By Kevin Dankman
By Bernie Boulders
ISSUE 74 | OCTOBER 2025
ISSUE 74 | OCTOBER 2025
Writing
Bernie Boulders
Kevin Dankman
CHAMPS Magazine Staff
Photography
CHAMPS Show Magazine Staff
Design & Layout
DJ Sixxx
Publisher
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Editorial Director
Kevin Dankman
Ad Sales
Kevin Dankman Becca Office 818-616-7424
By Kevin Dankman
In the competitive smoke shop market, standing out is essential for survival. To truly thrive, you need to offer something your competitors can't: your own exclusive brand. The fastest and most effective way to do this is through white labeling. This guide will show you how to leverage this strategy to boost profits and build a loyal customer base, with a crucial focus on product packaging.
White labeling is simple: you partner with a manufacturer that produces high-quality products (like CBD gummies, vape cartridges, or grinders) and you put your shop's brand and logo on them. Instead of just selling other companies' brands, you’re selling your own.
Launching a white label line offers transformative bene fits that directly impact your bottom line.
Higher Profit Margins:
By cutting out the brandname middleman and buying closer to the source, your cost per unit plummets. This allows you to earn signifi cantly more profit on every sale.
Build Real Customer Loyalty:
When a customer loves your shop's exclusive pre-rolls, they can't buy them from a competitor or online. They must return to your store, turning a one-time sale into a long-term relationship.
Total Marketing Control: You control the brand's story and appearance. Whether you want to project a premi um, wellness-focused vibe or a fun, budget-friendly one, the power is in your hands.
Stay Ahead of Trends:
Quickly bring new and popu lar products, like the latest cannabinoid gummies, to market under your brand, capitalizing on trends faster than slower national compa nies.
Packaging:
The Most Critical Step For cannabinoid products, packaging is everything. It’s a blend of legal compliance, safety, and marketing that builds trust and drives sales.
Part 1:
Compliance is Not Optional
Disclaimer: Cannabis laws vary drastically by state. Always consult a local legal expert on cannabis compliance before finalizing any
Getting compliance wrong can lead to hefty fines. Your packaging must meet local regulations, which typically
Child-Resistant (CR) & Tamper-Evident Features: Packaging must be difficult for children to open and must have a seal that shows if it's been opened.
Mandatory Warnings:
You must include all staterequired warnings (like the THC symbol, pregnancy warnings, etc.) in the correct size and placement.
Full Transparency:
Modern consumers demand to know what they're buying. Your package must clearly display the product's potency (THC/CBD content in mg), a full ingredient list, and a QR code linking to its third-party lab report, known as a Certifi cate of Analysis (COA).
Part 2: Design That Sells
Once compliance is handled, your design needs to grab attention.
Choose Materials Wisely: The material signals quality. Mylar bags are versatile and cost-effective for flower and edibles. Glass jars convey a premium, top-shelf feel. Custom boxes are perfect for vape cartridges and give a professional retail look.
Create a Visual Identity:
Your logo should be promi nent. Use colors and fonts that match your shop’s brand personality. Create a clear information hierarchy so customers can easily see the brand, product type, and potency at a glance. Small details like a matte finish or glossy highlights can make your product look more valuable.
Your Quick-Start
Identify Your Best-Sellers: Look at your sales data. What product categories are most
Vet Your Partners: Find reputable manufacturers. Ask for product samples, compliance documents, and COAs. Ensure they have low Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) so you can start
Professional Design:
A polished look builds trust. Hire a freelance designer to create a logo and package design that looks profession-
Launch & Promote:
Place your new products in a prime spot in your store. Educate your staff so they can be your biggest advo-
By creating your own white label brand, you’re not just selling a product; you’re building an asset that will secure your shop's profitability and reputation
By CHAMPS Magazine Staff
They say everything is bigger in Texas, and while the CHAMPS Trade Show's latest stop in Austin might have occupied a smaller physical footprint, it delivered an experience that was immeasurably larger in heart, energy, and attendance. The bold move to shift this regional show from Denver to Austin proved to be a masterstroke by the CHAMPS head office, resulting in what many are calling the most exciting and vibrant regional event in recent memory.
From the moment the doors opened, the Austin Convention Center was buzzing with palpable energy. A consistent sentiment echoed by vendors was the sheer quality of the event; they loved the unmistakable Austin vibe, and more importantly, they praised the constant flow of serious buyers who came ready to do business. The aisles were teeming with attendees from 11:00 AM until well after 6:00 PM each day, creating a bustling, shoulder-to-shoulder environment where the slow-moving pace was a welcome sign of a packed house.
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Shops and buyers from across the nation—including Missouri, Texas, California, Arizona, and New York—made the journey, underscoring the event's powerful draw. Tons of the best brands like JBrands, Mellow Fellow, and Steding and Sons were there.
A major highlight of the show was the Glass Games, which hosted the first-ever "Goblet Grab" competition outside of its traditional Denver home. The event was a huge success, with the excitement reaching a fever pitch as the number of buyers far surpassed the number of goblets available for the goblet grab.
The winners' podium featured a lineup of titans from the glass art world. The talented Salt Glass secured a welldeserved third place, while the innovative Niko Cray claimed the second-place prize. Ultimately, it was Bill Burroughs of Habitat Glass who took home the coveted first-place trophy. His tropical underwater-themed goblet, featuring an intricate Orca-shaped stem, was a masterclass in artistry that captivated the judges and decisively set him apart from the competition.
