SQDC stores will get a makeover, but don’t want to be too ‘cool’

A preview of what the SQDC's new stores will look like. (courtesy of the SQDC)

After six years in business and over 100 stores across the province, the Société québécoise du cannabis (SQDC) is making significant changes to how its retail locations feel. Starting later this month, the provincial cannabis retailer is rolling out a new store concept designed to make customers feel more at ease when shopping for cannabis.

According to Geneviève Giroux, Vice President of Supply and Marketing at the SQDC, the goal is clear: “We want to make sure that consumers coming to the SQDC feel welcome and comfortable in the environment where they’re shopping.”

However, the focus isn’t on making the stores trendy, said Giroux.

“We don’t want to banalize the product, and we don’t want to be a ‘cool’ store,” she added.

The first of these redesigned stores will open in Sainte-Julie, just east of Montreal, on Jan. 27. The new layout emphasizes an open space, replacing traditional long counters and lines in front of cash registers.

“The purpose of the open space is to bring the advisors and the clients closer together,” Giroux said.

In this new setup, SQDC employees will walk with customers through the store, showing them the available products, all of which will be displayed on the walls. While touching the merchandise is still not allowed, the new design aims to make it easier for customers to learn more about the products.

“There will also be areas for more confidential discussions between customers and advisors about what they’re looking for in terms of experience,” Giroux noted before adding that the redesign comes in response to feedback from customers who have visited SQDC locations.

On top of the larger redesigns, smaller stores in smaller communities will also be opening, starting in Montmagny, about 45 minutes from Quebec City. These changes are part of the SQDC’s broader strategy to keep more Quebecers from turning to the illegal cannabis market.

With these updates, the SQDC hopes to create a shopping experience that is not only more welcoming but also more informative for its customers.