Cannabis N.B. expanding with new stores and private partners

After five years of legalized sales, Cannabis N.B. continues to evolve.

"We're very excited to continue to see expansion and really excited about these new stores opening up in the coming weeks," said CEO Lori Stickles.

Three new corporate stores will open — on Queen Street in Fredericton, Germain Street in Saint John and Mountain Road in Moncton — and a new private store will open in Saint Andrews.

While the first generation of corporate stores have been large boutiques with staff behind counters, the new locations will be smaller. 

The one in Saint John is about 800 square feet, she said.

"We're learning a lot as we grow.

"We can continue to deliver all the things that we're known for — which is the experience and bringing the portfolio that our customers want — but doing it in a much more cost-effective way."

The opening of the Saint Andrews store will mark the ninth private retail affiliate, said Stickles, in addition to six farm-gate locations — where local producers also have storefronts.

These are serving to fill in some of the more rural areas of the province and "really helping combat the illicit market," she said.

"We really want to be in the places where illegal stores are today," said Stickles.

"As long as there's illegal stores, there's a market for legal."

Another way the Crown corporation aims to reach more customers in the future is through on-site consumption opportunities.

That could take many forms, said Stickles.

Some farm-gate partners are interested in hosting events, such as concerts and food pairings, she said.