THCA Flower. Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios Charlotte
The once-mobile Happy Camper brand now has a storefront in Optimist Park with edibles, flowers, and other legal cannabis options.
Its new brick-and-mortar is located at 2017 N Davidson St., across from The Hobbyist and The Degenerate.
Background: Owner Michael Angelicola launched the popular local dispensary through a mobile camper to meet people where they are.
- You’ve probably recognized their 1960s vintage Shasta Camper at events like the Charlotte Gaymers Network, OMB Christmas Market and pop-ups at the Music Yard.
- They will offer two more mobile campers that’ll allow them to still pop up at events around the city but their primary focus for the next few months will be the storefront.
Why it matters: Happy Camper aims to educate people in the community about the uses of hemp.
- Your average person may not know the difference between Indica or sativa labels so Angelicola plans to create labels with a variety of smiley-faced logos that’ll make understanding the effects of consuming products effortless. An index map will describe each item to know what type of experience you’d want.
- “It’s easy to connect with an icon. It’s not necessarily easy to connect with a text line. We’re trying to make everything with our brand, very easy to endure and process,” Angelicola said.
Inventory: This location will have a range of products from THCA flowers, vapes, edibles and CBD items.
- Other featured items include CBD-infused dog treats, topicals, and intimacy kits.
- They plan to incorporate more of their own branded products in the coming months that’ll include edibles and apparel.
- You can also purchase previewed items from other small businesses like Plant Therapy.
- After purchasing an item, customers can choose to let a portion of their profits be used to support local nonprofits in the area.
Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Vibe: The space was designed to be inviting and laid back so people will not only come to shop but stick around and hang out.
- It’s filled with furniture and decor from Slate Interiors to achieve a vintage look that was similar to their original camper.
- They’re also working on creating a consumption lounge for people to try products.
- “We’re not product-focused. This space is energy and vibe-focused,” Angelicola explained.
Photo: Alexis Clinton/Axios
Hours: The store will be open daily from 12-7 pm and also offer an option for pickup.
- The option for pick-up allows people to grab items from a locker outside of the store after hours.
- Angelicola tells us they are working on ways to offer a delivery service by the end of 2023.
What’s next: More Happy Camper locations will open across the city.
- He hopes to open a store in South End and Ballantyne in the next couple of years.
