When House Bill 1192 that would have made full-strength alcohol available at convenience stores and grocery stores failed to pass, I breathed a sign of relief. Not because I’m a liquor store owner. It’s because I saw the bigger implications. I appreciate the expertise of the local liquor stores and wine shops.
The idea of a Wal-Mart or 7-11 selling full-strength beer and wine seems like a good idea on paper. Especially during this recession where saving money is priority.
But, you lose something when those spirits are maintained by staff that is not familiar with the difference between a nice bold Cabernet and a dry Merlot.
It is not their job. It is their job to ring up the purchase and make the sell. For some people that is okay because it’s just a bottle of wine or a six pack of beer. But, it’s more than that. Many liquor stores and wine shops in Colorado are family owned. They build relationships with their customers and learn their tastes.
There is added value of a knowledgeable staff who wants to work with you to make your experience with a new wine or beer memorable. Who enjoy teaching you about how to choose a good Pinot Noir for your dinner party or a hearty stout for your big BBQ.
They give good customer service because they want make more than sale. They want a loyal customer who keeps coming back. I enjoy getting recommendations and adding new things to my wine rack.
Many of the staff travel to different countries and learn about their subject. They are not only selling wine and beer but they teach us about the regions, the soil, how the hops are grown, and how the brew is made. Not every liquor store has that expertise. But, it keeps local businesses thriving.
It’s a sad day when another local business boards up their windows and locks their doors. I went to college in California and bought wine at the local grocery store. I didn’t think of the impact at the time.
But, now returning to Colorado, I see the importance of supporting the locals. Wal-Mart should keep its primary function – selling groceries. It’s not snobbery when you want a staff that provides more than just a paper bag and receipt. I don’t like the idea of buying my wine with my Cheetos. I know having it in the same store makes it convenient. But, some things need go beyond just quick, easy and inexpensive.
Local liquor stores and wine shops support other Colorado businesses – the vineyards and microbreweries that are across the state. It gives Coloradoans the opportunity to try home grown and home produced wine and beer.
And, see that the talent is growing as they are winning a lot of awards. Grocery stores will not provide the rare selections and numerous choices from smaller wineries and breweries. They may not carry anything from Colorado. I know there will be some buyers who will benefit from the lower prices. And, may not care what is on the shelf. But, it shouldn’t always be about the marked down prices.
I know this isn’t over. Especially from those grocery and convenience stores who would benefit from increased sales. They complain that they have lost a lot of money since full-strength alcohol can be sold on Sundays. Yet, they can make up the loss from other sales like sodas, snacks, gas, etc.
The local liquor stores and wine shops mostly sell alcohol. So, adding these stores to the mix doesn’t make the playing field even. It’s an unfair competition that bowls over the little guys.
Many California transplants like the idea finding their favorite Chardonnay at Safeway. But, it’s not California. It’s Colorado and we support our local businesses.
Denise Washington (denise.washington@yahoo.com) of Colorado Springs works in marketing and advertising. EDITOR’S NOTE: This is an online-only column and has not been edited.
