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ISSUE 51 - NOVEMBER 2023
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ISSUE 51 | NOVEMBER 2023
CONTENT 20 64 100
The First Fairy Holiday By CHAMPS Magazine Staff Writer
Coming Down From Denver By Bernie Boulders
Boosting Holiday Sales BBy CHAMPS Magazine Staff Writer
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CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
ADVERTISERINDEX
ISSUE 51 | NOVEMBER 2023
7 DAZE / GRDNT 38 1836 KRATOM 31 ABR 90 ADYAH 42-43 AFG 16-17, 53 AK WHOLESALE 21 ART ROLLS 86 BDD WHOLESALE 32, 73 BENTFISH TRADING 29 BLACKWOODS WRAPS 98 BLAZER 59 BRONCO DISTRIBUTION 93 CALI KULTURE 10-11 CANNAAIDE 25 CHAMPS 54, 76, 78, 101, BC CHOICE BOTANICALS INSIDE FRONT COVER SPREAD DURITY DIST 47 EARTH KRATOM 22-23 EAST WEST TRADING 27 ECLIPSE OREGON 107 EMPIRE GLASSWORKS 90 FANTASY GIFTS 94 FRESH SAN DIEGO 82-83 FORMULA 420 80-81 FUME 12 GOURMET INNOVATIONS 79 GREENBEAR 99 GS NUTRA 52 HERBAL SALVATION 101 HUSH KRATOM 41, 62-63, 102 KASHMIR 67 KRAKEN KRATOM 55 KRATOMADE 8-9 KREAM+FADED 103-104 LIGG VAPE 88 LOOPER 56-57 M DISTRIBUTION 77 MT BRANDS 13 OCTO INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS 39 OMNI DISTRIBUTION 60-61 PARTY NUTS 48-49 PAYLESS DIST 72, 105 PHRESH PICKS 65 ROKIN VAPES 26 SBK 14-15 SHISHA TECH 71 SMOKE BUDDY 108-109 SMOKE HOUSE 2-3, 68-69, 97 SMOKE ODOR 30 SMOKE TECH ONE 36-37, 95 SOL TRADING 85, 87 STR8 BRAND 5 STRIO 74-75 SWAG 44-45 TORO IMPORTS 50 TRIANGLE WHOLESALE 84 ULTIMATE PRODUCT DISTRIBUTORS 34-35 VAPE GUYS INC (VGI) 89 VAPOR TECH 28, 58 VPR 91 WAKIT GRINDERS 46 WCG INC 110-111 WORLD OF LOTUS 24 ZIG-ZAG 18-19
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CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
ISSUE 51 | NOVEMBER 2023
CREDITS Writing:
Bernie Boulders The CHAMPS Staff
Photography:
The CHAMPS Staff
Design & Layout: Sixxx
Cover Art: Linda Biggs
CONTACTS Publisher
CHAMPS Trade Shows
Editorial Director Kevin Dankman
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
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The First Fairy Holiday By CHAMPS Magazine Staff Writer
When we received the image file of Linda Biggs's new cover art, we instantly went to work creating a story that would fit the image. The following is what we came up with:
In a secluded glen nestled deep within an enchanted forest, a magical celebration was about to unfold. It was the eve of the Winter Solstice, and the fairies of the woodland realm were eagerly preparing for their annual holiday festivities. But this year, something extraordinary was about to happen—whispers of an enchanting discovery had spread among the fairies, igniting their curiosity and excitement. Deep within the heart of the forest, a grove of majestic, glowing mushrooms had sprouted overnight. These were no ordinary mushrooms; their vibrant colors and ethereal glow indicated their mystical nature. News of their arrival had reached the fairy kingdom, and an adventurous band of fairies had set off to witness this extraordinary phenomenon. As the fairies entered the fairy mushroom grove, they gasped in awe. Each mushroom stood tall, like miniature Christmas trees, adorned with luminescent ornaments. The fairies marveled at the spectacle before them, their wings fluttering with delight. The air was filled with the faint aroma of magic and anticipation. Continues On Page 33 20
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
The First Fairy Holiday The fairies wasted no time in joining forces to enhance the mushroom trees further. They flew gracefully among the branches, their tiny hands wielding delicate threads of starlight. They plucked radiant petals from luminescent flowers and wove them into garlands, draping them lovingly around the mushrooms' curves.
