Customer options aplenty at The Green Nugget

Because not everyone wants to chat. And that’s OK with the staff at The Green Nugget, a store in north Spokane, who wants to make the cannabis shopping experiences easy and convenient for people who have no idea where to start, and equally easy for people who know exactly what they want. “If you want to talk to a budtender about everything in the place, you can do that,” said Manager Megan Roberts. “Or if you want to get in, get what you need, and get out, you can do that too.” Visitors in the first category are always encouraged to take their time learning about the more than 2,000 items available from 170 producers/processors from around Washington. The Green Nugget has the largest inventory and retail showroom in Eastern Washington, and its move to a new location last summer makes it even easier to browse. Alternately, shoppers in the second category can pre-order online through the store site, and then pick up their order in an express line. The shop recently became part of Leafly Pickup, another method that provides an online directory for pre-orders. Online customers can also indicate when they want to come in to get their goodies. “We have everything from items from Tier 1 farms to the bigger farms, whatever customers like,” said Marketing Director Martina Graves. “We also have a wide variety of price points, so everyone can always find what they need.” The shop’s 30 budtenders are always eager to help customers find the best cannabis for their life and lifestyle, whether they’re seeking something they hope can ease their aches and pains or just feel a little better. “We have a lot of a staff, so there’s a personality for everyone,” Graves said. “We make sure everyone always has a great experience, and our budtenders always offer plenty of patience and smiles. We try to find people who are naturally positive.” The Green Nugget opened four years ago on Francis Avenue near Market Street, but moved closer to Division Street in summer 2018. Owner Scott O’Neil put substantial effort into renovating a former medical supply and medical gas shop into a location with a large showroom along with an equally large storage area. The new location is 3,500 square feet larger than the previous location. O’Neil made sure there was room for lots of product, plus enough space so it never becomes crowded or cluttered. “Scott designed everything himself, including offices, and then gutted everything that was here before to make room for the showroom,” said Sean Fitzgerald, another store manager. He said customers are enjoying the new look, including the string lights on the ceiling, the glass cases and custom décor. Along with the new look and more ordering options, staff is always looking for ways to get customers excited to come back. Roberts said The Green Nugget wants to be known as a place for memorable vendor days, where producer/processor partners don’t just have fun but share what makes their products special and different ways to enjoy them. “We have vendors days almost every day, maybe 6-7 times a week,” Robert said. “We all like it when the vendors come to educate.” All year round, The Green Nugget hosts a Wellness Day every other Sunday, where shoppers can learn about products that may be able to help pain and other conditions, as well as offering discounts on certain products like higher-CBD items. Once a month, it also holds Dank Dayz that includes blow-out sales, all day vendor meet-and-greets, and other fun elements. Vendors may even offer additional discounts beyond store sales. “Customers have really started getting used to these and looking forward to them,” Fitzgerald said. Other improvements are on their way. “We’re inviting people to sign up for our loyalty club, which includes text alerts,” Graves said. “We’re also going to let shoppers tell us what they like and vote for their favorite product, so we’ll make sure we have it.”