at its New Homes for Cannabis Shoppers in Joplin and Springfield
Canna Newsroom ►
Flora Farms Puts Customers First
at its New Homes for Cannabis Shoppers in Joplin and Springfield
The EVOLUTION Magazine Newsroom
Flora Farms is thrilled to announce the opening of its newest dispensaries in Joplin and Springfield MO , this month . These expansions mark a major milestone in the company ’ s mission to increase access to cannabis across the state . With locations already serving Hollister , Humansville , Lee ’ s Summit , Ozark , and Pineville , Flora Farms is now bringing its trusted products and customer-first approach to Joplin and Springfield .
On October 11 , Flora Farms , Missouri ’ s largest cannabis cultivator and a trusted provider of premium cannabis products , announced its acquisition of Old Route 66 Wellness at 2823 N Glenstone Avenue in Springfield . To better serve the community , the Old Route 66 Springfield location will be rebranded as Flora Farms while an existing Flora Farms dispensary located at 2027 N Glenstone Avenue closed its doors on October 31 . Its new Joplin location will open on November 7 . More about that later .
Flora Farms Director of Retail , Mary Kate Black ( right-center ), offing guests a tour of the new Hollister , MO , dispensary after its opening earlier this year . ( Photo contributed )
At the heart of Flora Farms ’ retail success is its Director of Retail , Mary Kate Black , whose vision for a welcoming and accessible cannabis shopping experience sets the company apart in an increasingly competitive industry .
The Customer-Centric Vision
It ’ s easy to get excited about the unique aspects of the cannabis industry — its newness , the passion of its consumers , and its checkered past . However , successful dispensaries run on the same time-tested principles that help any good retailer thrive in a competitive market : a passion for hard work and customer service . Black has spent the last 25 years practicing those very skills .
10 November 2024
Throughout her career across multiple industries , Black found that successful retailers go out of their way to cultivate elevated and engaging retail experiences for their customers . When she joined the Flora Farms team in 2021 as a retail consultant , Black quickly realized something essential : cannabis retail often lacked the comfortable , personalized experiences customers expect from traditional retail stores . Her goal ? To create shame-free shopping experiences where customers feel at ease , whether it ’ s their first or fiftieth time visiting a dispensary .
“ There are many things we can ’ t change about how dispensaries work ; it ’ s a regulated industry ,” said Black . “ But we can ensure it ’ s comfortable to shop at a Flora Farms dispensary . Customers can expect to be greeted with a smile , listened to , and have their questions answered without judgment .”
Listening and answering questions may sound simple , but getting customers to open up in a new environment can be challenging , especially when your average customer service experience leaves a lot to be desired . “ Flora Farms is looking to change that by offering a personalized experience to each customer who visits one of our stores ,” said Black .
Flora Farms budtender serving a customer . ( Photo contributed )
Most first-time dispensary shoppers mention feeling overwhelmed by the assortment of products available and nervous about picking something that doesn ’ t work for them . Experienced consumers seek informed recommendations and to be clued into the newest , greatest thing . Developing a philosophy of service that empowers budtenders to help all customers demanded simplicity : meet every customer where they are on their cannabis journey , whether they ’ re curious first-timers or seasoned connoisseurs .
“ A Flora Farms budtender listens to your ‘ wants and needs ’ to match you with great products that work for you ,” said Black . “ We invest in the product knowledge and cannabis expertise of our staff for the sake of the customer . That way , the only thing you need to be an expert about when you shop at Flora Farms is what kind of experience you ’ d like to enjoy today .”
Continued on page 34 