Like any business, liquor store owners need to pay attention to consumer preferences to increase sales. If foot traffic in your store has been slow, here are some tips to help grow your liquor store.

Emphasize Premium Drinks

The demand for premium drinks is rising in South Africa. Consumers are becoming more conscious about quality, and many are willing to spend more on premium products rather than risk their health on cheap alternatives. By offering high-quality, premium alcoholic beverages, you can attract customers looking for a better drinking experience.

Offer Low-Alcohol and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

With more people focusing on their health, it’s worth expanding your selection of non-alcoholic and low-alcohol drinks. Younger, health-conscious consumers are trying to make better lifestyle choices and manage their alcohol intake. Stocking high-quality options that still taste great could make your liquor store their preferred choice.

Ready-to-Drink Cocktails

The popularity of ready-to-drink beverages, like hard seltzers, is growing. To take advantage of this trend, keep an eye out for new canned cocktails, hard seltzers, and kombucha to add to your inventory. You can also use your store’s POS system to create bundles and promotions, encouraging customers to try these new offerings.

At-Home Cocktail Creations

With more consumers hosting smaller gatherings at home, there’s an opportunity to cater to the at-home cocktail crowd. Stock products like aromatic bitters, mixers, margarita salt, and elderberry syrup. You can also consider selling cocktail shakers, recipe books, and glassware to provide everything a customer might need for a home cocktail setup.

E-Commerce, Pickup, and Delivery Options

Convenience is crucial for today’s consumers. If feasible, consider joining online food and drink delivery platforms to allow customers to order from your store easily. If you’re not ready for full online integration, you could offer phone-in orders for pickup, giving customers a quick and convenient option.

The Bottom Line

Staying top of mind for your customers requires ongoing research into industry trends and consumer preferences. By aligning your store with these trends, you can run a successful and thriving liquor store.