The Travel Agency, a leading legal cannabis retailer in New York, has inaugurated its flagship store in SoHo at 598 Broadway, just south of Houston Street. This new location represents a notable shift in how cannabis retail is approached, blending elements of art, culture, and design to create a unique shopping experience.
The SoHo store provides a multisensory environment, emphasizing the artistic aspects of cannabis. Unlike traditional dispensaries, this space resembles an art gallery, integrating sculpture and design to celebrate New York City’s vibrant cultural scene and help destigmatize cannabis use.
The store’s design, crafted in collaboration with Leong Leong Architecture, features a striking arched ceiling that emits soft ambient light, making the store inviting and comfortable. Illuminated vitrines showcase cannabis products, presented as cultural artifacts rather than mere commodities. This innovative approach repositions cannabis as an object of cultural significance.
Big Heavy Studios has enhanced the product displays, lending them a museum-quality aesthetic. Additionally, a kinetic art installation by Andrew Zolty of Breakfast Studio adds dynamic movement to the space, creating an engaging atmosphere for visitors.
A notable highlight of the flagship store is the Bong Gallery, which showcases functional glass art. Featured artists include Milan-based designer Serena Confalonieri, whose colorful, psychedelic bongs celebrate the rituals associated with cannabis. The OLMi Bong, created by Mexican sculptor Juan Manuel Carmona, incorporates themes of cultural identity into its design, challenging traditional perceptions of cannabis culture.
SoHo, historically linked with avant-garde art movements and prominent figures like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, serves as the perfect backdrop for The Travel Agency’s mission. Co-founder Arana Hankin-Biggers stated, “The SoHo store is our most art-forward to date. With custom installations and original artwork, we’re honoring the neighborhood’s rich artistic history while creating something entirely new for cannabis retail.”
The Travel Agency operates under New York’s Social and Economic Equity (SEE) program, which aims to provide opportunities for historically marginalized communities in the cannabis industry. This commitment to inclusivity and community reinvestment is a core principle for all Travel Agency locations, positioning the brand as a leader in responsible cannabis business practices.
The brand has garnered national recognition, winning three Clio Awards for retail design, branding, and public relations. Its leadership team has been featured in Green Market Report and Inc. Magazine, highlighting their influence on the cannabis industry. The Travel Agency has partnered with prestigious cultural institutions, sponsoring events such as the New York Film Festival and hosting cannabis-themed events during New York Fashion Week.
Customers visiting the SoHo flagship can expect a premium selection of cannabis products, including offerings from local and national brands. Notably, Silly Nice’s Bubble Hash and Diamond Powder are available, known for their freshness and potency. These products are crafted only after an order is placed, ensuring top-notch quality. The Bubble Hash delivers a rich, terpene-filled experience, while the Diamond Powder provides concentrated THC crystals suitable for various consumption methods.
The official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the SoHo flagship is scheduled for May 7, 2025, with a grand opening celebration following on May 28, 2025. These events will showcase the store’s architectural features, highlight the work of featured artists, and allow guests to experience this innovative cannabis retail concept first-hand. The Travel Agency SoHo invites both locals and tourists to discover the intersection of cannabis, design, and culture in one of Manhattan’s most iconic neighborhoods. Visitors are encouraged to support budtenders with tips, recognizing their expertise and service in this uniquely curated environment.
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