Bow Cannabis
Welcome to IRC Collective'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 Kai from Bow Cannabis in Calgary, AB 🙌
Q: What inspired you to open a cannabis retail store? Is there a story behind your store’s name and branding?
A: A desire to be a part of a new industry and to celebrate the end of prohibition. Bow Cannabis is named after the area we operate in.
Q: How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?
A: We have more flexibility in our approach to all aspects of our business because our metrics are localized. Without the need for national or provincial sales levels or mandates we can respond much more effectively to our customer's wants.
Q: Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere?
A: Professionally casual. We're experts but not snobs and we keep in mind we sell weed, which should be fun, relaxed, and satisfying.
Q: What do you want customers to feel when they walk in?
A: Welcome.
Q: How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?
A: IRCC allows us to focus on items that add margin and value to the business as well as providing insights into meta consumption levels. IRCC gives us knowledge that is difficult to come across and that is a huge benefit to the independent retailer.
Q: What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province?
A: Big chain competition, LP supply changes, and regulatory confusion.
Q: Who is your favorite IRCC member benefit partner?
A: There are too many to name, but we like to work with FrootyHooty and Astrolabs because they are local and produce a wide range of solventless concentrates.
Q: What brands in the market currently excite you and why?
A: Vox Pops and Puffz for their flavour profiles and ability to generate repeat business, Skosha for price and quality, and Space Race for their ability to produce something in every category.
Q: What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?
A: "You've never recommended something bad." "You've always taken good care of us." It's the simple reward of making a customer happy with an item they know little about and rely on us to steer them in the right direction.
Q: How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?
A: Company reps can provide a lot of knowledge. Google. Various business of cannabis dedicated sites.
Q: How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?
A: Growth. With IRCC as a partner.
Q: If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?
A: Any brand that can deliver the same level of consistent quality to match our goals. No specific signature, but there are a few different brands I'd be comfortable only selling.
Website: bowcannabis.com
Instagram: bowcanna_cgy