Member Blog: Personal touches for Successful Cannabis Dispensaries


Retail dispensaries are all trying to find unique ways to attract more customers and increase the sales per ticket. In the last few years, it has become popular to appeal to as wide an audience as possible and adopt a fast-food style. It’s what the big boys do. Locations that are cookie cutter and lack individuality. It may seem easy to copy and a sure-fire win, but designing your location so that it appeals to everyone will bore your ideal customers. Retail cannabis experiences should be on-brand. Customers could order online for pickup if they didn’t like it.


Dispensaries aim to create memorable and unique experiences for their clients. Retail interior designers with a focus in dispensary design can contribute significantly to the success of a dispensary by incorporating personal touches. These personal touches can also help boost your brand’s identity, and provide a good starting point for social media and marketing content.

What is your brand identity?


The space should reflect the brand identity and values of the cannabis retailer. Include elements that reflect the values, mission and aesthetic of the cannabis retailer. When I enter a dispensary, I like to learn about the “why” of the brand. Why do they do this? Who do they affect? My favorite “personal touch” is a mural that was dedicated to the mother of the store owner who died from cancer. My client started his dispensary in order to help other cancer patients. Her favorite colors and her name-flower were featured in the murals. The fish is because he’s an aquaponic farmer.


Custom signage, branded displays and incorporating personal touches are all part of a cohesive visual identity that contributes to an unforgettable and recognizable dispensary.

How can I sell my merchandise?


Creative merchandising is crucial to attracting and keeping customers. This goes beyond how things look on a wall or shelf. Use personalized displays for highlighting featured products, promotions or staff favorites. It doesn’t mean you need to add more signage or info cards. Include unique shelving, display cabinets, or interactive elements to engage customers and encourage them to explore the space. The Woods is a great example. See how a simple box mounted on the wall fits the personality of the store and encourages customers to look around for longer.



How can I best represent my culture and philanthropy?



It’s a good idea to incorporate your culture and art in the design of your dispensary. This will show customers who you are and what you stand for. Integrating artistic elements into the space, whether it be through murals or local artist artworks, adds character and depth to the area. Working with local artists to produce custom pieces that reflect the brand as well as the community. Mention the organizations you support and their work. My client is a wonderful person who puts a card inside each bag saying “Thanks for your purchase.” We donate 10% of profits to Friends of Puerto Rico. They also showcase contemporary Puerto Rican Artists at their entry and hall galleries.


Dispensaries are going to compete, whether you like it or dislike it, for sales and customers. Personal touches are what set cannabis retailers apart in the highly competitive retail market and help them achieve success. The goal is to create an experience that is unique and inviting for the customer. This can be achieved through reflecting brand identity, engaging merchandising or artistic influences, comfortable space, personalized interactions, interactive technologies, or sustainable elements. Retail interior designers can use these creative ideas to elevate the aesthetic of a dispensary and create a lasting relationship with their clientele.

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