A leading name in the industry across four states, Story recently opened a new chapter in Cleveland with a fresh, open-layout dispensary experience that Ohio patients and consumers have likely not seen before. Located at 6400 Brook Park Road in Parma next to the ba Sweetie candy company, the dispensary took over the old Cane’s Auto building.
In a recent interview with Nicholas Kissinger, General Manager of Story in Cleveland, MedicateOH delved into what makes this new dispensary stand out in a growing market.
Open-Concept Layout: Improved Customer Experience and Accessibility
From the moment you walk into the Story Cannabis dispensary in Cleveland, you are greeted with an open-concept layout that is both inviting and easy to navigate, Kissinger explained. Unlike other state dispensaries with stark waiting rooms, mantraps, and restricted access, Story’s leadership team took advantage of updated adult-use regulations that allow for more welcoming and approachable store layouts. “When a customer or medical patient walks in, they are right on the sales floor,” Kissinger explained.
While products themselves are still stored in the back of the store, customers can walk in and see packages and displays to get more specific information as they shop. The dispensary also prioritizes accessibility, with dedicated handicap parking and a brand-new ramp for easy entry.
Convenient Dispensary Location for Parma Residents
Story Cannabis is strategically situated in a high-traffic area, making it easily accessible to residents of Parma and surrounding neighborhoods. With five lanes of constant traffic on Brook Park Road, the location will be handy for both Parma-local and customers just passing through the area. Currently, Story Cannabis is the only dispensary within an 11-mile radius, offering a convenient option for those who previously had to travel to downtown Cleveland or Lakewood for their cannabis.
Diverse Product Selection and Procurement
Story Cannabis takes pride in offering a diverse and high-quality product selection. Leveraging its established presence in Cincinnati, the dispensary aims to introduce up north brands like Pure Ohio Wellness and King City Gardens that are more accessible to consumers in the southern parts of Ohio. “We are bringing a product selection up north that a lot of our Cleveland dispensaries haven’t seen,” Kissinger shared. The procurement team works closely with cultivators to ensure a fresh and relevant inventory, while customer feedback plays a key role in shaping the product lineup.
Medical Discounts and Veteran Benefits
All adults are now welcome to shop , but Story Cannabis is particularly committed to supporting its medical patients and veterans. Veterans enjoy a 35 percent discount. “We are able to offer them a 35 percent discount, which is definitely higher than most in the area,” Kissinger emphasized. This discount is available to all veterans, regardless of whether they hold a medical card, as long as they provide proper identification.
Medical Patients Prioritized in Line
To enhance the customer experience, Story Cannabis has implemented a streamlined queuing system. Medical patients are prioritized, followed by those with online express orders, and then adult-use (recreational) customers. This ensures that medical patients receive the attention they need without long wait times. “Even on our busiest peak days, we’re able to maintain our wait times to be very minimal,” Kissinger assured.
Staff Training and Customer Service
The team at Story Cannabis in Cleveland is a blend of industry experts and customer service professionals from diverse backgrounds, including retail and hospitality. Kissinger highlighted the importance of hiring staff with strong people skills, stating, “I just don’t want people from the industry, because I think that the care and the experience really comes from people who have been dealing with traditional retail.” The budtending staff undergoes extensive training, including tours of cultivator facilities, to ensure they are knowledgeable and passionate about the products they offer.
Deals and Promotions
Cleveland’s new Story Cannabis has daily sales and promotions tailored to both medical and non-medical customers. Discounts range from 10 percent to 30 percent across various categories and brands. The dispensary’s website is regularly updated to reflect current promotions and product availability, making it easy for customers to plan their visits.
Cash-Only Policy and ATM Options
As with many dispensaries, Story Cannabis operates on a cash-only basis. To accommodate customers, the dispensary offers two ATM options on-site, with a transparent $3 fee. It’s a quick and easy process, said Kissinger. “Our budtenders will ring up the transaction, let them know exactly what it is, and send them over to the ATM.”
Community Engagement and Hiring
Story Cannabis is deeply invested in the Cleveland community and is actively hiring for its growing team. With plans to open a second location in Steelyard Commons by the end of the year, the dispensary is looking for passionate individuals to join its ranks. “I’m hungry for people who have great work ethic, great attitude, and a passion for cannabis,” Kissinger said.
Operational Hours and Customer Support
Story Cannabis in Parma is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a commitment to serving customers even if you walk in at the last minute. “We will be there until nine o’clock every day,” Kissinger affirmed. For those with questions or feedback, the team is readily available via phone or email, ensuring a responsive and supportive experience.
Have questions for Story Cannabis Cleveland before your visit? Ask on their website or contact them at (234) 382-1393.
Order ahead to save time at: https://storycannabis.com/shop/ohio/shop-brookpark-6400/
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