1922 CANNABIS
Welcome to IRCC'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 Mike from 1922 Cannabis in Toronto, Ontario 🙌
What inspired you to open a cannabis retail store? 🌿✨
We wanted to be part of history—taking on the challenge of destigmatizing and constructing cannabis as a legitimate industry. With a background in retail at Rogers and Bell, the transition felt natural with the parallels to complexity in both businesses. The name "1922" is a nod to the last year cannabis was legal in Canada before prohibition, reflecting our deep respect for the plant's history. 🍁
How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?
Innovation is at our core. Being bootstrapped means we can see trends and respond to customer demand in real time. For example, our pivot into delivery-first operations 4.5 years in is a reflection of staying agile and innovative. 📦
Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere?
Our store combines Art Deco elegance with an industrial vintage vibe—crafted with love, care, and collaboration with local creatives. It’s a place of warmth, connection, and discovery, where customers feel welcome and excited to explore cannabis. 🌿
What do you want customers to feel when they walk in?
We want customers to feel at home—like they’ve entered a space where history and modernity collide, and where they can explore cannabis freely and confidently. 🕰️✨
How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?
The IRCC has been instrumental in unlocking margin potential, which allows us to reinvest in inventory and fuel our growth. It’s empowering to have a collective voice advocating for independents and leveling the playing field. 🤝
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province? Navigating constant pivots, from COVID restrictions to curbside pick-ups and delivery regulations. 🦠 Strategically partnering with Uber Eats cemented our survival during these times of uncertainty. 📲
Who is your favorite IRCC member benefit partner? How have they elevated your business?
Xplor has been fantastic. Their support has helped streamline our operations and elevate our business efficiency. 📊
What brands in the market currently excite you and why?
Any brand that delights our customers while enabling us to extract margin dollars to grow excites us. It’s all about balancing customer satisfaction with sustainable growth. 📦
What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?
Seeing the direct impact of our efforts on a micro-geographic level. We exist to welcome people into legal cannabis with our unique take, and the small victories mean everything. 🎉
How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?
Through extensive reading, monitoring OCS updates, and active networking. 📰 Staying informed is critical in such a fast-paced landscape. ⏩
How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?
We plan to expand with delivery hubs across Toronto, adding three additional locations to achieve 60% downtown coverage. 📍 We’ll leverage three major sales channels to drive demand and scale effectively. 📊
If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?
Pink Kush! 🌸 It’s been 4 years in the making, and we’ve finally perfected the answer to "Strong Indica, please?" It’s a nod to our customers and their favourite choice. 💨
Visit 1922cannabisretail.com
