Happy Valleys open for business

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This article was published 26/11/2021 (1574 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Heads up, North Kildonan. There’s a new pot shop in town.

On Nov. 22, Happy Valleys Cannabis quietly opened the doors at 2-1115 Gateway Rd. 

“This is Happy Valleys’ first store, with plans to open more around the city and outside the city,” said marketing manager Ian Gibb. “This is the flagship store, and we’re going to open up others.”

“There is a ‘Happy Valley’ chain in the States,” added general manager Lindsey Pfiefer. “But no, we’re local.”

Owners Dave and George Asprey and Mike Kalic are hoping to position Happy Valleys Cannabis as a ‘made in Manitoba’ option for recreational cannabis with friendly, knowledgeable staff.

“A lot of people come into cannabis stores with no idea what they’re looking at,” Pfiefer said. “It can be overwhelming.”

Currently, Happy Valleys has a staff of 14. 

“Our staff is exceptionally knowledgeable on the retail side, as well as the production, growing and cultivation side,” Gibb said.

“There’s a nice balance of knowledge,” Pfiefer added. “And for us, customer service is key. I had a hair salon for 25 years. Transitioning from that kind of customer service is beneficial, because we’re all focused on how we can help people. If they don’t need help, cool, go ahead and browse.”

While Happy Valleys’ selection of indica, sativa, and hybrid products is comparable to other cannabis retailers, Pfiefer said where they hope to distinguish themselves is their selection of CBD, or cannabidiol, products.

“We have the widest selection of CBD in the city,” Gibb said. “I’m claiming that now!”

“Most retailers I’ve gone into will have a couple, but a lot of people are seeking it out for health and wellness,” Pfiefer said. “My mom, my aunties, women who have not used cannabis their entire lives have heard of the benefits of CBD, things that will give you those relaxation benefits without the high.”

Happy Valleys Cannabis is also hoping its long hours of operation will provide customers with ample opportunity to stop by. 

“We’re up early, we’re open late,” Gibb said.

Currently, the store is open 8 a.m. to midnight, Monday through Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays.

“Our sellable hours are longer than most retailers,” Pfiefer noted. “We’ll keep these hours at least until Christmas, and see how it goes.”

For more information, visit happyvalleys.ca

Sheldon Birnie
Community Journalist

Sheldon Birnie is a reporter/photographer for the Free Press Community Review. The author of Missing Like Teeth: An Oral History of Winnipeg Underground Rock (1990-2001), his writing has appeared in journals and online platforms across Canada, the U.S. and the U.K. A husband and father of two young children, Sheldon enjoys playing guitar and rec hockey when he can find the time. Email him at sheldon.birnie@freepress.mb.ca Call him at 204-697-7112

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