There is no bigger holiday for cannabis consumers than April 20. And although 2020 was probably an anomaly because of the pandemic, be prepared for cannabis retail sales to soar again in 2021 as customers would probably return in hordes and cannabis dispensaries must be prepared.
For marijuana dispensaries wondering how to prepare for 420, we’ve identified 5 key 420 retail strategies that cannabis retailers can incorporate to make April 20 their best business day of the year:
1. Amp Up Your Marketing
With so many events competing for the attention of cannabis revelers, the question of how to boost sales on 420 ultimately comes down to marketing. Create buzz by posting engaging content days before the event, like dropping promotional teasers on your social media or offering customers a chance to win a prize when they RSVP. Customers automatically expect deals on 420, but it’s the creative marketing activities that surpass their expectations enough to keep them coming back year round. Remember to check the laws in your state or province to make sure your activities are in compliance.
2. Check Your Tech
It’s crucial to ensure days in advance that the technology, systems and processes used in your shop are ready for higher traffic than usual. Double-checking that your tech is in good working order, making adjustments to enhance store flow, and ensuring your dispensary POS is equipped with offline mode and other key features make managing higher sales volume this time of year much easier.
3. Maximize Your Merchandising
Making strategic merchandising decisions and offering unique cannabis retail holiday promotions help dispensary owners move through inventory while delivering value to customers. Looking critically at your product assortment and planning ahead by organizing the stockroom before big shipments arrive serve both customers and staff alike. Implementing special deals and activities unique to the event sells merchandise while delivering an unforgettable 420 experience to your customers.
4. Set Your Staff Up For Success
420 crowd can start pouring in many days before the big holiday, which means all hands will be on deck for the whole week surrounding 420. In the days leading up to the big event, it’s crucial that dispensary owners make sure everyone on staff is up to speed on everything, from their individual responsibilities to how to use the store’s systems and technology to the fullest. Offer trainings and maintain open communication so that your employees have everything they need to succeed.
5. Review The Results
Immediately following the weekend, schedule time to review the entire 420 experience with your team. Come up with questions and encourage your staff to share their thoughts on what went well, what didn’t, customer feedback, inventory issues, the competition - everything. Look for key takeaways to apply to your business and use it as guidance for next year – after all, it’s never too early to start planning the next 420.
Ready to be a 420 superhero? Cova’s ultimate 2021 special edition 420 guide explains in detail 7 ways to Higher Sales and Happier Customers. Download How to Maximize 420 Revenue in 2021 now, it’s free and you’ll thank us later!
