The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store

The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store is a BIPOC-founded cannabis retail brand based in New York.[1] The company operates in New York’s legal cannabis market and is involved in several community initiatives. In its first year, it served over 125,000 consumers and generated $5 million in tax revenue.[2] In January 2024, the company rebranded from Union Square Travel Agency to The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store.[3][4]

History

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The Travel Agency was one of the first dispensaries to open after New York began issuing retail cannabis licenses in 2023.[5] Its inaugural location opened on East 13th Street in Union Square before relocating to a permanent space at 835 Broadway.[6]

In 2024, the company rebranded as The Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store to reflect its expanding footprint across New York City. It opened new locations in Downtown Brooklyn and on Fifth Avenue, collaborating with CAURD license holders to promote equity in the cannabis industry.[7]

Locations and operations

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The Travel Agency brand operates multiple locations in New York City:

The Travel Agency Union Square: Opened in February 2023 at 835 Broadway, with a portion of this store's profits supporting The Doe Fund. The dispensary has a minimalist design in a 2,800-square-foot retail area.[8]

The Travel Agency Downtown Brooklyn: Located at 188-122 Flatbush Avenue, this store initially opened as a 3,500-square-foot pop-up before moving to its permanent 4,800-square-foot location in June 2024.[7]

The Travel Agency Fifth Avenue: Opened in May 2024 at 587 5th Avenue, this store is owned by CAURD licensee Terrapin Greens LLC. The 3,300-square-foot location features cannabis products and budtender services.[9] This store, designed by Leong Leong, marked the first legal adult-use dispensary on 5th Avenue.[10]

Community Engagement and Social Impact

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The Travel Agency collaborates with local organizations to support community development. Through its partnership with The Doe Fund, a portion of profits from its Union Square store contributes to transitional housing and reentry programs for formerly incarcerated and homeless individuals. Several graduates of The Doe Fund have been hired to work in the dispensary.[11][12]

In October 2024, the company became the first cannabis sponsor of the New York Film Festival, supporting educational events aimed at reducing the stigma around cannabis use.[13] The Travel Agency also partnered with the House of Cannabis museum in Soho to offer same-day delivery of cannabis products through kiosks.[14]

References

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  1. ^ "What a Trip! Union Square Travel Agency Cannabis Store Blends Quality, Variety and Education". The Village Sun. February 15, 2024. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  2. ^ "Just One Weed Dispensary In New York Generated $5M In Tax Revenue In Its First Year And Created 100 Jobs". Benzinga. February 13, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  3. ^ Kalina, N (January 31, 2024). "Union Square Travel Agency Has Rebranded as The Travel Agency". Trendhunter. Retrieved May 30, 2024.
  4. ^ "The Travel Agency Expands to Downtown Brooklyn, Formerly Union Square Cannabis Store". Honeysuckle Magazine. January 24, 2024. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  5. ^ Partridge, Katherine (February 15, 2023). "Union Square Travel Agency: A Cannabis Store Opens in New York, 'The Starting Line'". Cannabis Business Times. Retrieved July 28, 2024.
  6. ^ "City's third legal cannabis dispensary opens near Union Square". NY1. February 13, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2024.
  7. ^ a b Schroyer, John (January 22, 2024). "New York's Travel Agency to Open Brooklyn Cannabis Store Under Licensing Deal". Green Market Report. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  8. ^ Han, Gregory (September 7, 2023). "Union Square Travel Agency Flies High Evoking Eero Saarinen's TWA Flight Center". Design Milk. Retrieved May 24, 2024.
  9. ^ "New York's 'The Travel Agency' Opens Third Cannabis Shop, This Time Near Rockefeller Central & Grand Central Station". Benzinga. May 6, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  10. ^ "The Travel Agency Opens Its Third Location On NYC's Fifth Avenue". Honeysuckle. May 8, 2024. Retrieved June 24, 2024.
  11. ^ Honeysuckle Team (February 27, 2024). "The Travel Agency Union Square Celebrates Its First Anniversary With Accolades, Celebrity Guests, And Consumer Insights". Honeysuckle Magazine. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
  12. ^ "Mile 'high' club: The Travel Agency to open new dispensary in Downtown Brooklyn". Brooklyn Paper. January 25, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  13. ^ "The Travel Agency Becomes the New York Film Festival's First Cannabis Sponsor". Muse by Clios. October 3, 2024. Retrieved October 23, 2024.
  14. ^ Culgan, Rossilynne Skena (October 25, 2023). "You can now buy cannabis at NYC's weed museum—you just can't use it there". Time Out New York. Retrieved May 24, 2024.