Cheeba Cheebas
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 Chris + Amber from Cheeba Cheebas Premium Cannabis in Kelowna, BC 🙌
How does being an independent cannabis retailer shape your approach to business compared to corporate chains?
As an independent cannabis retailer, we have the flexibility to offer more competitive pricing 💸 and frequent sales 🏷️, ensuring our customers get the best value. Beyond that, our stores have a welcoming, family-like atmosphere 🏡 where customers receive personalized service and a more community-focused experience 🤝—something you won’t always find with corporate chains.
Can you describe your store’s vibe or atmosphere? What do you want customers to feel when they walk in?
Our store has a warm, welcoming, and laid-back atmosphere 🌿 where everyone feels comfortable, whether they’re seasoned cannabis enthusiasts or first-time customers. We want people to walk in and feel at ease 😌—like they’re visiting a friend’s place rather than just another retail store. With friendly, knowledgeable staff 😊 and a thoughtfully designed space, we create an environment that’s inviting, informative, and truly community-driven 💬✨.
How has being a member of the IRCC helped add value to your business?
Being a member of the IRCC has undoubtedly added significant value to our business 📈. The IRCC has provided us with valuable resources and networking opportunities 🤝 that have helped us enhance our sales flexibility and better navigate the ever-changing market landscape. Their support has been instrumental in allowing us to adapt and grow 🌱, ultimately improving our overall business strategy.
What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an independent cannabis retailer in your province?
One of the biggest challenges we faced as an independent cannabis retailer in BC was the requirement for costly security verifications during the hiring process 🔐. This made it difficult to attract candidates, as we had to convince them to pay for a background check for a job that might not materialize 💰. Additionally, we faced the uncertainty of the LDB strike 🚫📦, which was a stressful period. Our cannabis stock was running low, and we were concerned about the possibility of having to lay off staff, which added to the pressure of navigating those early days 😟.
Who is your favorite IRCC member benefit partner? How have they elevated your business?
We truly appreciate all of our IRCC member benefit partners 🙌! With our diverse range of products, we're fortunate to be able to take advantage of the many benefits offered by these partners 🧰. Each one plays a valuable role in helping us enhance our business operations and grow in different areas 🚀.
What brands in the market currently excite you and why?
The Frosted Flyers brand is absolutely captivating right now 🧊✈️. Their popularity speaks for itself, and we're huge fans of both their refreshing drinks 🥤 and the impressive range of solventless extracts 💨 that are offered. The innovation and quality they bring to the market are truly exciting 🌟!
What is the most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store?
The most rewarding aspect of running an independent cannabis retail store is undoubtedly helping people improve their well-being 💚 and feel better in their own bodies 💆. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that we’re playing a part in enhancing the lives of our customers through products that promote health and relaxation 🌈✨.
How do you stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry?
We stay informed and ahead in this rapidly evolving industry by relying on our highly knowledgeable staff 🧠, who are deeply proficient in cannabis. They actively engage in various educational programs 📚 and regularly participate in communities like Reddit, High Buds Club, Spiffy, and other social media platforms 💬📱. By connecting with industry professionals and fellow enthusiasts, they stay at the forefront of trends and developments 🔍, ensuring we’re always in the loop and able to share the latest insights with our customers.
How do you envision your store and the independent cannabis retail landscape evolving over the next five years?
In the next five years, we aim to continue growing and refining both our sales and inventory 📊, with the aspiration of opening a third store 🏪. We also envision a more dynamic and flexible cannabis industry, one where we have greater freedom in selecting our products 🔄. Specifically, we hope to see regulations evolve to allow us to curate our own edible offerings 🍬 and source directly from producers we believe in 🌿, rather than being limited to what the BCLDB currently dictates.
If your store had a signature product or strain, what would it be and why?
Our store proudly offers a signature product: three distinct flavors of Liquid Diamond Vape Cartridges 💎💨. These have become a customer favorite ⭐, and we’re excited to expand our lineup with even more flavors and products across different categories in the future 🎯, continuing to offer unique and high-quality options to our community 🌱.
Website: cheebacheebas.com
Instagram: @cheebacheebas