Luke Thomas at Hempire: March 2018 – October 2025
Luke Thomas’s seven-year journey at Hempire began on the sales floor and culminated in a dual leadership role that helped define the brand’s identity and operational excellence. Starting in March 2018 as a Sales Associate, Luke quickly rose to Store Manager, where he refined team workflows, elevated retail standards, and ensured seamless execution across customer experience, inventory, and merchandising.
Simultaneously, Luke led Hempire’s creative direction and brand strategy—transforming the company from boutique novelty into a premium cannabis lifestyle brand with cultural resonance. He crafted product launches that emphasized craftsmanship, dosing logic, and sensory appeal, positioning products and accessories as ritual objects and turning compliance into aspiration.
A cornerstone of Luke’s impact was the buildout of hempirestatesmokeshop.com. He architected the site’s structure, product hierarchy, and editorial tone—ensuring the digital experience matched the brand’s in-store polish. From SEO and pricing logic to product descriptions and visual standards, Luke created a scalable e-commerce ecosystem that supported conversion, storytelling, and long-term brand equity.
He also pioneered immersive, adult-focused retail experiences that blended theatrical flair with professional execution. Signature events like the Bong Rip Spelling Bee, 420 Party, and Halloween Party became cultural touchpoints—driving engagement, boosting foot traffic, and reinforcing Hempire’s identity as both playful and elevated.
Throughout his tenure, Luke helped grow a team that became the backbone of Hempire’s success. He fostered a culture of autonomy, accountability, and creative pride—mentoring staff while learning from their insights, energy, and resilience. The collaborative spirit he nurtured not only shaped the brand but also shaped him as a leader.
Outside of Hempire, Luke is also a Twitch streamer and video game content creator, producing live gameplay sessions and community-driven entertainment that reflect his passion for storytelling, engagement, and immersive experiences across platforms.
By the time he exited in October 2025, Luke had helped shape Hempire into more than a brand—it was a retail philosophy. His systems, storytelling frameworks, and digital infrastructure continue to influence how cannabis products are perceived, purchased, and celebrated.
