Exclusive data from a new, commissioned survey Swedenprovides cannabis retailers with critical information on customer behavior at the height of the critical Q4 season. Evidence shows that AI-powered digital amenities combined with expert budtender recommendations lead to a more profitable and loyal customer experience.

A survey found that 86% of cannabis consumers would be loyal to a particular dispensary if it offered personalized recommendations. Across the cannabis industry, personalized recommendations are becoming more tailored and specific thanks to advances in AI-powered retail software – such as Sweed’s all-in-one intelligent platform – that connects both shopper and shopper with useful information for each individual customer.

The survey also shows that digital convenience is very important to consumers, with 71% of customers saying they enjoy shopping with in-store kiosks and screens, such as Sweed’s new AI-powered display. Other digital tools also play an important role, as the survey found that 75% prefer easy one-click order changes, 72% want the ability to pre-order online, and 67% say delivery options are very important.

Data from the Sweed Shopper Survey gives cannabis retailers a clear picture of what to think about heading into the holiday season.

A survey commissioned by c Swedenby the leading enterprise retail technology platform for the cannabis industry, was conducted to provide cannabis retailers with valuable data to consider and implement ahead of the industry’s important shopping holiday, Green Wednesday, which has historically been one of the most profitable and competitive times in the industry. The survey found that about half, 45% of cannabis users (or about 50 million adults) plan to stock up or make special trips to the dispensary on Green Wednesday.

The survey results underscore the growing trend toward personalization-driven cannabis consumer loyalty. This trend reflects the huge leaps that dispensaries have begun to offer AI-based tools, using customer information to offer product recommendations that most accurately reflect shoppers’ interests.

Sweed is considered a pioneer in cannabis retail in combining AI-powered customer insights with effective customer interactions, using data to personalize recommendations, promotions and ultimately better inform shoppers. Sweed bridging the gap between AI tools and the trusted expertise of local developers is important as AI does not completely replace the value of expert project developers. According to survey data, cannabis retailers must offer both best-in-class digital amenities and budtender experiences to win over customers:

• Nearly 9 in 10 (88%) cannabis consumers purchase their products through dispensaries, and the budtender experience plays a key role in shaping both purchasing choices and brand loyalty.
• 3 out of 4 (76%) dispensary shoppers say that the experience and advice of a specialist directly influences what they buy.
  • This is especially true of Gen Z and Millennials (78%), who are more likely than older generations to rely on these recommendations (versus 73% of Gen X and Boomers).
• About 9 out of 10 (85%) dispensary shoppers would return to the same dispensary because of the experienced dispensaries.

Building customer loyalty and increasing customer value has historically been a challenge for cannabis retailers, but Sweed’s survey shows how promotions and pricing can help dispensaries retain customers and increase their lifetime value (LTV), especially during critical shopping moments (such as Green Wednesday):

• 89% of cannabis customers said they would be more likely to be a repeat customer if the dispensary offered competitive prices.
• 86% said loyalty or rewards programs would also motivate repeat visits.
• When it comes to what drives purchases, the top motivators are promotions and deals:
  • 77% report that promotions influence their choice of dispensary.
  • 78% say they are encouraged to try new brands or products.
  • 75% indicate they increase their order size during sales.
  • 79% report that discounts even change when they shop, such as shopping early or shopping around a holiday.

“Green Wednesday is one of the biggest cannabis retail moments of the year, and the results of our survey make it clear that retailers who use smarter digital tools and know how to run effective promotions will benefit the most,” said Sweed co-founder Rocco del Prioro. “At Sweed, we’re proud to lead the way with an AI-powered platform that helps dispensaries activate every step of the cannabis revenue optimization flywheel, from increasing reach and enhancing the experience to accelerating sales and driving repeat business. Our mission is to help dispensaries turn moments like Green Wednesday into real growth and long-term customer loyalty.”

Exclusive survey data was commissioned by SWEED Wired researcha trusted third-party consulting firm specializing in one-on-one surveys to study the habits and opinions of average Americans.

More information about the survey can be found at: www.sweedpos.com/resources/help-updates/blog/the-modern-cannabis-retail-roadmap-how-to-win-every-step-of-the-customer-journey.