Good vibes. Good people. Fair product.
That’s the secret sauce for those wondering how Cannabis 21 has propelled itself to “Best Business” in the Twin Harbors three years in a row.
The legal recreational cannabis store, which recently celebrated its seventh anniversary on July 2, has been expanding its footprint across Grays Harbor as it builds in popularity. In addition to the Aberdeen flagship — located at 1000 E. Wishkah St. — the business now operates dispenseries in Hoquiam and Ocean Shores as well.
And as Cannabis 21 continues to expand, it also continues to accumulate awards from the Best of Twin Harbors competition. The awards, which are distributed based on community votes, consistently land at the cannabis store across several different categories.
“It feels like we’re doing something right,” said business co-owner and Aberdeen branch general manager Adam Bakotich.
In addition to “Best Business” in the Twin Harbors, Cannabis 21 was selected “Best Business” in all three communities where they operate a store.
They claimed six awards in total in this year’s competition, including “Best Marijuana Store” and “Best Customer Service – Retail”.
It’s that last award that Bakotich believes truly sets the business apart.
“Employees are 100 percent assets, not liabilities,” he said. “A lot of us came from the restaurant side of things, and retail stores can be pretty similar.”
Cannabis 21 works hard to retain its employees so that customers can enjoy the consistency not only of product, but also service.
“It’s why ‘Cheers’ was a good show. It sounds cheesy, but it’s about going where everybody knows your name,” Bakotich said. “Yes, you can have good pricing, and you can have gimmicks to get people in the door, but everybody just wants to be welcomed and feel welcome.”
Bakotich speculates it’s reputation that brings new customers into any one of the three locations, and consistentcy of product and exceptional customer service keep them coming back.
But in an uncertain economy amid inflationary prices, extraneous expenditures are the first to go.
Those uncertain about spending their hard-earned cash on personal expenses shouldn’t shy away from Cannabis 21, where directing customers to products that maintain high quality for a lower price point is at the core of what the personable staff does.
“We simply listen. We don’t tell people what they want, we listen and try to save them money,” Bakotich said. “We’re about customer service and being fair, and not taking advantage of our customers.”
The Hoquiam location is found at 428 10th St. and the Ocean Shores location at 2294 WA-109. The stores are open every single day.
