. They may be afraid of social stigma, they might not have a place to smoke at home, or they might not have the mobility to make it to a shop in their neighborhood.
In these situations, a dispensary’s e-commerce platform can help fill the gap by offering convenient and secure online shopping options. With the right technology, a dispensary can provide suggestive product selection and promotions to encourage repeat purchases while building brand loyalty and driving traffic.
Gen Z Consumers
Gen Z consumers are the industry’s future, bringing new demands. They’re seeking brands that are honest, affordable, diverse, and socially responsible, and they prefer cannabis products that are high-quality, well-priced, and safe to use.
This generation is growing up in a society where cannabis is normalized, and they’re less cynical about the plant than their millennial counterparts. This means that they’re more willing to try a variety of products and may spend a more significant amount of their disposable income on their cannabis consumption each month.
Additionally, Gen Z prefers convenience and purchases more pre-rolls than their older counterparts. When comparing baskets from a Gen Z customer versus those of other generations, 55% of Gen Z’s baskets include a pre-roll, compared to only 50%.
This generation also prefers to consume cannabis at home, and they’re more likely to buy higher-quality products that will allow them to do so. As a result, Gen Z is transforming the face of cannabis and creating new opportunities for businesses to connect with their audience. By leveraging these emerging trends, businesses can better understand their customers and deliver a personalized experience to drive long-term success.
Education and Information
Dispensaries are taking a proactive approach to educate both new and experienced consumers about cannabis. Knowledgeable staff members provide information about different strains, consumption methods, and the potential benefits of various products. By fostering an educational environment, dispensaries are demystifying cannabis, empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their wellness journey.
Dispensaries recognize the importance of addressing diverse consumers’ unique needs and concerns. Knowledgeable staff members go beyond basic product information, offering personalized advice based on individual preferences and health considerations.
This one-on-one interaction lets consumers understand how specific strains or products might align with their wellness goals. Additionally, dispensaries often host workshops, seminars, and informational events to deepen the understanding of cannabis within the community.
These educational initiatives cover the basics and delve into evolving topics such as the entourage effect, terpenes, and emerging research, providing consumers with a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge base for making informed choices. As dispensaries prioritize education, they are instrumental in building a more informed and discerning consumer base, fostering a positive and responsible cannabis culture.
