Riding the Memorial Day Sales Wave: Strategies for Success

Memorial Day Weekend–it’s the unofficial start to summer! Whether it’s the beach, the lake, the pool, or just a backyard barbecue, consumers nationwide are incorporating cannabis into their holiday plans. With warmer weather on the horizon and people eager to celebrate, cannabis retailers nationwide are gearing up for one of the busiest sales periods of the year. Are you prepared for the surge?

Vibes & Demand are High

Recent data from New York’s first legal adult-use dispensary, Housing Works Cannabis Co, reveals that the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend in 2023 was their highest sales day, with over $100,000 in revenue. This trend is not unique to New York; according to MJ Freeway, Fridays of holiday weekends in the summer consistently rank among the top 10 national dispensary sales days.

As more states legalize recreational cannabis use, these numbers are only expected to grow. Retailers who plan ahead and stock up on popular products will be well-positioned to capitalize on the rise in demand.

Navigate Regional Regulations

While preparing for the Memorial Day Weekend rush, dispensaries should keep local regulations in mind. For instance, in New Jersey, smoking cannabis on some beaches is prohibited. So, retailers in the state might want to promote alternative consumption methods, such as edibles, tinctures, and topicals in addition to the traditional smokable methods. 

By educating customers about the various ways to enjoy cannabis products legally and discreetly, dispensaries can cater to the needs of their clientele while adhering to local regulations.

Ride the Wave

To make the most of this high-volume sales period, dispensaries should consider implementing the following strategies:

1. Stock up on best-selling products: Ensure you have ample inventory of your most popular items to avoid running out during the busy weekend.
2. Offer holiday-themed promotions: Create special bundles, discounts, or limited-edition products to attract customers and boost sales.
3. Enhance your staffing: Make sure you have enough budtenders and support staff on hand to provide excellent customer service during peak hours.
4. Leverage online ordering and delivery: Provide convenient options for customers to place orders ahead of time or have products delivered directly to their doorstep.
5. Engage with your audience on social media: Build excitement leading up to the weekend by sharing product recommendations, deals, and festive content on your social media channels.

Cater to the Crowds

For dispensaries in popular Memorial Day Weekend destinations, a significant influx of tourists is expected, many of whom are keen to partake in the local cannabis culture. This presents a golden opportunity for dispensaries to widen their customer base and boost sales. To tap into the tourist market effectively, retailers should consider tailoring marketing efforts and in-store experiences to cater to out-of-towners looking to explore cannabis offerings.

1. Create Welcoming Spaces for First-Timers: Many tourists might be first-time cannabis users or inexperienced with the legal market. Crafting an inviting and informative environment can help demystify the purchasing process, making visitors feel more comfortable and open to exploring different products.
2. Offer Location-Specific Promotions: Capitalize on the tourist’s desire to experience something unique to your location. Special promotions on local strains or edible products that reflect the local culture can entice tourists to purchase as a way of enhancing their travel experience.
3. Implement Concierge Services: A concierge service that offers information not only about cannabis products but also about local attractions, dining, and entertainment can significantly enhance the tourist experience. This holistic approach encourages positive word-of-mouth and may turn one-time visitors into loyal customers whenever they’re in town.

Embrace the Boom

As the cannabis industry continues to expand and more states legalize recreational use, retailers must stay ahead of the curve to remain competitive. By understanding peak sales periods, like Memorial Day Weekend, and proactively preparing for increased demand, dispensaries can thrive in this rapidly growing market.

The future looks bright for cannabis retailers who are ready to embrace the green rush. With the right strategies and a customer-centric approach, dispensaries everywhere can successfully navigate the evolving landscape and drive sales to new heights this Memorial Day Weekend. Let’s start the summer with a boom!