Tree Hill Cannabis
Welcome to IRCC's Retailer Spotlight, where we shine a light on the incredible independent cannabis retailers shaping the industry. 🌿✨ Each week, we celebrate the passion, dedication, and unique stories behind our valued partners. These retailers not only provide exceptional customer experiences but also contribute to the growth and innovation of the cannabis community. 💚
This week, we’re thrilled to feature Jen from Tree Hill Cannabis in Lloydminster, Alberta 🙌
1️⃣ What inspired you to open a cannabis retail store?
We were tired of the corporate chain stores that were so focused on “cookie-cutter” layouts 🏢 and product offerings that were limited to mainly a few large brands. We wanted to have a bright, welcoming store 🌞 that people like our parents would feel comfortable shopping in 🛍️, and we wanted to be able to stock a huge variety of different brands and products.
We originally wanted to be called Sasquatch Cannabis 🦶🌲 but the AGLC shot that down super fast 🚫. We eventually decided we wanted to have an acronym 🔡 and decided THC would be the most logical. We had a few ideas, got some from friends, held a vote ✅, and that’s how we have the name.
2️⃣ How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?
We put our customers, staff, and products first 💚. We change up our menu frequently 📋 to make room for the newest products in the market.
From day one, we’ve also focused on featuring products produced in Alberta and Saskatchewan 🍁 to support local and smaller LPs. Not having to follow corporate buying policies allows us to promote and carry a wider variety of local products.
We let the cannabis speak for itself 🌿, and will rotate brands out 🔄 based on product quality and their corporate practices/behaviours.
3️⃣ Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere?
We have a bright, open store ☀️ with laid-back, chill vibes 🌿😌 and lots of live plants 🪴.
Our store is laid out in a way that allows customers to browse at their leisure 🛍️. We also utilize a colour-coding system 🎨 throughout the store so customers searching for sativa, hybrid, or indica can easily pick out what they’re looking for.
4️⃣ How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?
Being part of the IRCC has allowed us to price our products more competitively 📉 with the chain stores. It has also allowed us to find new partners 🤝 and meet other like-minded people in the industry.
5️⃣ What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province?
🚨 Corporate-owned value chain stores.
6️⃣ Who is your favorite IRCC member benefit partner?
🔥 Adastra and Ayurcann – Both brands are long-time members of the IRCC we have come to rely on for pricing.
Knowing it will be available week after week 🔄 for the same rate gives us the ability to pass those savings directly to the consumer 💰➡️🛒. This helps us stay super competitive against VB and CC price-wise.
7️⃣ What brands in the market currently excite you and why?
🌱 Carmel – Lots of new SKUs and new size formats.
🍹 Trippy Sips – A solid product with great design & flavour execution.
🔮 Vox/GA – Both have a lot of new SKUs and crazy price reductions.
🍬 Shred – Their single gummies are finally here! Plus, their upcoming infused tube blunts and killer vapes 🔥.
8️⃣ What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?
Being able to be the boss we always wanted 💼✨.
We can:
✅ Give benefits to staff 💊🏥
✅ Offer full-time hours to mostly everyone ⏳
✅ Donate to local causes 💖🏡
We are also changing the stigma around cannabis 🌿. There are so many older customers 👵👴 coming in to ask questions and learn about how products can help them.
We get to educate them, share knowledge and experiences, and show them that cannabis isn’t a shameful thing to be hidden away anymore 🙌.
9️⃣ How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?
🔗 Networking with the right people
📢 Following AGLC and LP updates
🎲 Not being afraid to take risks on new brands or SKUs
🔟 How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?
Ideally, no real changes for us other than cosmetics 🎨🏪.
Hopefully, we see a bit of a reduction 📉 in the amount of chain stores due to mergers, which will allow more independents to pop up to fill the void.
🌟 1️⃣1️⃣ If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?
🔥 Pick Me Up by Castle Rock
👍 Thumbs Up 2x1g
💰 $5 Joints
We rotate things on the shelves often, so we don’t have too many. We do try to always offer the same kind of price points at all times 💸🌿.
Website: treehillcannabis.ca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treehillcannabis/