Step into a Weedjar shop in Toronto, and you'll immediately feel the warm and welcoming atmosphere. It's like Cheers, but for the cannabis community. Everyone knows your name, and their mission is to help you find the perfect product.
As one of Toronto's leading cannabis retailers, Weedjar has been a partner with Merrco for the last few years. During that time, Merrco has watched as Weedjar has expanded to four locations and grown their business in a tough economy and highly-regulated industry.
But what's the secret to their success? We sat down with owner of the Weedjar, Jesse Terrence to find out how they've managed to thrive and compete in the cannabis market. Today, we're proud to shine a spotlight on Weedjar and celebrate their achievements as one of our valued retail partners.
Cannabis Small Shops Mean Big Business
Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. They bring character and diversity to our communities. In Toronto, it’s the local shops that distinguish neighbourhoods, from coffee joints to pubs and now, cannabis dispensaries.
Weedjar is a family-owned and operated business that prides itself on providing carefully selected cannabis products and accessories to guarantee a great experience. With four locations throughout Toronto, Weedjar has become a fixed staple in each community they serve.
But what sets Weedjar apart from other cannabis dispensaries? According to Jesse Terrence, manager and owner of Weedjar's four locations, it's all about building a rapport with their guests. "It's about building relationships – while always committing to curating the best and newest products the market has to offer. That's how we're going to stand out in this economy."
Weedjar also prioritizes listening to their customers and catering to their needs. "We are continuously getting to know our neighbours and catering our menus to their needs," says Terrence. “Whether it's CBN capsules for more mature guests or live resin infused pre-rolls for concentrate lovers, we’re is dedicated to delivering quality service and products that keep people coming back.”
Staying On Top in Today’s Cannabis Industry
We caught up with our partner and busy retail owner at Weedjar to talk shop about how business owners can compete right now. The discussion also included helpful advice for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to start their own businesses.
Merrco: What advice would you give to individuals looking to open up their own cannabis retail business?
Weedjar: When it comes to starting any business, finding the right spot to set up shop is super important. You don't want to just pick any old location without doing your research first. It's crucial to figure out who lives in the area and what they like to spend their money on. That way, you can make sure you're offering something that they'll be interested in.
Another important question to ask yourself is, "What makes us different from all the other businesses around here?" You want to stand out and give people a reason to choose you over everyone else. So, always be thinking about what sets you apart and how you can use that to your advantage.
Merrco: Has the industry changed in the last couple years, if so, how has it affected your business?
Weedjar: So, our journey began in July 2021 with the opening of our very first Weedjar location. Since then, we've seen a lot of changes in the industry, and let me tell you, it's been a wild ride. Competition has gotten fierce, prices have dropped, and the government is getting more and more aggressive with taxes.
But, despite all of that, we've not only managed to stay in the game, we are turning a good profit.
One of the things that's helped us out is our location. We made sure to pick spots that are right in the heart of communities where the community is strong. That's made a huge difference and we're grateful to be part of it.
Merrco: How has your experience been with Merrco, and why did you choose them for your business?
Weedjar: Our experience with Merrco has been fantastic. We did a significant amount of research when deciding on which payment processor we were going to sign on with.
Reliability and transparency were our primary focus when deciding who to partner with. Merrco has been consistently great in their service and customer support and we appreciate their continued support of our business.
A Final Word
Cannabis businesses like Weedjar bring character and diversity to our communities, and their success is built on building relationships with customers and leaning into their community to carve out their niche.
Weedjar's commitment to quality service and personalized attention has helped them stand out in a competitive industry, and their location in community-oriented neighbourhoods has been essential to their viability and profitability.
Choosing a reliable and trustworthy payment processing partner like Merrco has also been another key to their success. As cannabis business owners continue to face challenges in a highly regulated industry, Weedjar serves as an inspiration for entrepreneurs looking to make their mark. By prioritizing the right things, small shop owners have a bright future ahead.
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Weedjar Locations
Eglinton & Danforth Rd
2807 Eglinton Ave E., Scarborough
647-426-5595
Broadview North
1127B Broadview Ave., East York
Near Pape Village
416-519-2706
Oakwood Village
355 Oakwood Ave., North York
416-546-3052
Yorkville
809 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4W 2G9
647-426-4646