As SPARK’D prepared to launch and scale across Illinois, the company needed a retail concept that would stand apart in a crowded, heavily regulated cannabis market. They didn’t want to be loud. They wanted to be felt. The goal was to design immersive environments that reflected their ethos of material honesty, precision, and transformation—while still resonating with a wide range of cannabis users. It had to be scalable, site-specific, and deeply rooted in craft, all without falling into cliché or over-branding.
geniant collaborated closely with SPARK’D to craft a retail design language that draws from elements shaped by heat—acid-dipped metals, charred woods, and gradient wall coverings that mimic flame. These elements were layered into spaces with precision and restraint. Custom zinc iridescent steel millwork and curated lighting (including Artemide Stellar Nebula pendants) gave each store an elevated, gallery-like feel. Brand took a back seat, letting the product shine within a space that invites exploration and presence. Locations such as Wicker Park and South Loop were adapted to fit their urban contexts—integrating bow truss ceilings, maritime references, or industrial textures—making each site feel bespoke while maintaining a unified experience standard across the expanding SPARK’D portfolio.