Tokyo Smoke blows across Toronto

It is perhaps a measure of the way that cannabis has become mainstream and the success that those retailing it enjoy that a branch of Toronto-born Tokyo Smoke has just opened on the city’s Bloor Street.

This is one of the more expensive locations in North America in which to set up shop and the new store reflects its generally upscale location with an interior that looks rather more like a posh pharmacy or accessories outpost than a place selling, for example, cannabis infused chocolate (“Perfect for Valentine’s Day”, as the marketing had it last week).

The store design palette is as rarefied as its setting would imply with a quasi-minimalist take having been applied that involves micro spots and a circular white neon fixture overhead, a high gloss resin floor and light grey and plain wood mid-shop fixturing. Green plants and an office reception style sofa and chairs complete the picture with the majority of the stock located on modules around the perimeter where the neutral fit-out allows it to come to prominence.

Whatever your thoughts on the ethics of retailing cannabis, there can be little denying that selling the product, in a variety of forms, has come of age across the Pond.

Source: John Ryan, Retail Expert