Turn down the unassuming corner of Bowery and 3rd Street and land upon Gotham— New York City’s first cannabis lifestyle store and gallery space slash licensed dispensary. Contrary to most dispensaries, Gotham places a particular emphasis on cannabis-related lifestyle products, accessories, and art, putting the spotlight on its retail space before diving into its dispensary offerings. En route to the cannabis section, patrons traverse a vast retail and gallery space showcasing an artfully curated selection of products, covering everything from fashion, fragrance, and skincare to home decor, lifestyle, and smoking accessories— many of which are exclusive to the store.
Gotham: Redefining Cannabis Retail
Wander around the retail space and find artisan pieces from small artists like Minh Le, high-end products from brands including Edie Parker, clothing from local brands such as Buy Weed From Women, unique home accessories from household names like Houseplant, and Gotham’s own lifestyle and CBD product line. Grab a canna-101 book for your friend’s birthday, treat yourself to a new one-of-a-kind bong, or simply grab some rolling papers and a tray for your next sesh.
Images via Gotham NYC
A Meticulously Curated Selection of New York’s Finest Cannabis
After lusting over every product in the retail area, head to the back to get what you really came for. You’ll be met by one of Gotham’s expertly trained budtenders, who will answer your questions, share tailored recommendations, and send you along with the perfect cannabis for your needs.
Also unlike many dispensaries, Gotham has been exceptionally selective in curating its inventory, offering less than 20 brands and around 180 SKUs— just a fraction of the extensive selections found in most other dispensaries. But the petite selection allows budtenders to thoroughly acquaint themselves with each product to better serve customers, and also gives patrons plenty of space to make purchasing decisions without feeling overwhelmed. Covering almost every category, Gotham carries premium New York-based cannabis brands like Florist Farms, MFNY, Harney Brothers, Aryloom, and Lobo, and also stocks some of California’s finest brands, like PAX, Kiva, Drew Martin, and Cann.
“We took the approach to focus on brands that connect to our brand. Being curated helps our customers not get overwhelmed. Our salespeople are ridiculously knowledgeable, and they can be with an assortment like ours.”
Joanne Wilson, Founder of Gotham
The Visionary Behind Gotham
Joanne Wilson, a New York City-based entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, is the luminous founder of this one-of-a-kind retail space. The Gotham founder is also the co-founder of Frame Home, sits on the board of nonprofits like The Highline and The Public Housing Community Fund in NYC, and invests in several local restaurants— to name just a few of her ventures and involvements. Committed to social justice, Joanne partnered with nonprofit STRIVE, donating a portion of Gotham’s profits to fund their program, a career development resource that helps individuals who face societal barriers find life-changing careers, including those affected by the justice system.
“I am a huge fan of Strive and the work they do. They understand exactly what is needed to place people in careers and ensure there is always a safety net for them. The work that they do with previously incarcerated individuals speaks volumes.”
Joanne Wilson
Where Cannabis Meets Lifestyle, Art, and Innovation
Ever wonder where to find cannabis accessories that actually look good in your home? Head to Gotham. Searching for a gift for your cannabis-loving friend? Head to Gotham. Looking for legal New York weed? Gotham is your place.
Gotham fits seamlessly into New York City’s distinctive retail landscape and is a welcomed addition to the boutique Bowery neighborhood. After touring the storefront, Joanne gave us more insight into the creation and curation of Gotham. Read below for the exclusive interview.
Respect My Region x Joanne Wilson, Founder of Gotham, Exclusive Interview
RMR: Can you tell me a little about your background in cannabis and why you decided to bring that experience to the New York market through Gotham?
Joanne Wilson: My first job out of college was in retail. Although my career has taken me to multiple places, I have always wanted to have my own store. During Covid, I decided to open a store, and then cannabis came into place. I decided to marry them both and create the ultimate lifestyle store.
What was the inspiration behind the store’s layout and design? Why did you choose to place such a large emphasis on accessories and non-cannabis items rather than focusing on extensive displays of cannabis products?
The inspiration was for a place where you can always find something you want to buy, where you feel comfortable and want to hang out all day. The vibe and feel were authentic, not too over-designed, with cutting-edge products.
What was the process like when choosing which accessories and non-cannabis products to sell at Gotham?
I have a great team around me. This was a group effort, and it was and continues to be a lot of fun.
Compared to other legal dispensaries, Gotham carries much less brands and SKUs, instead focusing on a more curated selection of items. Why did you decide to take this approach? And what is the process like when deciding which items and brands to carry?
We took the approach to focus on brands that connect to our brand. Being curated helps our customers not get overwhelmed. Our salespeople are ridiculously knowledgeable, and they can be with an assortment like ours.
How do you envision Gotham evolving as the legal cannabis industry continues to develop and grow in New York and nationwide? Do you see Gotham playing a role in the broader movement toward cannabis legalization and destigmatization?
We play a role every day, by having a legal dispensary and dealing with the constant changing of the rules in NY, being frustrated by the numerous illegal stores throughout NYC, and trying to do the right thing by the laws set forth. I am very outspoken regarding the importance of cannabis legalization and the need to change the narrative around this plant.
Tell us about Gotham’s partnership with STRIVE— why did you choose this organization to work with? In what ways is this partnership mutually beneficial?
Our family has been given to Strive before we thought about applying for a license with them. I am a huge fan of Strive and the work they do. They understand exactly what is needed to place people in careers and ensure there is always a safety net for them. The work that they do with previously incarcerated individuals speaks volumes.
What are some ways Gotham has been or plans to connect with the community and industry?
We have many events planned for this fall, from a tattoo parlor to an NFT show. We are working on multiple Growers Markets to help the farmers sell their excess wares too.
With thousands of illegal cannabis retailers around the city, what has Gotham been doing to stand out amongst the astronomical gray market?
The illegal retailers make it very difficult, although I wouldn’t touch their products with a ten-foot **pole. We are standing out by building a brand, a place where people want to shop and feel connected to either buy a t-shirt or a package of gummies. We have countless repeat customers.
What do you feel has been the biggest challenge so far for Gotham?
Competing against the illegal market.
If you were stranded on an island, what three cannabis products and/or accessories would you bring with you?
Lots of flower, many packs of papers, all kinds of edibles, and a variety of pre-rolls. If you are stranded on an island, you might as well try everything.
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