When I opened the shop, I still remember my first customers coming in almost apologetically, glancing over their shoulder before pushing the door. The atmosphere today couldn't be more different.
The early days: curiosity and suspicion
When we opened, many of my customers still thought CBD was a disguised way of selling regular cannabis, despite every explanation about its legality and lack of psychoactive effect. Some walked past the window several times before daring to come in, and I spent a lot of time simply reassuring people about what the product really was, before even talking about dosage or choice.
The turning point: repetition and word of mouth
The real change didn't come from a marketing campaign or an article in the local press, but from word of mouth between local residents. One convinced customer tells their neighbour, who tells a colleague, and little by little the topic became normal in conversations in Yverdon – more normal, at least, than when we started.
A customer base that's changed
In the early years, our customers were mostly curious young adults. Today we see retired people coming in regularly, parents looking for ways to unwind, weekend athletes as well as competitors. I think this diversity reflects a better understanding of the product in the local population, far from the clichés of the early days.
"I'd walked past the shop for months without daring to go in – I thought it was for a certain type of customer. The day I finally went in, Cyril took the time to explain everything without any judgement. Since then I come back regularly and tell people about it."
What it means to us today
Seeing this change in attitude, even locally and on a small scale, is what gives meaning to this work every day. We never tried to convince everyone at once – just to stay consistent and transparent with every person who walks through the door, one conversation at a time.
If you've never dared to come in, know that the door is open, without judgement, as it always has been. We'll be happy to chat, even if it's just to ask questions. You'll find us at Rue des Pêcheurs 1, Yverdon-les-Bains.
