Colorado benefits from skiing, drawing tourists from around the world in a way that Washington does not. Also, Colorado isn't surrounded by states with a lot of medical marijuana, and it's closer to the Midwest, South and Northeast. All of this has driven prices down in Washington for farmers like Lauerman. In the early days, we were able to get, like, $1,700 to $2,200 a pound, wholesale. Now it's like $700, $800 a pound, he said.
Keep in mind, these rates are based on agencies that are members of the 4A's, which are typically larger agencies. In contrast, the rates in smaller markets are typically more in the $100-$200 per hour range. Also, smaller projects typically go to the younger team members who bill at a proportionately lower rate.
Of course, The Container Store isn't the only major retail chain that professes a commitment to paying its workers a livable wage. At Costco, hourly workers make an average of more than $20 an hour â well above the national average of $11.39 for a retail sales worker â according to a 2013 Businessweek story.For employees who put in 40 hours per week, that works out to about $43,000 a year.f course, The Container Store isn't the only major retail chain that professes a commitment to paying its workers a livable wage. At Costco, hourly workers make an average of more than $20 an hour â well above the national average of $11.39 for a retail sales worker â according to a 2013 Businessweek story.