WESTPORT — After three years in business, New England Hemp Farm will close its Westport location on Aug. 31 but keep its online store and Groton site.
Chief Operating Officer Matt Bannon said business has never been better for the CBD shop. But for now will have to focus on an online selling platform due to rent “drastically increasing.”
“We’ve loved everything about it,” Bannon said about the Westport location, which is only minutes from his house. “We’re absolutely going to miss Main Street.”
Bannon said that the Westport location has been an opportunity to talk to people and educate them about the benefits of CBD, as well as showcase their products.
New England Hemp Farm is in the process of finding a new location to rent, as well as other businesses to partner with to sell their products.
He said most places are looking for three or five-year leases, which is “a big commitment when the government can shut you down in a heartbeat in a COVID-like scenario.” Bannon said he would never sign a five-year lease with the current conditions of the world.
NEHF already sells their products in other local businesses, such as the Weston Pharmacy and Black Rock Pharmacy in Fairfield.
Bannon said the company plans on staying in the health and wellness lane, for now.
Recreational cannabis is legal in Connecticut, though banned in Westport. Westport does have a medical marijuana establishment as well as another CBD shop.
He said he thinks the CBD industry is going to “boom” with the legalization of recreation cannabis.
Bannon said some customers say they want the benefit of CBD without the high of THC.
He said they would like to get into more pharmacies, as well as improve their online presence. They have had purchases from 48 states through their online store.
“We think New England Hemp Farm resonates nationally,” he said. “There’s something about New England that makes people think ‘hey, they’re hard working.’”
NEHF offers free shipping with online orders, as well as Zoom and phone consultations for their products. The company also has a flagship store in Groton, which will remain open. It is known as “The Barn” and is a modern take on a grange. NEHF products, food and drink are sold there.
Bannon said they want it to be a location that can educate people about CBD, as well as be pet and family friendly.
NEHF is also a member of the Northeast Pharmacy Service, which represents almost 300 independent pharmacies and helps get their products into new businesses. They also have a 4.9 out of five star rating on Trust Pilot, which Bannon said is one of their proudest accomplishments.
Bannon said plenty of people would come in just to say “hello” at the Westport location. He said that some senior members of the community would frequent the shop, whether just to visit or actually purchase products..
“We really appreciate the people of Westport, their fairness and openmindedness when we opened this three years ago,” he said.