Beer, Wine & Liquor Stores

Beer, Wine & Liquor Stores

Brief Excerpt from Industry Overview Chapter:

Companies in this industry sell beer, wine, and liquor products from physical retail establishments. No major companies dominate; in the US, individual states have different laws regulating liquor stores, complicating the ability to form national chains.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Personal income, consumer tastes, and entertainment trends drive demand. The profitability of individual companies depends on effective marketing and competitive pricing. Large companies offer wide selections and deep discounts, but small companies compete by offering specialized merchandise, providing superior customer service, or serving a local market. The US industry is highly fragmented: the top 50 companies account for less than 25% of sales.

PRODUCTS, OPERATIONS & TECHNOLOGY

Major products are alcoholic beverages, accounting for about half of the industry's revenues. Distilled spirits, including liquor, brand, and liqueurs, account for more than 20% of sales; wine accounts for about 15%; and beer and ale account for about 10%. Other products (less than 5%) include tobacco products and smoking accessories, soft drinks and nonalcoholic beverages, and automotive fuels. State laws dictate the type of alcohol sold in a particular venue. In some states, only liquor stores can sell hard liquor.