With delicate precision, the fairies attached shimmering crystals to the branches, casting vibrant reflections of light throughout the grove. Each crystal captured a fleeting ray of moonlight, creating a breathtaking display that danced upon the forest floor. The fairies giggled in delight as they saw their own reflections twinkle in the crystals, their wings mirroring the iridescence. The fairies also summoned tiny fireflies to hover around the mushroom trees, illuminating them from within. The soft, golden glow cast a warm and inviting aura, drawing woodland creatures from afar. Squirrels peeked out from their burrows, rabbits hopped closer, and even the wise old owl emerged from his hollow, intrigued by the magical spectacle. As the fairies continued their work, a symphony of laughter and tinkling bells filled the air. They sprinkled enchanted fairy dust onto the mushrooms, creating a luminescent coating that highlighted the intricate patterns on their surfaces. The mushrooms seemed to breathe with life, emanating an otherworldly energy that enchanted all who beheld them. Continues On Page 40 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
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The First Fairy Holiday Finally, the fairies joined hands in a circle around the mushroom grove, their wings shimmering in unison. They chanted a melodious song of gratitude to the forest spirits, thanking them for the extraordinary gift of the hallucinogenic mushrooms. Their tinkling voices harmonized with the gentle breeze, sending ripples of joy throughout the woodland. As the Winter Solstice moon reached its zenith, the fairies stepped back to admire their creation. The mushroom trees glowed with a captivating radiance, their vibrant colors merging harmoniously. The forest became a symphony of light and magic, captivating the hearts of all who ventured near. In the midst of this enchanting scene, the fairies invited a select few humans who had earned their trust to witness the spectacle. These fortunate souls stood in awe, their hearts overflowing with wonder. They watched as the fairies danced among the mushroom trees, their laughter intermingling with the melodies of nature. For one magical night, humans and fairies came together, reveling in the beauty of the decorated mushrooms. Time seemed to stand still as the fairies shared their secrets and wisdom, teaching the humans to appreciate the enchantment that dwelled within the natural world. It was a night of unity, where beings from different realms Continues On Page 51 40
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
The First Fairy Holiday became one under the celestial canopy. As the first rays of dawn painted the horizon with hues of gold, the fairies bid farewell to their human guests. The mushroom grove gradually faded into the realm of dreams, leaving behind memories that would forever dance in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have witnessed this extraordinary celebration. And so, the fairies of the woodland realm returned to their mushroom homes, wings still humming with the energy of the Winter Solstice. They knew that the magic of the decorated mushrooms would linger, a testament to the unity of nature and the enchantment that lies within the smallest of things. And every Winter Solstice, the fairies would gather once more, their laughter and tinkling bells echoing through the forest, as they celebrated the beauty of the natural world and the magic that thrives within it and decorated their mushroom homes.
