Tucked away in a downtown Chicago neighborhood is a cannabis dispensary that exudes quaint charm. Unlike the sterile, clinical feel that defines much of cannabis retail, a warmly lit interior with live plants, colorful décor and textured wood finishes greets visitors. Friendly advisors, a.k.a. budtenders, welcome guests in a manner like that of a neighborhood store, where the staff knows each customer by name.
Locally sourced reclaimed wood shelves are lined beautifully with cannabis product packaging, locally crafted goods, and small-batch snacks. Customers can take their time browsing their favorite cannabis products, while picking up artisanal candles or potato chips on their way out. A short drive west, the dispensary’s original counterpart in Oswego, Illinois mirrors the same cozy ambience and vibe.
This is the signature feel at Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary, a woman- and Black-owned social equity enterprise under Blounts&Moore Holdings. True to its philosophy of “differentiation through normalization,” its dispensaries bring the familiar comfort, charm and convenience of a traditional neighborhood shop to the world of cannabis. The enterprise embodies the vision of its nine founders, who are reinventing the cannabis retail experience.
“Our dispensaries are thoughtfully designed to reflect the character of their communities while creating a space where customers feel welcomed, comfortable and valued,” says Sherri Blount, co-founder.
The elevated in-store experience and the curated collection make shoppers walk through its doors again and again.
The One-Stop Shop for Premium Cannabis Experience
The state of Illinois has one of the most regulated cannabis markets in the country. Despite the limited variety available in-state and restrictions on sourcing cannabis from outside state lines, Market 96 has built a highly tailored, diverse, and consistent assortment of products.
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We balance well-known favorites with rare finds, so that customers can discover and try products without feeling overwhelmed by endless choices.
Flower, pre-rolls, vapes, edibles, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, pills, and infused drinks complete the spectrum of cannabis offerings. Each product is sourced from its network of top-quality producers across the state.
Market 96 partners with established operators and emerging craft growers in Illinois to provide customers with top quality products with competitive prices and deals. Its team constantly looks out for new products, tracks in-demand items, market trends and attends industry events to keep its menu fresh and relevant.
Actionable data, in-store insights and real-time feedback from customers and employees inform every decision on what stays or goes off the shelf. Customers can trust that what is showcased on the shelves is exactly what they get. If a product is unavailable in the store, its packaging will not be on open display.
Quality-Focused Menu Curation That Stands Out
Market 96 brings a high level of precision to its product lineup, prioritizing quality over quantity. Rather than maintaining thousands of stock-keeping units (SKUs), it deliberately limits its products to fewer than 500 SKUs. The carefully curated menu delivers a more personalized shopping experience. The smaller inventory also helps staff pay greater attention and ensure consistent product availability.
An advanced ordering system tracks performance trends and inventory levels to ensure that popular products are always in stock. Poorly performing items are scrutinized, and the bottom 20 percent of the SKUs may be replaced with rigorously vetted and reviewed products from different brands.
Market 96 supports emerging and social equity cannabis brands, offering shelf space to lesser-known but promising producers. Emerging brands often gain stronger market presence and customer loyalty. The constant brand and product churn ensure customers get variety and quality at the same time.
“We balance well-known favorites with rare finds, so that customers can discover and try products without feeling overwhelmed by endless choices,” says Andrea “Dre” Trobradovic, director of retail.
Reflecting the Community Vibes In-Store
Each visit to the dispensary presents an opportunity for customers to immerse themselves in the community’s creativity and culture. An impressive collection of non-cannabis goods, including handmade candles, kitchenware, locally crafted jewelry, artisanal snacks, and even dog toys cater to the tastes and lifestyle of the neighborhood.
Many items come from local artisans and vendors, including from employees, whose crafts and creations also find space on the shelves.
Market 96’s endeavor to mirror the neighborhood’s personality in its dispensaries is part of its intention to adopt a “support local” approach. It also partners with local vendors, artisans, and businesses for any event it organizes—a collaboration that enriches the local communities.
“We are genuinely committed to going beyond a neighborhood dispensary to becoming an active, integral part of the community,” says Anthony Walker, senior general manager.
The result of this commitment is clear. Market 96’s dispensaries in Oswego and the Chicago South Loop have become popular community hubs.
The welcoming atmosphere is brought to life by its staff, who are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. Anchored in the belief that a great customer experience begins with a great employee experience, Market 96 takes pride in the strong workplace culture it has built, including competitive pay and benefits. Extensive training and devoted leadership ensure that every associate can confidently guide visitors from the moment they enter the store. The knowledgeable advisors support customers at every step in their shopping journey, exemplifying the store’s motto, “Where everybody knows your strain.”
Transforming Cannabis Shopping Across Neighborhoods
The combination of thoughtful store design, data-driven menu curation and community integration positions Market 96 as a defining voice in Illinois’ evolving cannabis industry.
In line with this evolution, the cannabis dispensary chain is methodically building its footprint across Illinois, where its parent company Blounts&Moore has secured six dispensary licenses and two craft grow licenses. Two dispensaries are already operational, and a third is underway in Belleville, slated to open in December 2025.
The enterprise aims to have all six licensed dispensaries operational by 2027, with two additional locations planned in the Greater Chicago area and another in Cairo. It has also set its sights on expansion outside of Illinois, including being a first mover in Southern states. To complement its retail growth are plans for vertical integration with the buildout of an Illinois craft grow facility.
In its journey to transform cannabis retail across neighborhoods, Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary remains unwavering in its focus on elevating the in-store experience. Even if cannabis can be ordered online in the near future, Market 96’s approach guarantees a deeply human, neighborhood-driven experience no app can replicate.
Company : Market 96 Neighborhood Dispensary
Headquarters :
. ManagementSherri Blount, Co-Founder, Anthony Walker, Senior General Manager, Andrea “Dre” Trobradovic, Director of Retail
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