A Cartel can be a disruption, or a revolutionary force, used to reclaim a legacy. We chose a word with a rich history and deep emotions to strike a common dialogue, regaining control of our legacy narrative by preserving the culture and returning to a time of unique genetics, exclusive drops and relationships built on mutual trust.
What we Did
Challenge
Western Cartel emerged in a saturated market where competitors had established a foothold and legacy players reminisced about the pre-legal days. Navigating a complex regulatory environment, they sought to distinguish themselves not only from government-run platforms but also from other e-commerce entities, ensuring that they remained true to their roots while addressing the frustrations of retailers and growers. Their ambition was to create a platform that reflected the rich history and spirit of the cannabis industry, avoiding the impersonal, bureaucratic feel that many associated with government-related ventures.
Opportunity
There was a clear demand for a platform that could offer unique, fresh, and rapidly changing craft cannabis selections, especially from smaller producers who often felt overshadowed in the broader market. Retailers, particularly those who had faced challenges with the BC Liquor Board, were eager for alternatives that would allow them to curate distinctive product menus, setting them apart from their competitors. Moreover, the vast expertise and legacy of Western Cartel in the cannabis industry presented an opportunity to bridge the gap between the old and the new, championing the smaller producers and offering both retailers and growers an experience rooted in trust, transparency, and a shared passion for the craft.
Channeling the constant beat and traditions of time-honored commerce
Drawing inspiration from British Columbia’s vibrant history and the cannabis industry’s legacy days, we coined “Western Cartel Trading Co.” This name combines regional ties, nods to the rebellious spirit of cannabis pre-legalization, and emphasizes legitimacy and commerce.
Navigating visual waters with a nod to heritage
Blending the historic elegance of trading companies with today’s adventurous spirit, our visual identity employs cartographic motifs and topographic elements, accentuated by a float plane logo emblem—a tribute to the legacy cannabis days before legalization. The bold serif font encapsulates the brand’s rooted strength and commitment.
Turning chaos and clutter into a clear digital platform
Harnessing our deep understanding of the cannabis industry’s unique challenges, we sculpted an e-commerce platform for Western Cartel that transforms the tangled web of retail and cultivation into a streamlined, intuitive experience, setting them leagues apart in the market.
