Let’s be blunt: Even Stew Garner is a tad surprised by just how quickly business took off at Star Buds Cannabis Co.’s Innisfil location.
The president of the cannabis retail company, which operates seven shops in the Simcoe County area, wanted to be the first to open in Alcona, once legislation allowed it. And while there were some initial hiccups — tops among them being a lack of available storefront space along Innisfil Beach Road at the time — he succeeded in his goal and opened the doors three years ago.
“Innisfil was on my scope from day one,” he said. “In the early days, the quickest to market really got to build an early brand. We worked hard to get our stores open as quick as possible. We all sell the same product, whether we sell it at four dollars, five dollars — we’ve all got to buy from the Ontario government. My focus was to build a company based on employees and customer service.”
According to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, there are currently five cannabis retailers in operation in Innisfil. Two more applications are in progress. The website Statista.com notes that, at more than 1,530 in June, Ontario had the most retail cannabis locations of any Canadian province.
Store manager Harry Lewis has been working at the site since it opened. He says smokable products like flowers and pre-rolled joints are by far the most popular, though gummy candy, body creams and THC-infused drinks have their markets.
“Innisfil smokes,” he said. “Everybody really enjoys lighting one up around the bonfire or while walking the dogs. The biggest change for me (in three years) is the older crowd. The stigma’s really starting to come down. As we see a better understanding, not just from our customers but the people in our customers’ lives … it’s increased our ability to have a complete cannabis conversation.”
Garner said his employees' product knowledge makes the company stand out from competition. The Innisfil location has five staffers, and they regularly chat about the items sold on-site.
While they cannot give medical advice, many like Lewis speak from experience and can recommend products tailored to individual needs.
“They really take the time to talk to customers,” Garner said. “It’s a whole new world for the whole health and wellness side.”
On Nov. 18, the Innisfil location will mark its third anniversary. The site will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and there will be select sales and giveaways open to anyone 19 years of age or older. Several dignitaries are also planning to attend.
“They’ve been supporting us since we opened; we want to make sure they know how much we appreciate that,” said Lewis, of customers.
For more on the company, visit starbuds.co.
