Retailers Target Key Categories Heading Into Summer Season

While it’s been a slow start to the year in the drinks business, key retailers are gearing up for the summer season with a focus on catering to consumer trends like RTDs, Spritzes, and white wines. Amid the tough climate, retailers continue to invest in their operations, with conditions expected to gradually improve in the coming months, despite inventories across the retailer and distributor tiers remaining high.

In Florida, 126-store, half-billion-dollar chain ABC Fine Wine & Spirits opened a new “next-generation” store in Winter Garden on Friday. The 15,000-square-foot location includes immersive features like a wine and spirits tasting center offering a “try-before-you-buy” experience with wine and spirit sampling taps, complemented by digital displays. It also houses ABC’s biggest walk-in humidor across the chain.

Dave Larue, executive vice president of sales & purchasing at ABC, said the new store boasts the retailer’s “largest selection of wine and spirits to date. Our goal is to create a destination where guests can enjoy a memorable experience beyond shopping,” he added.

In Texas, Austin-based Twin Liquors is highlighting rosés, spirits supporting summer cocktailing, and RTDs. “The Spritz is the cocktail of the summer,” says Twin Liquors marketing director Sandra Spalding. “Folks aren’t necessarily tiring of the Aperol Spritz RTD ($19 a four-pack of 200-mls.), but rather, they are excited about trying new variations.” The core Aperol brand jumped 40% to just under 550,000 cases in the U.S. last year, according to Impact Databank.

Spalding notes that Lillet ($20.79 a 750-ml.) and amaro (prices vary) spritzes and cocktails like the Kalimotxo, made with red wine and cola, are increasing in popularity. “We are also seeing a growing trend of the non-alcohol Spritz, such as Ghia & Lyre’s,” Spalding says. “It’s nice to have an alcohol-free alternative during festive party weekends.”

In Los Angeles, The Wine House has experienced a rollercoaster ride so far this year. “May is looking like a mixed bag as well,” says owner Glen Knight. “One week we are up and the next slows down.”

The $12-$30 price point has been the sweet spot for wines at The Wine House recently. Among the labels it’s featuring currently are 2022 Atmosphere Sancerre ($25 a 750-ml.), 2022 Domaine Laroche Chablis Saint Martin ($30), 2022 Joey Tensley Fundamental Chardonnay ($20), 2022 Talbott Kali Hart Chardonnay ($16 ), and Bisol Jeio Prosecco ($14).

Tagged : ABC Fine Wine & Spirits, The Wine House, Twin Liquors

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