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
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By Bernie Boulders The CHAMPS Trade Show team loves the Mile High City! It may be the shortest of their stops, but it is by far one of the most fun. The weather was almost perfect. The crisp mountain air was a delightful change for those of us from the East Coast and lower elevations. The show was back in the C Hall this year. Attendees will remember us being there about two years ago. The floor was full of unique products and companies ready to fill your store with exciting new products. The Mycology department was definitely growing here. Denver recently embraced medicinal Mycology and decriminalized it, and has made its use easier. As always, every CHAMPS Trade Show has a few winners. This year, we have two Store winners and a bunch of Glass Games Winners. Continues On Page 66 64
Fungus Amongus 1st Place Faltermeier Glass Photo by Mathew Holmes
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Day 1 Shop Winner: Mike Wing Sky High Smoke Shop
Day 2 Winner: Derek Brandy Glossy Glazz Smoke Shop, Chicago Illinois
The Store winners each added $5,000 to their bank account to spend at the show! Day 1 winner, Mike Wing & Noah Crowley of Sky High Smoke Shop @smokeskyhigh in Denver, Colorado. Day 2 winner, Derek Brandy of Glossy Glazz Smoke Shop in Chicago, Illinois! The Glass Games had four competitions: GOBLET GRAB: Welcome back to everyone's favorite Denver original, the Goblet Grab. Each artist that enters will sell their first goblet to CHAMPS for $200 wholesale. Everyone may also enter a second goblet. Their first goblet would get a redeemable ticket for $200 if their goblet was chosen. The second goblet will still get them an extra chance at winning; however, you will receive a raffle ticket for the goblet grab instead of $$$. 1st - Entry to the 2024 CHAMPS Masters competition! As well as $1,000 Cash and other prizes! - 2nd $500 Cash and other prizes! - 3rd Place- $250 Cash and other prizes FUNGUS AMONGUS: So much mycelium, so much time! From the comfort of your home studio, create your best fungus-themed piece. This piece is a solo work; collaborative efforts would be disqualified. While these entries do not have to be a pipe, this is a pipe show… 1st - Entry to the 2024 CHAMPS Masters Competition! As well as $1,000 Cash and other prizes! - 2nd - $500 Cash and other prizes! - 3rd - $250 Cash and other prizes! Continues On Page 70 66
Goblet 1st Place Cajun Rick
Fungus Amongus 1st Place, Faltermeier Glass
Goblet 2nd Place Rye Dyer Fungus Amongus 2nd Place, Chase Adams
Goblet 3rd Place Burtoni Glass
Fungus Amongus 3rd Place, Noah from Eternal Flameworks
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Legends Orange Cronic and Doob Toobs
Awards anouncer Dankman
Marbles 1st Place, Jes Durfee
Marbles 2nd Place, Florin Glass
Marbles 3rd Place, Marni Glass
Goblets 1st Place, Cajun Rick
Goblets 2nd Place, Rye Dyer
Goblets 3rd Place, Burtoni Glass
Lucky Buyer got the Eternal Flameworks piece
Pulling the first ticket and taking the Rye Dyer
Smiles all around with buyers getting their Goblets
MARBLES (Best in Show and Game of Marbles): Yet another Denver CHAMPS favorite is back! Artists will be asked to create at least one set of 14 marbles (1- Shooter and 13- Target) to enter in both games. You may only enter one set for both Best in Show and the Game of Marbles. 1st- $1,000 Cash and other prizes! - 2nd - $500 Cash and other prizes! - 3rd- $250 Cash and other prizes! The winners were: Goblet Grab: 1st- Cajun Rick 2nd- Rye Deyer 3rd- Burtoni Fungus Amongus: 1st- Faltermeier Glass 2nd- Chase Adams Glass 3rd- Eternal Flameworks Marbles (Best in Show) 1st- Jes Durfee 2nd- Florin Glass 3rd- Marni Glass Marbles (Game of Marbles) 1st- Jes Durfee 2nd- Matt Z Glass 3rd- Busy Glass It was really a great show, with plenty of smiling faces at the end as everyone grabbed a goblet! To quote Tony, "My best sales ever and the most people I have ever seen here." Continues On Page 92 70
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Galaxy Gas Booth
Stoned Mushroom Crew
The Ongrok Booth
The Zig Zag and Clipper Crew
We here at CHAMPS Show magazine want to thank all the great people who graced the show and inside the magazine over last year's shows. As we end 2023 in Tampa in October, we want to invite you to be our Valentine February 14-17, 2024 in Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada!
