You’ve crafted a comprehensive business plan, pinpointed the perfect location, and even come up with a clever name.
Now, it’s time to take the next step toward opening your dream liquor store: curating an excellent product selection.
Creating a liquor store inventory list can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together this complete list of what to stock — from the most popular spirits to profit-boosting impulse items. Plus, we’ll share some inventory management tips to keep your shelves full of the right bottles.
Cheers!
The products on your shelves are the number-one factor in your liquor store’s success.
If you offer a great selection, shoppers will flock to your store to prepare for their celebrations. If your inventory isn’t up to par, they’ll rely on your competitors to provide their favorite beverages — and they might not give your store another chance.
Along with shaping your customers’ shopping experience, your product selection also determines your liquor store’s profitability. You need to strike the right balance between stocking popular, affordable options and high-end bottles with better profit margins.
In short, a well-rounded liquor store inventory list is a win-win for you and your customers, so let’s explore six key product categories and brands to stock.
Since customers can shop for beer and wine at most grocery and convenience stores, we recommend making traditional spirits the star of your liquor store’s product selection.
Make sure to offer at least two brands of each type of spirit — a well option and a top-shelf option — to appeal to various preferences and budgets.
Here are the main types and brands to stock:
For each of these options, carry at least two sizes. The most common bottles are 750 ml (fifth) and 1 L (handle). Don’t forget to stock up on mini bottles to display near your cash registers — especially for flavored spirits like cinnamon whiskey.
Offering a solid wine selection gives customers another reason to choose your liquor store for all their beverage needs. Along with stocking up on their favorite spirits, they can rely on you to provide the perfect bottle of wine for a celebration or gift.
Let’s look at some must-stock varietals:
Appeal to diverse budgets by carrying popular, affordable brands like Barefoot, Josh Cellars, and Bogle, as well as higher-end options from your area’s local wineries.
Beer: It’s a classic beverage that deserves space on any liquor store’s shelves.
Since it’s a favorite drink for so many, a plentiful beer selection will help you appeal to a wide selection of customers. Here’s what to stock:
Offer six-packs, 12-packs, 24-packs, and cases. You can also allow customers to build their own six-packs by selling individual bottles — just make sure your point of sale (POS) system is equipped with case-bottle inventory management.
Your customers trust you to provide the perfect ingredients to complement their spirits, so let’s look at a few must-have liqueurs and mixers to add to your shelves:
Offering a full range of mixers will make your liquor store a one-stop shop for aspiring mixologists.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) cocktails have exploded in popularity — and it’s easy to see why. They’re quick, easy, and just as delicious as handcrafted beverages.
Adding these RTD options to your shelves can help you stay on trend and appeal to younger shoppers.
Here’s what to stock:
These convenient options are a favorite for customers on the go, so carry them in packs and singles.
Want customers to rely on you for all their celebration supplies? Consider expanding your offerings beyond traditional beverages.
Here are a few creative items to delight customers and boost sales:
A carefully curated selection of these “bonus” items will increase your liquor store’s revenue and give customers a reason to choose you over the competition.
Now that we’ve outlined a basic liquor store inventory list, let’s talk about how to tailor your offerings to your customers’ unique needs and how to keep the right bottles in stock.
Having the best selection in the neighborhood doesn’t matter if you can’t keep your shelves stocked. Manual inventory counts and spreadsheet updates are time-consuming and error-prone, so we recommend investing in liquor-specific inventory management software.
Look for a solution that monitors your stock levels in real time and lets you track and sell cases and bottles.
Want to simplify the restocking process even more? Choose software with automated purchase orders and receiving. These features detect when you’re running low on a particular bottle, generate a purchase order to replace it, and automatically update your inventory records when new stock arrives.
Your customers’ preferences and tastes change with the seasons — and your product selection should, too.
For example, the summer months might call for an expanded range of cold beers, while the holidays mean increased demand for giftable wines and party-worthy champagnes.
Related Read: Managing Seasonal Inventory for Your Liquor Store: 6 Steps to Success
Above all, your liquor store inventory list should appeal to your customers’ unique preferences.
Your POS system’s sales data is your best bet for learning more about your customers. These reports should reveal which bottles are flying off the shelves and which are collecting dust, helping you make smart decisions about where to spend your inventory budget.
For example, if you see an uptick in your sales of top-shelf tequila, you might experiment with stocking more luxury and celebrity brands to appeal to your customers’ discerning taste.
Ready to stock your liquor store like a pro? We can help!
We’ve created a free resource to help you learn how to launch, manage, and grow your business. We’ll cover everything you need to know about inventory management, pricing, marketing, regulations, and more.
Get your complete guide to owning a liquor store today.
