A global pandemic has just shut down the city of Las Vegas. This is an unprecedented historic moment where everyone is having the same reactions. Beyond the fear of the virus itself, of which there are so many unknowns, is the question of resources. Our basic needs are (mostly) met, but what about this, that and…. oh YES. How could you forget – Cannabis!
“People absolutely needed cannabis more than ever during those crucial stressful weeks,” says Apothecary Shoppe Manager, Gina Watson. “First there was a mad rush of customers trying to make it in before midnight on the night of the Governor’s order. Then the phone started ringing off the hook and hasn’t stopped since.”
Luckily, cannabis, and not just medical cannabis, was declared essential by the governor’s order. The only stipulation was that it must be delivery only. The team went right to work putting together a plan.
“We didn’t have a delivery service going at the time of the shutdown because it was only allowed to private residences, and due to the nature and location of our business, the majority of inquiries we had was for tourists at local hotels,” says Libby Hornschemeier, Senior Director of Operations and Financial Controls. “But we had a staff full of dedicated employees who were willing to pivot and become drivers, call center operators, whatever it took.”
“I think the thing I am most proud of is that we never skipped a beat,” says Watson. “Every day I would go in and put in 12, 13, 14 hours… I did if for the staff. I wanted to get as many people I could back to work as soon as possible. We had targets to reach to do that.”
Getting product in the hands of the customer was the most important goal. Although Las Vegas has seen recreational cannabis thrive since 2017, The Apothecary Shoppe does have medical roots that they are proud of.
“People are seeking the cannabis plant’s effects for basic alleviations, such as stress relief, sleep aid, and appetite stimulant. I find this to be the case whether they have a medical card or not. And during this time of crisis, it made me feel good to be able to bring this small relief, quickly to the doors of stressed Las Vegans,” says Watson.
“I really liked getting to know the city,” says The Apothecary Shoppe veteran Greg Golonka. “I’ve lived here over 25 years and there were still streets I didn’t know about, or neighborhoods I hadn’t seen. And the people were good to us. I’m glad I was able to do it.”
“I think I can say I have worn every hat possible around here now,” says Casey Silvas, although a hat would hide her signature red mohawk. Casey is the Cultivation facility’s Operations Coordinator but spent weeks during the shutdown delivering to local homes, picking up phones, and putting in orders. She is one of the shop’s longest standing employees, along with Anthony Tenorio, who turned from being budtender to mobile “guide”.
“All of the employees stepped up and have never hesitated to do what it takes. And I am proud of them for that,” says Hornschemeier.
Through all recent strategic efforts, The Apothecary Shoppe has garnered some notable successes as of-late, with September deliveries averaging about 13% of their overall business; having completed over 1130+ deliveries in total. Additionally, the store has been able to offer patients over 100 new products, since this past March.
The Apothecary Shoppe now offers expedited delivery service, 7 days a week, from 9am-9pm and is open to the public following new state mandates. Receive your order within 6 hours of placing it, with no delivery fee or visit us in store for outstanding service. Call us at 702-740-4372.
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4240 W Flamingo Rd #100,
Las Vegas, NV 89103