Best in Show Marbles and Game of Marbles 1st Place, Jes Durfee
Dankman congratulating the Winner of Fungus Amongus Faltermeier Glass
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Best in Show Marbles 2nd Place
Best in Show Marbles 3rd Place, Marni Glass
Game of Marbles 2nd Place, Matt Z
Game of Marbles 3rd Place, Busy Glass
CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
Smokehouse Candle and Pre-Rolled Cone Review I got the new Smoke House Package a little late due to some shenanigans by UPS, So I could not give the new line as much attention as I would usually.
The packaging looked to be attractive and simple. They have an excellent clear cylinder for the Phatties and a coffin for the CrossFaded that definitely will turn heads. The Candles have handles and black tops. Making them stand out from the crowd. Let's start with their candles. They have three sizes, all with unique characteristics and long burning times for their size. The scents are spectacular as well. I wanted to see how bright they were this time. I always discuss the smells they cover up and their overall effect on a malodorous room. I took them into the darkest room in the house and lit them to see how well they could illuminate a room. It's a small bathroom with no exterior windows. I started with four candles and worked my way to zero. You only really needed one, but two made it possible to see yourself perfectly. With four or three, they are so bright you could do anything you needed. It was too much for the small room, really. Regarding the PreRolled CrossFaded Cone and the Phatties pre-rolls with a glass tip, baller! The CrossFaded took a little patience to fill, but once it was ready, it really looked sweet. I put three different strains in it to test if it would create a new flavor. This thing did the trick! It was a combination high like never before. Flavors crossed over and really made it a unique experience. Like any fancy-shaped joint, it needed a little help here and there, but otherwise, it was a great smoking, stuffed preroll. My Favorite was definitely the Phatties. I am a big proponent of tips on joints and these had a superior feeling on the lips. These are definitely for the experienced smoker. The SmokeHouse team are all amazing and helpful, their entire line is a must carry for your shop! Order now for the Holidaze!
Ad Sales:
Kevin Dankman Office 818-616-7424
Winter Las Vegas Master 1st Place - Nathan Belmont
Maximizing Holiday Sales in a Smoke Shop and Vape Retail Environment During November Bundle Deals from Art Rolls
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CHAMPS Staff Writers The holiday season, with November setting the stage for December's festivities, represents a lucrative opportunity for all retailers, including smoke and vape shops. The onset of chilly weather, the anticipation of Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday can be harnessed to drive increased sales. Here's a strategic approach to maximize sales in a smoke and vape retail environment during this time: 1. Understanding the Target Audience: Before launching any promotional activity, it is essential to understand the preferences, habits, and buying behaviors of your customers. Segment your customers into distinct groups: enthusiasts, gift buyers, and holiday shoppers. Tailoring your strategies to cater to each segment's unique needs will yield better results. 2. Stock Up on Bestsellers and Holiday Specials: Anticipate increased demand and ensure your bestsellers remain in stock. Also, consider introducing limited-edition holiday flavors or themed products that appeal to the festive mood. Items packaged in holiday-themed containers or gift sets can be especially attractive to customers. 3. Offer Bundled Deals: Discounts are expected during the holiday season. Instead of cutting down prices drastically, offer value-packed bundles. This provides perceived savings to the customer and encourages them to purchase more. For instance, pair a popular vape device with a selection of e-liquids at a discounted bundle rate. 4. Engage in Visual Merchandising: A festive in-store ambiance can enhance the shopping experience. Decorate your store with holiday themes, use window displays to showcase gift ideas, and consider playing upbeat holiday tunes softly in the background. An inviting atmosphere can encourage shoppers to linger and make additional purchases. Continues On Page 106 CHAMPS SHOW MAGAZINE
5. Promote Online and In-store: Leverage social media and email marketing to notify customers of your holiday sales, promotions, and unique products. Offering exclusive online or in-store deals can help in balancing the footfall and online traffic. 6. Host Events or Workshops: Consider hosting ''try before you buy'' events, where customers can sample different e-liquid flavors or learn about the latest devices. This not only draws people into the store but also fosters a sense of community among your clientele. 7. Extend Shopping Hours: Recognize that many shoppers, in the frenzy of the holiday season, might appreciate extended shopping hours. This can be especially beneficial during the Black Friday weekend. 8. Offer Gift Wrapping Services: A complimentary or nominally priced giftwrapping service can be a significant convenience for customers looking to gift items from your store. This added value can be a deciding factor for many customers.
