The weGrow, Hydroponic Superstore (garden centers), cater specifically to customers who have been granted permission to grow their own weed.
Marijuana isn’t sold in the stores, but the stores carry all of the weed-growing essentials, including Kushi Kush and Big Bud, (fertilizers that promise large, healthy marijuana plants); growth systems; and light ballasts to produce large homegrown weed plants.
Justin Jorgensen, vice president of operations for franchises, tells rolling out that business is blooming, and his company is looking to expand to more markets.
“We’re expanding to Tempe, Ariz., Portland, Ore., and at some point down the line, in Southern and Central California,” Jorgensen says. “We’re from Northern California, and it makes it easier for us right now if we stay close to our partners and our franchisees, so that we can ensure that everything happens legally and professionally.”
Jorgensen adds, “we’re looking at some stuff back East, but not down South, just yet.”
The weGrow business model is designed to educate customers; once customers show a valid doctor’s recommendation, they are allowed to shop for materials to grow their own medical marijuana. “We will openly talk to customers, who have the recommendation, on how to properly grow their medication,” Jorgensen explains.
Today, weGrow is widely considered the “Walmart of Weed,” and Jorgensen is OK with that.
“It’s an interesting illustration because our first location [Oakland, Calif.] is 15,000 square feet; and the second one [Sacramento, Calif.] is 10,000-feet,” Jorgensen states. “Traditionally, the hydroponic stores are 1,000 to 1,500 square feet. There’s a certain level of value a customer is able to get due to us selling in quantity, we do have a lot of products, and it’s a big facility. So, people call us the ‘Walmart of Weed.’ ”
The stores would benefit the surrounding communities, Jorgensen says. “The medical marijuana industry has been around for awhile, and the economy in it is good for a lot of cities. This is something that could help the local economy with taxes.”
Franchisees are wanted, and, according to their website, “our business model will provide you with turnkey support services, from purchasing inventory, to hiring staff, to increasing sales volumes and profitability.”
Apparently, weGrow is a recession-proof start-up — as you read this, weGrow is transitioning the Oakland location from a retail store to a distribution facility for franchisees.
“Business is good; it’s growing in the industry we’re in,” Jorgensen chuckles. “We’re definitely in a growing business.”