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But the competitive spirit didn't stop there. In another landmark first, CHAMPS hosted an off-site competition at the Glasssmith Shop on Airport Blvd: the Longhorn Flameoff. This inaugural event challenged ten elite competitors to create Sher lock pipes inspired by the "Longhorn" theme. In a thrilling conclusion that had the crowd on the edge of their seats, J-Mass Glass emerged victorious, narrowly clinch ing the win and preventing a complete sweep of the week's competitions by Habitat Glass. The hosts were such great and fun people, and the team really appreciated the kind hospitality.
Beyond the bustling show floor and the heated competi tions, the CHAMPS Team curated an exceptional atmo sphere. An outdoor food truck area became a central hub for relaxation and networking, complete with ample tables and chairs where attendees could recharge and connect. This thoughtful touch was a massive hit, allowing everyone to enjoy the fantastic Austin weather and local cuisine.
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The entire event was a vibe. From the ubiquitous cowboy hats to the mouth-watering aroma of world-class beef brisket from Terry Black’s across the street, Austin's unique culture permeated every aspect of the show, leaving attendees happy, inspired, and with plenty of new business in the books.
Now, as the dust settles on this Texas triumph, it's time to trade the cowboy boots for flip-flops. We invite you to join us at the next show for a completely different beach vibe in sunny South Florida!
Transform your shop into the ultimate Halloween headquarters for adults. These activities are designed to engage your specific customer base, highlight your unique products, and drive serious sales during the spooky season.
1. Host a "Cloud & Costume" Party:
Organize an after-hours, 21+ event for your regulars with a costume contest. Offer prizes for "Best Costume," "Spookiest Vape Trick," and more to build community and drive sales of high-margin items.
2 .Feature "Freaky Flavor" Fridays:
Dedicate one day a week to highlight and discount seasonal e-liquid flavors like pumpkin spice, caramel apple, or candy corn. Offer a "flight" of new flavors to encourage trial and purchase.
3. Sell "Spooky Sesh" Bundles:
Curate themed kits at a bundled price. Create a "Vaper's Treat Bag" with various e-liquids, a "Horror Movie Marathon Kit" with wraps, a new grinder, and a lighter, or a premium "Monster Rig" bundle with a Halloween-themed glass piece and accessories.
4. Create a "Haunted Hotbox" Photo Booth:
Set up a spooky, blacklight-heavy corner with props. Encourage customers to post photos with their new gear from your store, tagging you for a chance to win a prize. This generates free, user-generated marketing.
5. Run a "Trick-or-Treat" Mystery Bag Promo:
Offer pre-packaged "Mystery Bags" for a flat price (e.g., $25). Fill them with a mix of accessories, papers, and small glass pieces. It's a fun gamble for customers and a great way to move older inventory.
6. Drop Limited Edition
Halloween Glass:
Partner with a glass artist or brand to release exclusive, limited-run Halloween-themed pipes, rigs, or slides. The scarcity and collectibility of these pieces can drive significant high-ticket sales.
7. Partner with a Local Brewery or Eatery: Team up with a nearby bar or late-night food spot for cross-promotions. Offer a discount at your shop if they show a receipt from the partner business, and vice-versa, to capture the local night-out crowd.
8. Hold a "Spooky Roll-Off" or Coil-Building Clinic: Host a competition for the most creative joint-rolling or a workshop on advanced coil building. This engages your enthusiast customers and positions your shop as a hub of expertise.
9. Create a "Party Foul Prevention" Display: In the week before Halloween, set up a display by the register with all the lastminute party essentials: lighters, rolling papers, disposable vapes, glass cleaners, and blunt wraps to capture crucial impulse buys.
10. Transform Your Shop's Atmosphere: Go all-out with the theme. Use fog machines (a natural fit!), spooky lighting, and a Halloween-themed playlist. A fully immersive and cool environment encourages customers to hang out, browse longer, and spend more.
By Bernie Boulders
As autumn's chill begins to creep across the country, the industry's gaze turns to the warm and welcoming shores of Florida. From November 11th to 13th, the legendary CHAMPS Trade Show returns to the Sunshine State, prom ising an unbeatable combina tion of premier business networking and coastal relaxation.
CHAMPS is proud to have such a great city on its list of places to go, and for good reason. The connection between the show and its Florida home is one built on resilience and an electric sense of community. This was never more apparent than last year when, in the aftermath of a hurricane, the show didn't just go on — it thrived. The vibe was amaz ing, a powerful testament to the unbreakable spirit of the vendors, artists, and buyers who make this event a family reunion. Even with challeng es swirling, the show was absolutely rockin'.
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Perfect Weather and Non-Stop Action
This year, the event is set to be even better, landing in the perfect seasonal slot. November in Florida is a well-kept secret, a time when the summer heat subsides, leaving behind idyllic, sun-kissed days and cool, comfortable evenings. Attendees can expect weather that is the definition of pleasant: '70s and breezy, the perfect climate for conducting business during the day and exploring the local scene at night.
The excitement isn't just on the CHAMPS show floor. Here's what's new and exciting this year:
The Glass Games Get ready for a whole new vibe with two brand-new competitions!
The Glass Arcade, where everyone gets a chance to win!
The Gator Trail: An RC Car & Trailer of Glass Obstacle Course where people test their skills to see who can navigate the terrain without breaking their cargo.
CHAMPS Florida brings out the smiles!
