Glencoe Wine & Spirits trying new marketing, finance committee hears

Glencoe Wine and Spirits Store Manager Jon VanDamme joined the ciyt of Glencoe’s Finance and Strategic Planning Committee on Monday to update and review the progress of the liquor store.
“Nobody is seeing the increases that we are,” VanDamme said right away, “It’s been a really strong year.” His affirmative statement set the tone for the rest of the discussion, which is that liquor store sales are not going as well in metro areas across the country as they are seeing a vast decline in sales. This could be in large part because of innovative businesses like Total Wine and breweries paving a new path for alcohol connoisseurs.
VanDamme pointed out that the liquor store has an increase of sales from last year in the majority of categories. They are up .9 percent from this time last year, which totals $16,363.
The biggest source of increased revenue came from craft beer, which is a growing industry and hobby. VanDamme suggested that craft beer drinkers are the market to go after. Customers that are loyal to one brand don’t travel for variety, but craft beer drinkers will. If the store continually brings in new inventory, it will keep the less brand-loyal customers as well as bringing in outside customers.
“We have in excess of $50,000 tied up in inventory,” VanDamme said. This will allow the liquor store to give better deals and gain competitive pricing, which is beneficial for the consumer. It allows the liquor store to run promotions like “Build your own six-pack” and sampling sessions every Friday.
For more, see the March 28 print edition of The Chronicle.