No one was expecting COVID-19 to hit businesses worldwide so hard, but the designers of a new cannabis shop that opened its doors in Toronto’s Beaches area this week may be feeling prescient.

The family-owned and operated shop called The Neighbourhood Joint (TNJ) features a built-in pneumatic tube system that is not only a nod to how information was transferred between city hall reporters and newspapers in the 1930s, but also contributes to answering the modern and pressing issue of COVID-19.

“The fast retrieval of stock due to the pneumatic tubes will lead to increased efficiency and will require less handling of product by staff,” notes a statement from the company.

Images of The Neighbourhood Joint’s pneumatic tube system (CNW Group/The Neighbourhood Joint) / Photo: CNW Group/The Neighbourhood Joint)

Noting that employees have been trained in safety procedures, all staff and customers will be required to wear facemasks, there will be alcohol sanitizing stations at the store entrance and at each point of sale, and occupancy limits will be in place.

Beyond health and safety, though, the company plans to focus on education, provide a loyalty program in which customers who join will get 20 per cent off their next purchase, and offers sustainable, organic cannabis products. It also expects to have a recycling program for “products that are not reusable, such as pre-filled vape pens, to ensure TNJ maintains their ethos of an environmentally conscious brand.”

All staff and customers must wear facemasks, there will be alcohol sanitizing stations at the store entrance and at each point of sale, and occupancy limits will be in place. / Photo: Getty Images / Photo: Getty

The main approach at the store will be to offer customers quick service, plenty of product choices and informed staff in a relaxing and friendly environment, co-owner Andrew Rhodes says in the statement. “Think of us like your favourite neighbour, who throws the best backyard BBQs and always has the best buds on hand,” the company website adds.

The store had a soft launch on July 28 and will have its grand opening on Aug. 1.