How a Detroit experience has made CBD Botanicals consistently voted the Best of Springfield

People often ask me why CBD Botanicals continues to be voted the Best of Springfield. The answer may sound simple, but its roots run deep—deeper than most would expect.

The foundation of our customer service philosophy was laid over a century ago in Detroit, Michigan, at the legendary J.L. Hudson Department Store on Woodward Avenue in the heart of downtown Detroit. For those unfamiliar, Hudson’s wasn’t just a store—it was an institution. And I didn’t just visit it—I grew up inside it. Literally.

My mother worked there as the Special Events Manager. She literally hired Santa Claus and guided the vision for the annual Thanksgiving Parade… yes, just like the woman in Miracle on 34th Street. And while I was no Natalie Wood, I had the actual real life experiences of a child growing up in this magical environment. And thus, the store became a second home. I learned firsthand what it meant to create an exceptional customer experience: knowing someone’s name, anticipating their needs, offering sincerity, style, and service that made people feel truly seen. Hudson’s wasn’t just about retail—it was about relationships. It was about community.

Even though the store closed its doors over 40 years ago, those values stayed with me. While I believed I formulated the vision for CBD Botanicals in 2018, it was actually a process started in the late 70’s and early 80’s as I dreamt of how I could create an even better experience than the one in my youth. I didn’t just want to sell products—I wanted to recreate that same sense of warmth, trust, and personal connection that defined the Hudson’s legacy.

Every product we carry is curated with care. Every conversation is intentional. And every customer who walks through our doors is treated like they matter—because they do.

So why are we the best? It’s not just the products. It’s the experience. And that experience is built on a century-old tradition, passed down through generations—from the floors of Hudson’s to the heart of Springfield.

Especially in this day when the in-person retail experience has deteriorated to the point of extinction. While I am not planning the next Thanksgiving Parade, I am entirely focused on creating the unique boutique experience in the heart of Central Illinois.

I hope you enjoy every visit as much as I enjoy creating this environment for you.

Jim

CBD BOTANICALS
2538 S. Koke Mill Rd | Springfield, IL 62711
217-588-8161