Offer Gift Wrapping Services Photo by Juliana Malta on Unsplash
9. Customer Service is Key: Train your staff to be knowledgeable, approachable, and proactive. An informed staff member can guide a hesitant buyer, explain the nuances of a product, or suggest appropriate accessories, thus increasing the chances of a sale. 10. After-Holiday Sales and Loyalty Programs: Once November sales conclude, gear up for December and even post-holiday sales in January. Offering loyalty points or discounts for future purchases can motivate customers to return. November offers various opportunities for smoke and vape retailers. A mix of understanding customer behavior, creating an inviting shopping environment, strategic promotions, and exceptional customer service can drive sales and pave the way for success during the holiday season.
Extend Shopping HOurs Photo by Mike Petrucci on Unsplash
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Holidaze Buyers Guide
2023
See Zion Review on Pg. 2-3
KFusion Review
The new Kfusion shots from Zion Botanicals are a whole new formula for them. It’s a fusion of Kava and Kratom together in one shot. That's two great herbals in one super shot. The logo and the product catch the eye and get you interested instantly. The flavor was a complex mixture of minty herbalism. I got it down fast and started to wait for what would happen next. It was a fast-acting formula, only minutes, and I started feeling uplifted. It gave me a fun and relaxed feeling. About 2 hours in, I kind of felt like I took a shot and smoked a heavy Indica all at once. Once the initial impact wore off a bit, it left me feeling ready to enjoy the rest of the day. The kava seemed to linger for most of the day. It was a bit strong for me, but it worked well and felt great once I got used to it, and it balanced out. The regular user will love these, and I highly suggest you carry them in your store. This product is definitely a must-carry for any shop. C
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1836 review
Jeremy and his team over at Steding and Sons have really come up with two great products I really get behind. The packaging and design are the best in the business, with a classic old-school feel with a modern take and color pallet. They definitely pop on the self. The first is Lazy Luau. It definitely fits the beach theme of our picture shoot. It also is a great supplement for a day at the beach. Made with Kava, Kratom, and Ashwagandha, this shot packs a mellow yet pleasing punch. The blend is perfectly balanced, and no one thing stands out as dominant. They all blend into a wonderful new feeling many people should enjoy. The next… Let me think… That’s Aristotle’s Logic. With White Kratom, Chaga, and Lion’s Mane Mushrooms in it it is designed to focus and function while enjoying how you feel. The other spices that are well-known for flavor and good for digestion are cayenne, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Think of it as turbo-charging your brain for a few hours to really be able to settle in and get things done. Steding and Son’s 1836 Product line has something for everyone, and I believe it to be a winner in any store. Stock it now.
Smoke Odor Air Freshener Review There aren’t many uses for these sprays on the beach, but I did bring them there to let some friends smell the scents and see what they thought. Friend one really loved the SugarSkull Scent.Friend three voted in favor of Hippy Love.The rest all voted Rasta Love as their favorite. That’s three votes for Rasta, one for Sugar Skull, and one for Hippiy Love. The clear winner in that was Rasta Love. I spend a good bit of time between review seasons to find uses and special reasons to test something. So this last summer, I took friends out in my Jeep; with no back backseat, we threw a cloth bean bag in the back… It may have gotten wet and might have (insert eye roll from Becca here for me for getting it out there) been left back in the garage in the Jeep for a bit too long… We put it back in the spare room like nothing happened… A couple of months roll by before we are in there and notice the mildewy “OFF” smell. Smoke odor to the rescue! I used my favorite scent of Hippy Love and sprayed just a small couple of bursts into the room in the area of the bean bag. After 30 minutes, the room smelled fresh and sweet. After three days, the room still smelled amazing. One hundred percent of every shop in America should be carrying this product!
