Situated at the confluence of the Delaware River and Rancocas Creek and originally settled by Quakers, Delran, New Jersey, is known as a tight-knit community. So, when Zacate’s owners set out to design a dispensary for the small but growing Philadelphia suburb, their goal was simple but ambitious: fit in by creating a space that didn’t feel like a dispensary at all.

Instead of going for flashy or overly thematic, the brand envisioned a space both understated and rooted in natural elegance mirroring the area’s celebrated geography. That vision came to life with the help of the Display Dispensary team, who worked closely with the brand to develop customized display solutions that feel effortless and intentional.

“We knew from the start that the main goal was to create a location that didn’t feel like your typical dispensary,” said Jeff Sunga, head of business development at Display Dispensary. “Zacate had a clear vision of something calm, elevated, and welcoming, so the project was about designing with intention and keeping things minimal and warm while really dialing in to how people will move through the space.”

The interiors lean heavily on organic textures: light wood finishes, soft-panel blinds, and clean architectural lines. Display Dispensary’s challenge was to design and build fixtures that complemented the aesthetic without intruding on the space’s sophisticated, minimalist appeal. The Zacate team wanted the interior to “breathe” in the tradition of high-end clothing and jewelry boutiques where the design is remarkable because of its impeccable understatement.

“We knew the displays had to match that minimal, natural feel—nothing too loud or bulky,” Sunga said. “So, we focused on our Dispensary123 displays, which use materials and finishes that blend in with the space. The idea was to keep everything really architecturally clean and simple so the product and the environment could speak for themselves.”

Glass island showcases became the centerpieces of the floor plan, offering both visual harmony and practical ease of use. The muted, matte-black frames nearly disappear, allowing both products and the customer experience to take center stage. Semi-gloss pipe-type shelf supports add a touch of industrial chic, while white locking drawer units with glass showcase tops provide an elegant backdrop against which products pop. A checkout counter finished in durable white and light-oak laminate adds refinement to utility.

“We ended up customizing the islands specifically for Zacate’s layout, which gave them a unique and functional centerpiece that fit seamlessly into the store’s flow,” Sunga said. “We also helped with the concept and layout for the store’s ‘green wall’ and panel blinds, both of which add subtle texture and softness to the space without distracting from the product. Even though we didn’t produce those elements, collaborating on the visual direction helped tie everything together and keep the brand experience consistent.”

At Zacate, shopping isn’t rushed. The customer’s journey through the store is thoughtful by design, and the displays play an enormous role in setting the pace.

“In a place like Zacate, where the whole vibe is relaxed and thoughtful, the fixtures have to support that,” Sunga said. “We designed everything to slow the shopping experience down a bit; to give people space to explore, take their time, and not feel rushed. The interior design helps customers feel comfortable, which I think builds trust and makes the experience more personal.”

The design ethos is apparent in every detail, from the carefully positioned green wall to the understated lighting and curated flow. The result is a space where product, brand, and atmosphere work in unison.

For a project with such a specific look and feel, customizability of quick-turnaround fixtures is essential. Display Dispensary took a strategic approach, tailoring its stock systems to meet Zacate’s spatial and stylistic needs while at the same time providing cost-efficient service that worked with the project’s timeline.

“What stood out was how well our Dispensary123 system fit into the overall space,” Sunga said. “Zacate has such a specific and relaxed aesthetic, and the fact that our fixtures could drop in and still feel intentional was a huge win. It reinforced that good design doesn’t have to be overly complex; it just needs to be thoughtful.

“It was also a great reminder of how important it is to align with the client’s vision early on so every design move feels cohesive,” he added.

As cannabis retail continues to evolve, projects like Zacate set a new standard not just for design, but also for customer experience. For Display Dispensary, the project served as the latest reminder of what’s possible when client and collaborator work together to bring a unique design concept to life.

Fixtures shape not only the look but also the “feel” of a space. At Zacate, intentional design translated into measurable value—creating an environment that encourages longer visits, supports customer trust, and aligns seamlessly with brand identity. By pairing adaptable fixture systems with a clear, client-driven vision, Display Dispensary delivered a cost-efficient, on-brand solution that sets a benchmark for cannabis retail design.