design concept revealed for new chain of cannabis retail stores

design concept revealed for new chain of cannabis retail stores
image courtesy of the mcbride company

the mcbride company, a creative firm who specialize in hospitality and leisure destinations, has revealed its design concept for a national chain of cannabis retail stores named ‘pineapple express’. the studio was tasked with providing a concept that creates a welcoming and comfortable place for consumers to shop with direct access to knowledgeable experts. the scheme steers away from a traditional consultation counter, which is commonly used as the central feature in marijuana dispensaries, in favor of a hawaiian resort aesthetic.

‘as the sale of medical and recreational marijuana becomes legal in more states across the country, the industry needs to provide a sales experience that reflects the evolving perception of marijuana,’ says pat mcbride, CEO of the mcbride company. ‘the store design and atmosphere we created offers consumers a space that incorporates all the elements of great retail design, but addresses the unique display and service challenges faced by the cannabis retail industry. our goal was to make this a true retail experience, meaning customers should feel completely comfortable and entertained, while also safe and secure. some elements of cannabis shops today have the opposite effect, especially when the focal point is a long consultation counter where customers must wait to be helped.’

the scheme steers away from a traditional consultation counter in favor of a hawaiian resort aesthetic
image courtesy of the mcbride company

the design also includes several features that aim to create a more comfortable retail environment and provide an easier shopping experience before the point of sale. firstly, four touch screens educate customers about the various strains available for purchase. this allows the clientele the opportunity to browse products on their own, before engaging with a sales associate. next, a floor-to-ceiling installation of crates along the back wall displays cannabis-based retail products in recreational states and non-cannabis-based products in states that permit medical usage.

a virtual reality station is also included as part of the design, displaying content about pineapple express, which offers customers a way to learn more about the shop and stay entertained while waiting to speak with a sales associate. the ‘mystic pineapple’, which is the brand’s most overt homage to cannabis culture and most prominent visual element, is prominently positioned and glowing in the center of the store, equipped with motion sensors and the ability to suggest one of the shop’s various strains to customers looking for advice. furthermore — in recreational states only — a food counter displays marijuana edibles in a welcoming, bakery-like display case. finally, multiple seating areas contain oversized, plush furniture, providing a space for consumers to consult with pineapple express staff.

‘pineapple express is on a mission to modernize the legal cannabis industry. part of that mission is cultivating a world-class dispensary experience that patients, consumers and operators will not only love, but also trust,’ said CEO, chairman and co-founder of pineapple express, inc. matthew feinstein. ‘leveraging our vast experience in the industry, we sought to address the many setbacks, inefficiencies and outdated technologies present in the current legal dispensary model. the mcbride company took our vision and delivered an ideal shop design that is unique, streamlined and incredibly memorable; we cannot wait to roll out pineapple express branded shops as our branding partnerships come to fruition in the future.’