Since Canada first passed the Cannabis Act in 2017, regulating private use and possession of the substance, in addition to the supervision of retail sales, the local retail landscape has seen a significant change. The new dynamic subsequently spawned Kiaro, a cannabis retailer based in Vancouver which specifically targets the the recreational adult-use market. Founded by Daniel Petrov, the company offers a sophisticated shopping experience both online and in its well-designed stores, and it’s one that easily puts Amsterdam‘s much longer established network of coffeeshops to shame. The company’s latest endeavour is a flagship store at home base Vancouver, situated on the bustling Kingsway thoroughfare in the rapidly gentrifying Kensington-Cedar Cottage area of town.
Sandwiched in between typical neighbourhood businesses, such as a hair salon and a laundromat, the Kiaro flagship stands out with a stylish lack façade and large opaque windows adorned with an understated graphic which outlines its name, and signals the clean and understated setting which can be found inside. The 1,670 sq.ft. (155 sqm.) space is designed by the company’s in-house design team and sees wooden flooring paired with a whitewashed ceiling and walls. On one side, floor-to-ceiling wooden shelving lines the wall, and directly opposite, a number of matching honeycomb-shaped displays with graphic markings can be found. Mind you, some of the displays are equipped with self-service computer stations connected to Kiaro’s inventory, enabling customers to order directly.
The sales counter sits in the corner, using wooden wall panels with recessed shelving and large screens as a backdrop. Given the specific merchandise and its purpose, the Kiaro flagship store has also been designed as a peaceful sanctuary of sorts, and a relaxing seating area right by the window is readily available to sit back and take in the offerings. And speaking of which, the new Kiaro outpost stocks a diverse range of cannabis products and accessories, including dried flower, pre-rolls, tinctures and capsules, and it’ll further expand as new product categories, such as edibles, enter the regulated market. All products are sourced from safe, reputable, and last but not least, licensed suppliers, including Aurora, Canopy Growth and Tilray.
Kiaro
1316 Kingsway (Kensington-Cedar Cottage)
Vancouver BC V5V 3E4
Telephone: +1 604 5664444
Daily 10-8
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