Spiritleaf Salisbury
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 Nic from a Spiritleaf franchise in Sherwood Park, AB 🙌
What inspired you to open a cannabis retail store?
🌿 The biggest thing for me is being able to do something I love, which helps people and makes a difference. I’ve wanted to open a cannabis store since I started smoking about 23 years ago. Once the medicinal market was well on its way, and recreational legislation was happening, I started to save all my earnings to prepare for an opening. I’ve always loved what cannabis can do for people—myself and those around me—and everything from the science to the sights and smells. I love it all.
How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?
👥 Our staff makes all the difference. We have several long-time team members—a couple hitting 6 years this year, another hitting 5 years, and a few other long-term players. Our guests seek out their favorite budtenders for recommendations, tough questions, and to share the wins and losses of life. We truly have a deep and meaningful relationship with our community.
📋 Our menus are well thought out, clean, and updated daily. Our stock is plentiful, with tons of variety, and we always have sales and deals. We are a craft store—we carry all the niche products, plus we have a wide value portfolio to compare with any chains.
💰 Plus, we Price Match any store in AB as long as it’s in stock. We try to vary our inventory as much as possible from the discount chains, while still being able to play in that price category with other SKUs.
Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere?
🪵 Warm, rustic, and welcoming vibes. Spiritleaf has done a great job with the interior design—well laid out, beautiful colors, and premium materials used throughout the store. It is smaller than our Brentwood location but still delivers the same in-store experience.
How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?
🛠️ The IRCC is a very useful tool, bringing value to retailers with exclusive offers, community and industry news, and interesting products one may not have been aware of prior to joining.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province?
🚧 No limit on stores in my area, plus multiple corporate discount chains moving into the county. AGLC delisting products that worked well for certain guests. Price changes—up and down. Product quality fluctuations.
Who is your favorite IRCC member benefit partner?
💬 Alex is great at getting at me for the offers! Sometimes I can be tough to reach, but she pushes and gets through! I appreciate the hustle. Janini was a pleasure to meet at Grow Up.
What brands in the market currently excite you and why?
🔥 Carmel and Rubicon have typically been the top in my eyes. Volo came in with a bang. Anyone bringing quality flower to the market that stays consistent has my attention. For bulk, the 7Acres Ultra Jack and White Widow are nice for the price.
What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?
💚 I have witnessed so much growth in my teammates, community members, and the store since opening in 2019. It truly fills my cup to see guests work through personal challenges and thank us for introducing them to a certain product or method of consumption.
📈 For my teammates to grow, learn, and apply themselves—and to see success in running a business—is really impressive to me, considering none of us have a formal education and we run one of the most successful stores in the province. It was always my dream to own and run a cannabis store, and here we are.
How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?
📰 Industry news platforms, but most of my info comes from my partners in the community, reps from different brands, and a couple other owners and operators that share the same goals as myself. The only thing constant is change. Keeps it interesting for sure.
How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?
🔮 I would like to see the market stabilize a bit and for the predatory pricing to cease. If the market continues this way, there will only be a handful of storefronts and brands to pick from.
If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?
🌬️ Since we opened a couple weeks ago, I would have to say Carmel Candy Gas Face has been our best seller, as it is what we recommend to our guests!
Website: https://spiritleaf.ca
Instagram: @spiritleafs_inthepark