Starbuds will officially open its doors to the people of Lake Country and the Okanagan on Saturday at 9 a.m. The districtѻýs first recreational cannabis store will offer 46 different strains, CBD oil, capsules and seeds for purchase.
The locally-owned retail outlet emphasizes their focus on local, marketing director Dan Winer said during the storeѻýs soft launch on Friday afternoon.
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ѻýWe try to focus on the local community because we feel weѻýre in the centre of the best cannabis in the world,ѻý he said. ѻýIt is B.C. bud, weѻýre in the heart of the Okanagan and we want to claim that moniker and carry that torch with some level of respect and grace.ѻý
The shop is owned by two Lake Country locals who are more than excited to open up to their friends and neighbours on Saturday.
ѻýCeline (Fitzgerald) and Gavin (Meehan) have worked their tails off,ѻý Winer said. ѻýThey have literally put their whole lives into opening this store.ѻý
The whole company is based out of the Okanagan, Winer said. The CEO lives in Lake Country and the store focuses on promoting local products, including three locally-grown strains by Flowr.
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ѻýThere is something appealing about being in the Okanagan. There is something appealing about having a company and being able to live and work in the Okanagan,ѻý Winer said.
Winer said the soft opening Friday was for special guests only.
ѻýWe invited the District of Lake Country council,ѻý Winer said. ѻýWe wanted to say thank you to them for listening to us a second time and believing in what we were doing.ѻý
Penticton city council, loyal brand followers and friends and family of the employees were also invited, as Starbuds hopes to open its next shop in the southern Okanagan.
ѻýWe want to show them what the experience is all about,ѻý he said.
Customers will be able to speak to staff about the variety of products and they will be able to sniff and really investigate the product before making a purchase.
Winer said there are even self-serve ѻýbuddy systemsѻý in place that clients can use for a more solo-shopping experience.
ѻýItѻýs been a long journey,ѻý co-owner Meehan said. ѻýBut the day is here now.ѻý
Caitlin.clow@kelownacapnews.com
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