Online shopping has revolutionized the way consumers purchase cannabis, offering a digital marketplace that makes it easy to order weed online.
If you own a brick-and-mortar business in Arizona, the Coronavirus pandemic likely dealt a hefty blow to your business model, especially if it relied heavily on in-person customer traffic. The unprecedented impact of COVID-19 reshaped how many businesses, including cannabis dispensaries, interacted with their consumers.
In an attempt to curb the spread of the virus, government-mandated stay-at-home orders and business closures were implemented, making traditional commerce nearly impossible. As a result of these precautions, many companies had to adapt rapidly to survive, with an expansion of online commerce taking center stage. This shift towards e-commerce created a significant change in consumer behavior that altered the business landscape, including the cannabis industry.
The pandemic acted as a catalyst in pushing digital marketplaces into the mainstream. Previously, many customers preferred brick-and-mortar stores for purchases, including cannabis. However, the necessity of staying home led to an increase in online shopping, even among demographics that had been previously skeptical of purchasing products on the internet. This was particularly true for those who had traditionally purchased their marijuana in person.
Although Arizona dispensaries were deemed essential and allowed to stay open during the pandemic, strict COVID-19 guidelines severely limited in-store traffic. Health protocols such as social distancing, longer wait times, and restrictions on how many people could enter a store at once created challenges for cannabis consumers. For many, the solution to these problems came in the form of online ordering, which quickly became a preferred method of purchasing.
Across the retail sector, online shopping saw unprecedented growth, even among older age groups who had traditionally resisted e-commerce. In the cannabis industry, this trend was especially pronounced. According to a Weedmaps study, online orders for cannabis increased by 55% between 2021 and 2022. This shift has significantly altered the way dispensaries operate, as many customers now prefer the convenience of shopping online rather than visiting physical stores.
One of the key reasons for the rise in online cannabis sales is the ease of access it provides. Shopping for marijuana in person can feel intimidating for some consumers, especially those who are new to cannabis or unfamiliar with the wide variety of products available. The ability to order online allows customers to research and learn about specific products at their own pace. This helps alleviate anxiety by giving them the information they need to make informed decisions about their purchases.
Additionally, online shopping provides a level of convenience that in-store shopping simply can’t match. Customers can browse a dispensary’s entire inventory from the comfort of their own home, without the pressure of making quick decisions in a store. For those who may feel overwhelmed or rushed during in-person visits, online ordering offers a more relaxed and personalized experience.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Arizona, which occurred in the middle of the pandemic, further accelerated the shift to online ordering. Even as dispensaries relaxed COVID-19 protocols, many consumers continued to find online shopping more convenient. The convenience of ordering from home, combined with the ability to have products delivered, has made e-commerce an integral part of the cannabis shopping experience in Arizona.
For many consumers, delivery services have become an essential part of the digital shopping experience. In major markets like Phoenix, dispensaries have expanded their delivery radiuses, with some offering deliveries up to 30 miles away. This level of accessibility has made it easier for customers in more remote areas or those with mobility issues to access cannabis without needing to travel to a dispensary. Delivery has proven to be especially helpful for individuals with disabilities or other conditions that make in-person shopping difficult.
The expansion of the digital market has been beneficial for cannabis businesses as well. Online operations often have lower overhead costs compared to brick-and-mortar stores, allowing companies to reinvest in technology and infrastructure to further develop their digital presence. This shift to e-commerce has allowed businesses to innovate in ways that were not previously possible in a traditional retail environment.
Another significant advantage of the online marketplace is its 24/7 accessibility. Unlike physical stores that have set hours of operation, online storefronts never close. This means that potential customers can browse and make purchases at any time, increasing the likelihood of attracting and retaining new customers. For cannabis brands, the ability to connect with consumers around the clock has proven to be a valuable asset in building brand loyalty and expanding their customer base.
The COVID-19 pandemic undeniably had a lasting impact on the cannabis industry, particularly in Arizona. While many sectors of the economy struggled to maintain consumer engagement, the cannabis industry thrived, generating over $1.4 billion in 2021. This growth can be attributed not only to the influx of recreational customers but also to the widespread adoption of online shopping.
Whether the trend toward online shopping continues to grow remains to be seen, but it seems likely that e-commerce will remain a key component of the cannabis industry. In a world increasingly driven by automation and technology, the convenience of online shopping is hard to beat.
However, no matter how advanced technology becomes, there will always be a place for the personalized recommendations and expertise of your local budtender. Their knowledge and guidance will continue to be an invaluable resource for cannabis consumers, ensuring that in-store shopping remains an essential part of the overall experience.
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GreenPharms is more than just a dispensary. We are a family-owned and operated company that cultivates, processes, and sells high-quality cannabis products in Arizona. Whether you are looking for medical or recreational marijuana, we have something for everyone. From flower, edibles, concentrates, and topicals, to accessories, apparel, and education, we offer a wide range of marijuana strains, products and services to suit your needs and preferences. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always ready to assist you and answer any questions you may have. Visit our dispensaries in Mesa and Flagstaff, or shop online and get your order delivered to your door. At GreenPharms, we are cultivating a different kind of care.
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