Retailers face a similar choice to provinces, except they have to balance potential revenue losses against the potential disaster of their workforce falling ill. Canopy announced on Tuesday it would temporarily close 23 of its Tokyo Smoke and Tweed stores across Canada.
- Canopy encouraged employees and their communities to “flatten the curve” and said the company was shifting to e-commerce.
MJ Biz Daily, BNN Bloomberg - These closures only affect stores owned directly by the company–five independently operated Tokyo Smoke and Tweed franchises may choose to remain open.
Twitter–MattPMaurer
Fire & Flower quickly followed Canopy’s lead and announced closures at seven Alberta locations and reduced hours at other stores. The next day the company announced stores in Ottawa and Kingston will only have products available via click-and-collect: online order and pickup.
- Superette also initially closed its Ottawa store before moving to click-and-collect.
Twitter–@superette_shop
Independent REC retailer Ryan Roch, of Alberta’s Lake City Cannabis, discussed his fear and uncertainty for his store on Twitter and called for the AGLC to allow REC retailers to temporarily move to delivery to reduce transmission risks.
Twitter–LakeCityCanna
- Pineapple Express stressed it had masks, gloves, alcohol wipes, and hand-sanitizer for all its delivery drivers.
Twitter–PXDelivery, WhatsMyPot
Quick Hits
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Edmonton police have cracked down on illicit online REC sales and said they have seized and taken down 100 websites. Critics noted that won’t do much to prevent illicit online sales.
CBC Edmonton, Twitter—@WhatsMyPot
