Page 10 - Brandon Sun - 2020 Westman Business

10 THE BRANDON SUN • WESTMAN BUSINESS • NOVEMBER 2020

The grass is greener at Garden Variety Brandon

With several options to choose from,
picking the right cannabis retailer might
seem like a tough task.
However, the staff at Brandon’s Garden
Variety location at 1350 18th St. lead the
way with friendly, knowledgeable service
that benefits both newcomers and expe-
rienced customers alike.
Visitors quickly get the impression that
their grass is indeed greener.
Garden Variety is a partnership be-
tween Fisher River Cree Nation, Chip-
pewas of the Thames First Nation, Mera
Cannabis Corp. and MediPharm Labs.
Operational support is provided by part-
ner, Native Roots Cannabis Co. located in
Colorado.
The Brandon location, which opened
on Dec. 23, 2019, is one of three the com-
pany runs — all in friendly Manitoba.
You’ll be seeing them elsewhere soon
though — regional manager Sheilagh
Dohie said the goal is to expand across
Canada in the months and years ahead.
Dohie said that Manitoba has real-
ly embraced the brand and she believes
that’s in large part due to the inviting
design of their stores. Part of that invit-
ing nature comes from the front-to-back
friendly design. Unlike other cannabis
retailers, Garden Variety’s windows aren’t
papered over or blocked.
Inside, you’ll see that Garden Variety Store manager Dane Watson and Mood Makers Janell Sherman-Wood and Trinda Collister are just some of the helpful staff
takes its name very seriously. ready to help you at Garden Variety in Brandon.
There are over 50 varieties of cannabis
flowers in different sizes to appeal to all stigma around cannabis use, Garden Vari- “Sometimes it might take five minutes, proudly joined the Brandon Chamber of
consumers. ety has set up its operations to chip away other times it might take an hour,” he said. Commerce.
The selection of edibles has something at that and be there for people who are “Everyone’s different in their experiences. This Christmas, Garden Variety will
for everyone, coming as chocolates, cook- interested in giving the product a try in a The best thing we can do is being open take another step and sponsor a full
ies, tea, beverage drops, soluble powder, safe way. about what we are and what we’re doing.” Christmas hamper for a Brandon family
canned and bottled drinks, gummies and Watson said that for a new customer, he Now that Garden Variety has been es- to make their holidays bright and merry.
mints. would get to know them a little bit and see tablished in Brandon, the company is To keep customers safe during the
With pre-rolls, concentrates, topicals what their prior experiences with canna- laying down roots and committing to be- COVID-19 pandemic, safety measures
and capsules also available, Garden Vari- bis have been like to figure out some sug- ing an active member of the community. were implemented quickly and ahead
ety has something for everyone. gestions. As part of that, the company has of the government health order early
“Things have been going very well,” on. Staff wore masks early on to keep
store manager Dane Watson said. “The the customer safe and offers disposable
store has been getting busier the longer masks at the front desk for those who
we’ve been open. With COVID-19 there need one. Hand sanitizer is also avail-
were some changes for us as a new busi- able from a hands-free dispenser in the
ness starting up, but all in all our trends lobby.
are pointing in the right direction.” Cleaning protocols have been en-
Watson leads the 10-person team, hanced with a contractor providing a
which is comprised of a variety of diverse deep clean three times per week and
and experienced Mood Makers. plexiglass barriers have been put up at
“The education that our Mood Makers points of sale.
give to our clients is what keeps a lot of Normally, cannabis flowers would be
people coming back,” Watson said. “Espe- available for customers to experience
cially for people who are new to cannabis. the aromas of the signature bud wall,
I think Garden Variety does a very good helping them make purchasing deci-
job explaining how cannabis can affect sions. However, that has been temporar-
people and we really take the time to talk ily paused during the pandemic.
to our customers to tell them what to ex- The number of customers allowed to
pect. I think the customers really appreci- enter at once has been temporarily de-
ate that.” creased, to ensure social distancing can
“They’re welcoming, they’re person- take place with ease.
able, they’re knowledgeable,” Dohie said. With caring staff, a friendly layout and
This safe, friendly environment is why a great selection, at Brandon’s Garden
Watson said he was inspired to apply to Variety you’ll see that it’s anything but
work for the company in the first place. ordinary.
While there may still be some societal Garden Variety’s Brandon store is anything but ordinary. » The Brandon Sun