Honey Stick Ripper Rig Review The packaging is fantastic, well-planned, and easy to get into.
This compact little e-rig is called The Ripper… The Big Ripper is more like it! Rip after Rip after RIP, this unit performed like a CHAMP! It was easy to use and looked great while you used it, too! The vibration and colored LEDs help make it easy to know what you are doing. I found the middle setting to be best for the Rosen I had available. The battery lasted a long time, and everyone was high when the session was done.
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Dry Herb, HRB Vape Review
I do not use a dry herb vape often. I have never enjoyed the experience much. This handy little vape may have changed my mind. With 5 temperature settings, you can find the perfect temp for any material. They also included a cartridge battery and a Banger Thermometer. The Dab Temp banger thermometer worked great and was a hit with my friends who are still using quartz bangers and a butane torch. The whole line of products worked well and looked great. I suggest stocking this for the future.
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Kraken Nano Genus Review
The packaging and stickers from Kraken always have a clean look and familiar feel. They have a lovely color palate and use it well.
One case comes in 4 different flavors and strengths. This case contains four types of extracts, including the highly popular Zenith Liquid Nano Kratom Extract (250mg MIT per 3 serving bottle), the Nano150 Curuba Liquid (150mg MIT per 2 serving bottle), the Nano150 Cappuccino Liquid (150mg MIT per bottle two serving bottle), and the sweet and fruity Nanoberry Liquid Kratom Extract (50mg MIT per 1 serving bottle) I have tried a lot of different types of kratom, and this was one that really made me feel good. I went with the Nanoberry Liquid first. It had a great fruity taste and a very mellow feeling a little while after that. The Nanoberry was good enough for me, but I decided I had to try the Cappuccino one since I am a coffee lover. It was an exceptional flavor. It may be a little strong for me, but the regular Kratom user will love it. Overall Kraken Kratom has been and seems always to be one of the best in the game. This new product is right on course.
ELF THC - CBD Review
The first thing I noticed when I opened the package was how bright and brilliant the packaging was. The colors really screamed out at me like I imagine they will on your stores' shelves. After getting them all situated and looking them over, I was impressed with the style and flavors they offered. The High Potency Blend ELFTHC and the Telerin Blend came in distinctly different boxes. The quality packaging was one of the best I have seen. When it came down to time to test them, I took a seat by the pool and tested each one for flavor profile first. Each one was drastically different from the last. This is not often the case. Most seem to taste the same, no matter the flavor. To test the full effect, I waited till the morning when I would try one kind only as my morning coffee pairing. The High Potency definitely hit harder, but the Telerin Blend Huckleberry Deisel might have been my favorite overall for its great taste and overall best feeling after taking it. I felt light and happy but still ready to throw a frisbee on the beach. If you aren’t carrying this great brand, it might be time to look into it.
I give it a High Grade and a definite Stock Now Rating.
Herbal Salvation
Strawberry Kratom Gummies Review I was excited to try something new from Herbal Salvation. Their previous products were very well formulated and efficient. The packaging looks great, and you can fit a lot of them on a shelf in a small space due to the stackability.
The gummies themselves are a vibrant red, and you smell strawberry as soon as you open the freshness seal. I popped one in and hoped for the best. A burst of strawberry hit my palate like a rocket. I was glad it was so powerful. It was pretty good, covering the kratom taste.
FAST ACTING… Wow. When I ate one on the beach while I was doing my photo shoot, it kicked in so fast it made my head spin! (in a good way) These were on point, for sure. I would retake them again. I would tell all our clients that these are a Home Run for any shop.
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