Leading Las Vegas cannabis retailer and destination Planet 13 has adapted to the coronavirus crisis by refocusing its business on ecommerce and deliveries.
The venue typically welcomes thousands of visitors each day. They are greeted by 15-foot high LED lotus flowers and they can then enjoy an aerial orb show, interactive floors, 3D art, interactive laser art, and much more, making it a vast entertainment destination.
It recently opened a café, an event space and a public-facing cannabis production facility, while the retail store has been going from strength to strength. It served an average of around 1,900 customers per day in 2019, at an average ticket price greater than $90. Planet 13 then achieved record revenue in January and served 2,200 customers per day at an average ticket price of $100 in February.
That business will now nosedive as the famous Las Vegas strip is deserted. Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak shut down all casinos as part of a statewide measure to try to contain the coronavirus, which has infected more than 50 Nevadans.
Casinos have put yellow tape around their entrances and Vegas has become a ghost town. The usual stream of tourists Planet 13 receives has turned into a feeble trickle, so it has had to adapt-.
The superstore is now offering expanded online ordering and delivery services to help Nevada residents manage their daily health and wellness needs.
“We encourage all Nevada residents who rely on Planet 13 to utilize our online ordering express pickup or delivery options to limit interactions and practice social distancing,” said co-chief executives Larry Scheffler and Bob Groesbeck. They added that workers were given extensive health and safety training.
Essential businesses are allowed to maintain operations under temporary regulations designed to contain the spread of the coronavirus and COVID-19, the disease it causes. Casinos are not considered essential and Nevada is set for an economic blow due to its reliance on tourism.
However, marijuana businesses are considered essential in the Silver State, allowing operators like Planet 13 to continue serving local customers in innovative ways.
Planet 13 said it is well-capitalized to weather this period of volatility, as it has $16 million cash on hand.
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