John McLeod, co-founder of Cloud Cannabis Co., has announced plans to invest approximately $1 million to open a new dispensary in Grand Rapids. The dispensary will be located in a former credit union office on the city's northeast side. McLeod acquired the property, located at 600 Plymouth Ave. NE, on February 1st, 2023, and intends to transform it into a processing and retail facility operating under The Bloomery brand.
McLeod, who sold Cloud Cannabis Co.'s 11 retail stores to Stash Ventures earlier this year, now serves as the director of new markets for The Bloomery. As one of Michigan's largest cannabis retailers, Cloud Cannabis Co.'s sale marked a significant shift in McLeod's career, leading him to focus on new ventures.
The new Grand Rapids location presents a unique challenge due to its relatively small size of 2,500 square feet. "We really wouldn't look at a store this size, but we just feel it's a unique opportunity in an area not served by cannabis," McLeod stated. He emphasized the need for creativity and efficient use of space, given that only 625 square feet can be allocated for retail operations due to the property's industrial zoning.
The plan for the dispensary has already received special land use approval from the city. The remaining space will be utilized for processing activities. The dispensary, potentially branded as a "Bloomery Express" or an outlet-style store, will undergo significant renovations, including the removal of an existing vault. Metric Structures, a Grand Rapids-based company, will oversee the project as both the owner's representative and general contractor. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
McLeod expressed his enthusiasm for expanding The Bloomery's presence in Grand Rapids. "We love Grand Rapids, the people, and the city, so it was important for us to get another store there after we sold the Cloud stores," he said. He highlighted the importance of adaptability in the ever-evolving cannabis industry.
This investment is part of McLeod's ongoing commitment to the West Michigan cannabis market. Besides his role at The Bloomery, McLeod also heads new markets for Mitten Distro, a grow and processing facility in Kalamazoo. Despite fluctuating cannabis prices, retail sales continue to show slight growth year over year, encouraging further investment in the industry.
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