A new cannabis shop on Front Street is hoping to open its doors in just over a month, making it the first of its kind to operate in the downtown core. ThoroldToday got a peak of the store, which already made headlines after city council lashed out against the idea.
Boxes are being unpacked, orders are being placed, and the final interior design still chiselled out in the freshly painted store space.
Managers Emily and Erin met last week–but feel like they’ve known each other forever. Now, the two are getting ready to embark on a new adventure as store managers of the first pot shop in downtown Thorold.
“It’s just so good,” Erin Anders said as she showed the soon-to-be bustling shop floor of Coconut Cannabis. “It’s been getting better ever since we met. We are both on the same page about everything.”
Both have manager experience from the legal cannabis business from before, but it is the first time that the duo get to have this much influence over how they wish a dispensary would operate.
“For me, it’s a lot about cannabis education and advocacy,” said Emily Haduch, who graduated from the Commercial Cannabis Production Program at Niagara College. "It is such a subjective thing, it affects people differently. I love when first time users come in, getting them comfortable and informed, and sending them off with something they have picked out, knowing they will have a great afternoon.”
Erin said a wide selection and listening to what the customers are looking for, and giving it to them in a professional and welcoming environment will be the key that will be the main draw for the customers.
It isn't just about the THC-content or getting high; elderly and people with chronic pain will also be able to purchase CBD-products in the store, which some are using as part of managing pain.
Despite having Takeoff Cannabis just a few hundred metres away, the competition among the many legal pot shops in the region is more of a friendly community contest, and not a cut-throat battle over customers, said the duo.
“But we will price match!”
The store is the creation of developer Anthony Candeloro, and named after the family dog Coconut. The businessman received a chilly welcome from Thorold city council earlier this year, after some members decided to send a letter to the AGCO, expressing concerns over the location of the store, as it is closer than its competitor to Thorold High, and the Tim Horton’s which is a watering hole for students.
Store managers Emily and Erin said anyone underage trying to get their hands on weed won’t make it further than the door, where they will be met with a rigorous ID-check.
“We’ll be cracking down on it,” said Erin, “And fake ID’s too.”
For others, they should come check the place out once it's open, said Emily.
"Just come in and meet us, and learn about cannabis!"
The store is aiming for an April 20 opening.
