[GUIDE] Standing Out Against Other Local Liquor Stores

Do you feel like your liquor store is drowning in competition?

You might put your heart and soul into every business operation and customer interaction — but there’s always going to be another shop stepping up its game.

So how do you stand out in a sea of local liquor stores?

Here are our four favorite tips to make sure your liquor store is the name on everyone’s lips.

Stock Outstanding Products

Liquor lovers know what they like. From single barrel bourbon to top-shelf tequila, many customers search for a specific spirit. Make sure your shelves are stocked with the products that satisfy their taste.

Think outside of the box when it comes to the liquor you sell. Sure, you might need the basics, like Bacardi and Jim Beam — but consider more unique, high-quality items like Grey Goose and Eagle Rare, too.

And if you’ve set up shop in an area with local distilleries, add those to the line-up.

If your customers can’t get what they’re searching for anywhere else, you’ll become their go-to liquor store — it’s an easy way to attract and keep customers, and to stand out against the local competition.

Promote Special Deals

Another way to get buyers in your store, instead of the shop down the street? Offer the best deals.

Try a buy-one-get-one (BOGO) promotion, and give your customers 50 percent off a second bottle of gin. Or offer a daily deal, where you discount certain types or brands of liquor on any given day of the week, like Tequila Tuesday. 

Get creative! Your customers will appreciate that they can save some cash, and you’ll appreciate their return business.

Take advantage of these return customers, and continue to build relationships with a customer loyalty program — a solid point of sale (POS) system with an integrated program makes the process of implementing these programs as smooth as whiskey.

Provide Amazing Customer Service

Crafting the ultimate customer experience means providing excellent customer support.

Not every product is going to please every customer — it’s the name of the game. But you can always do your best to fulfill their needs, whether that’s a 30-day return window or offering a replacement for a less-than-stellar bottle.

And remember to go above and beyond. For liquor stores, great customer service might include personalized product recommendations. You can even send text messages or emails to your best customers, letting them know when their favorite products are back in stock — the right POS can help with this, too.

Any business can sell high-quality products, but it’s the way you serve your customers that truly sets you apart from other liquor stores.

Establish an Online Presence

If you really want to stand out in the local liquor market, make sure your store has a solid online presence.

Not sure where to begin? Start with setting up a social media account for your business. Think about which platforms your customers spend the most time on, like Facebook or Twitter, and go from there. It’s a great way to get your brand in front of your customers, even when they’re not in your store. Plus, it offers another way to communicate important information like store hours and promotional deals.

And if you’re ready to take your business to a whole new level, set up a webstore (like BottleZoo) with a POS system that integrates with an e-commerce platform. Convenience is key for customers, and they’re more likely to purchase your products if they can do so when and where they want.

You may be used to sticking to your brick-and-mortar liquor store, but if you make a name for yourself online, you open tons of new opportunities. 

Stand Out Against Other Local Liquor Stores

Successfully running a liquor store means operating at the top of your class at all times. You have the best inventory, the best deals, and the best support — now make sure your customers and your competition know it.

Need help taking your local liquor store to the next level? Schedule a demo with one of our Bottle POS specialists today, and learn how our point of sale system will make you stand out in the crowd!