Verano Reimagines Cannabis Retail with Bodega-Style Store in Phoenix

PHOENIX – Verano Holdings Corp., a Chicago-based multistate Cannabis operator, introduced a novel retail concept with its “bodega-style” dispensary at the Zen Leaf Phoenix-Cave Creek location. This innovative store offers a new take on the Cannabis shopping experience, blending accessibility with a familiar, neighborhood vibe.

Unlike traditional dispensaries where customers interact with budtenders at a counter, Verano’s bodega-style setup allows patrons to browse Cannabis products freely, much like in a conventional retail store. Shoppers can pick up packages, examine labels, and review details like THC and CBD content or terpene profiles at their own pace.

“It makes it less intimidating,” said Robert Cohen, Verano’s Executive Vice President of retail. “Customers aren’t pressured into a conversation at the counter.”

The Phoenix store also incorporates sniff jars in markets where permitted, offering a sensory experience similar to opening a fresh package of flower. However, challenges like product stability and hygiene have prompted Verano to explore alternatives, such as scratch-and-sniff postcards, to maintain quality and safety.

Verano’s move aligns with broader industry trends, as Cannabis retailers nationwide experiment with new models to boost sales and customer engagement. The bodega-style concept reflects the company’s commitment to evolving with consumer preferences, fostering a welcoming environment for both newcomers and seasoned users. With operations in 14 states and 150 dispensaries, Verano continues to expand its footprint, including the acquisition of assets in Arizona and Virginia from The Cannabist Co. for $105 million last August.

As Arizona’s Cannabis market matures, Verano’s Zen Leaf Phoenix-Cave Creek stands out as a bold experiment in retail innovation. By merging the laid-back charm of a neighborhood bodega with the sophistication of a premium dispensary, Verano is redefining how Phoenicians connect with Cannabis, making it as approachable as a corner store run.