The cannabis industry, like many others, thrives on seasonal opportunities—and holidays present a golden chance to boost foot traffic, increase sales, and build customer loyalty. From 4/20 to Black Friday and even lesser-known “cannabis-friendly” days like Green Wednesday, dispensaries across the U.S. are turning to reward programs to capitalize on holiday momentum.
The Role of Rewards in Holiday Campaigns
Rewards programs are no longer just about points—they’re strategic tools dispensaries use to create excitement, incentivize repeat visits, and differentiate themselves in a crowded market. During major holidays, dispensaries roll out limited-time offers that blend loyalty incentives with festive promotions. These often include:
- Bonus point multipliers (e.g., “Earn 4x points on 4/20 purchases”)
- Exclusive member-only bundles
- Double-point days
- Tier-based holiday sweepstakes
- Free product with purchase offers
These reward-driven promotions not only entice regular customers to increase their basket size but also encourage first-time visitors to sign up for loyalty programs.
Why Holidays Are Key for Customer Engagement
Holidays present an emotional buying moment, and consumers are naturally primed to spend. Dispensaries that understand this behavior use rewards as a bridge between seasonal marketing and long-term loyalty.
Take Valentine’s Day, for example. A dispensary might run a “Love Your Buds” campaign offering 20% off edibles and a bonus gift for loyalty members. Or during Thanksgiving, retailers may implement “Danksgiving Deals” where members receive surprise discounts or gift cards for their next visit—driving future traffic beyond the holiday window.
Data-Driven Holiday Strategies
Modern dispensaries using platforms like Springbig, Alpine IQ, or BLAZE Loyalty harness customer data to tailor holiday rewards. They segment audiences by past purchasing behavior, product preference, and even holiday buying patterns. This allows retailers to send SMS and email offers that feel timely, personal, and relevant.
For instance, a consumer who frequently buys vapes might receive a holiday flash sale on top-shelf cartridges, while edible fans might get “12 Days of Gummies” with escalating rewards through the season. These segmented strategies often see higher engagement and redemption rates than blanket promotions.
Building Hype Before the Holiday Rush
Another tactic dispensaries use is pre-holiday teasers through their loyalty apps and SMS marketing. “Spin the Wheel” games, countdown calendars, or early access rewards can spark anticipation and ensure customers make their cannabis purchases early.
Some stores even offer “members-only shopping windows” or curbside pick-up lanes during high-traffic days—benefits tied exclusively to rewards membership. These VIP perks encourage signups and strengthen loyalty long after the holiday ends.
Real Results from Rewards
According to data from Headset, dispensaries that implemented loyalty-driven holiday campaigns saw an average increase of 20–30% in sales during key cannabis holidays. Moreover, loyalty members spent 18% more per transaction compared to non-members.
Brands like Cookies, Trulieve, and MedMen have long used these tactics to dominate seasonal sales. Whether it’s New Year’s resolutions paired with wellness-themed products or spooky strains on Halloween, rewards help transform marketing gimmicks into measurable business outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Holiday promotions aren’t just about flashy discounts—they’re about building deeper connections with customers. By combining timely themes with smart rewards strategies, dispensaries can not only boost sales but also foster long-term loyalty. As the cannabis retail landscape becomes more competitive, those who master the art of holiday rewards will stand out not just for a season—but for good.