Cannabis retail is a booming industry, and the pandemic made it even bigger. Demand surged as the government listed it among essentials, and consumers saw it as a reliable quarantine wellness aid. The boom is here to stay, and more and more sellers look ahead to capitalize on it. However, it also means that the market is saturated, with the competition becoming more daunting than ever. Differentiating your brand is the only way to survive and thrive in the landscape. Fortunately, there are several ways to do it, and we will list them for you.
Get ahead with easy accessibility
Even as cannabis is legal in most states, accessibility continues to be a challenge for consumers. It gets harder in the new normal as buyers want to avoid dispensary trips. They expect brands to deliver supplies to their doorstep, and that’s an opportunity you can build upon. You may have switched to e-commerce during the pandemic, but it is time to rethink the experience. Get better with a website revamp and ramp up your delivery services. Continue the good work with curbside pickups.
Focus on the safest in-store experiences
Buyers tend to stick with brands that care for them, and you can show empathy by focusing on safety in-store. Gradually, as the foot traffic returns, you must realign dispensary experiences. Ensure that you allow a limited number of people inside to manage social distancing. Investing in POS solutions and self-service kiosks can also set your brand apart. Having educated budtenders to educate the customers also strengthens trust in your business.
Win with great packaging
Great products and excellent services go a long way in making your brand stronger. But they cannot differentiate because every other business offers them. You can go the extra mile with great packaging. While aesthetics are important, you can invest extra effort in functionality. Whether it is Dispensary Bags or tins, pick the best materials that keep the products fresh. Child-proof packaging is another way to score brownie points for your retail business.
Listen to your customers
Listening to your customers is vital if you want to keep your business competitive. Give attention to their buying patterns, preferences, and concerns. Ask for feedback as they drop in-store and follow reviews online. Embrace the positives and address the negatives to win consumer trust. At the same time, understand expectations and make conscious efforts to fulfill them with your products and services.
Give back to the community
Any brand that wants to stand out in a crowd must give back to the community. Understanding and fulfilling your social responsibility as a business becomes even more crucial in pandemic times. Small efforts can bolster your reputation. For example, you can run recycling programs or organize charitable food drives. Providing free delivery is another relevant measure you can try right now.
Differentiating your cannabis brand may take some investment, but it is the need of the hour. Think outside the box and don’t skimp on efforts if you want to build a winning brand.