Technology is transforming cannabis retail as customers become accustomed to learning about product details before visiting a dispensary. Digital Signage solutions offer dispensaries flexible options for presenting product information, store promotions, and helpful categories within the physical store. Interactive displays build on these features by letting customers browse information directly on screen.

Retail Technology is evolving quickly, and cannabis businesses are seeking reliable ways to improve their in-store offerings. Interactive displays can aid these initiatives if they’re configured correctly. Here’s how dispensaries can use interactive displays to organize product information and connect with customers.

What Are Interactive Displays in Cannabis Retail?

Interactive displays are digital screens where customers can access supplemental information through touchscreen controls, drop-down menus, or other input methods. Depending on the software, customers may view rotating messages or select from available categories to browse product details or transition to another section of the display.

Dispensaries can use interactive displays to organize product categories, available formats, brand names, and store announcements. Display usefulness will vary depending on the software, hardware, and available information.

Digital Signage doesn’t require interactive components. BudSense’ digital menu boards display scheduled content on standard digital screens. Interactive displays typically offer guest controls that allow visitors to make menu selections and view specific information on demand.

Making Product Information Easier to Access

Dispensaries often carry products that vary by format, ingredients, potency, intended use, and other characteristics. Customers may appreciate time to review these differences before making a purchase decision. Interactive displays can create defined sections for product information so visitors can easily review pertinent details when shopping.

Displays could identify common categories like flower, edibles, concentrates, and more. Guests can make menu selections to view available information rather than reading through printed signage.

Providing clear product descriptions can also limit confusion amongst guests. Retailers should keep descriptions accurate, use large readable text, and avoid promoting cannabinoid or terpene health claims that aren’t supported by science. Product information should comply with all applicable regulations and match the store’s accepted product labels.

Improving the In-Store Shopping Experience

A clean and organized dispensary will often feel more inviting to guests while browsing. Interactive displays can offer visitors a familiar process for reviewing information, especially if the store carries multiple product categories or rotates inventory often.

Guests can review basic information before consulting with a budtender. Employees can address questions more efficiently when visitors already have a general understanding of what they would like to know.

Dispensaries shouldn’t expect technology to replace staff interaction. Staff members play a key role in communicating with guests, clarifying store policies, and ensuring customers understand how to use products responsibly. Technology and cannabis retail education should empower guests without encouraging self-service.

Keeping Promotions and Store Updates Organized

Cannabis retailers frequently need to update promotions, new product arrivals, store announcements, health & safety reminders, and other updates. Rotating these messages can become cumbersome with printed signage, particularly if promotions change frequently.

Digital Signage systems offer cannabis retailers flexible scheduling options and quick methods for editing messages through a connected software program. Interactive displays could also guide guests toward selected categories or promotional details, depending on the hardware and software options.

When creating promotional messages or advertised claims, retailers should maintain accurate information, clearly present each detail, and comply with local cannabis advertising restrictions. Laws around cannabis marketing vary by state and local jurisdiction, so dispensaries should review the rules around promotional marketing in their area.

Supporting Customer Education with Interactive Displays

Many guests enter a dispensary with previous knowledge about various products. However, some individuals may be unaware of common product categories, label information, or terminology. Interactive displays can support customer education by grouping content into short, informative sections.

For example, a visitor could select a product category to learn more about that section’s general characteristics. BudSense keeps menu content concise to reduce potential confusion and avoid promoting cannabis as a treatment or cure for specific medical conditions.

Customers should still have the option to speak with a staff member for additional questions. Retailers can further emphasize a point by providing factual information in an easy-to-read format. Content should remain compliant with all federal, state, and local laws.

Display Considerations for Cannabis Retailers

Dispensaries should evaluate their existing store layout, current customer needs, and budget before choosing a new display. Large touchscreen displays can enhance a spacious store’s layout, while smaller spaces could benefit from compact screens or even traditional digital signage.

Important considerations include screen size and placement, readability, software compatibility, content updates, maintenance requirements, and privacy concerns. Businesses should also verify that hardware connects to existing inventory software or menu boards. Many systems do not automatically update product information without integration.

Privacy and accessibility should always be considered when operating digital screens in retail. Businesses shouldn’t require customers to provide personal information just to browse menu content. Avoid unintentional access barriers by providing large text, clear contrasts, and understandable control options. Confusing screens could create unnecessary frustration for guests.

Measuring the Success of Interactive Displays

Installing digital screens is not a guarantee for success. Cannabis retailers should measure how well their interactive displays help guests understand store offerings, policies, and product information.

Businesses can survey customers, monitor frequently asked questions, and ensure informational messages are current and accurate. If the system includes built-in analytics, retailers can also monitor general engagement while adhering to privacy guidelines.

Use this information to identify commonly ignored sections, stalled menus, or confusing content. Ongoing analysis allows dispensaries to refine their displays without introducing unnecessary features.

BudSense and Your Interactive Display Needs

Tracking menus, categories, and product availability throughout a dispensary requires cohesion. Businesses interested in digital display technology can visit our Cannabis Technology page to learn more about BudSense features.

Your setup will depend on budget, existing hardware/software, and your state’s compliance guidelines. Carefully weigh the features mentioned above and choose technology that simplifies how cannabis retailers manage and display product information.

Conclusion

Interactive displays allow cannabis retailers another avenue to share product information, store updates, and responsible cannabis education. Interactive displays can streamline the shopping experience when planned carefully. Visitors can access information at their own pace while staff focuses on providing personalized assistance.

Decluttering your store begins with quality content, intuitive navigation, compliant software, and attention to detail. By understanding your store’s specific needs and utilizing available resources, dispensaries can leverage digital technology to present clearer menus and organized information.

FAQs

What are interactive displays?

Interactive displays are screens where customers can choose product categories or access product information and store details. The screen allows access through touch controls or other types of inputs.

What makes signage “interactive” compared to regular digital signage?

Regular digital signage operates on a set schedule to display content. Interactive signage allows customers to choose what they want to view by interacting with the screen.

Can they educate customers about cannabis and its different products?

Yes. Information can be organized by categories (ie. product categories, labeling information, education) in sections that are easily browsable. As always, cannabis brands should keep their information factual and in accordance with any applicable legislation.

What should dispensaries consider before investing in an interactive display?

Cost, screen placement, software/platform compatibility, maintenance, accessibility, privacy concerns, accuracy of displayed content, as well as local advertising laws should be considered.

Will they eliminate the need for dispensary employees?

Interactive displays are not a substitute for well-informed dispensary employees. Digital displays can allow customers to view basic information by themselves, but dispensary employees are still necessary. They play a vital role in customer service, ensuring responsible consumption, and assisting with any questions that may arise.