Beer Store in Malvern

I've seen prices on like half the stuff that's on the shelves. Usually stuff that's in demand will have ridiculous mark-up, and a "limit 1 bottle per customer" instruction next to it.

Last time I was in, the section where all the Evil Twin and Sours/Wilds are located virtually had no prices listed. I'm sure there's a reason for it...

 

He posted Wake n Bake French Toast, set it as the FB avatar, and left it up there for days. No commentary to inform people it was sold out the same day he posted it. Crummy practice. A friend told me he was on the phone screaming at an employee while watching a customer wait at the growler fill spot in the Southhampton store from his laptop in the Malvern store. Seriously??!! Watching your employees on camera and acting like an imbecile in front of your customers??!! Greed is a filthy beast that has all but consumed this guy's mind and soul. Essen Schwein!!!!!

 

I went to the Southhampton store only one time and one time is all it took. I looked around for maybe 10 minutes tops and walked out the door never to return.

 

I went the day they posted the FT WnB and the BCBS Coffee. I live 30 minutes away and left within 15 minutes of posting. I got there and they were all sold out of everything that I was looking for in addition to those. These were both sold out within 15 minutes of the posting. Not saying that they should have these, but to others point, they should inform people when they sell out. It took others who also went, failed and posted on FB, to find out these were sold out. Luring people in is not the way to do business. I walked in, and out without a purchase and a bad taste in my mouth.

I don't think I'll ever go if this is the norm. There's no possible way I could make it there in time for any decent bottle.

I think they should do a bottle reserve like Bottle Bar East does. At least if you follow on Facebook, everyone has an equal chance and it will pull more people in.

 

After reading this, on top of what I saw happen at the Malvern store, I'd love to know what his employee turnover rate is. Guy seems like a greedy asshole, and I can't imagine he'd be great to work for.

Obviously there's incentive if the employees get some kind of discount, but that only goes so far. Hell, with any form of employee discount it probably takes most special releases down to a Wegmans/Whole Foods price anyways.

 

Not a lot of love here...maybe they're reading this thread and will mend their ways? Or maybe not....

 

I have been reading unpleasant stories about the Southampton store for years on BA. I am not aware that it has changed anything.

As long as they are selling lots of beers at the Southampton and Malvern stores what is their incentive to change things?

Cheers!

 

I doubt it. The posters of this forum are a niche group of the overall craft beer market. Sure, it may deter people in the forums from going there, but how many other people are there that will buy without question? The blind consumer is his target, and there are plenty.

Someone in another thread said Darren asked him how he heard about The Beer Store, to which the guy said BeerAdvocate. Darren acknowledged that there is disdain for The Beer Store on this forum, so he is well aware and that doesn't seem to have affected their business practice.

His main driver is Facebook, and like someone else previously said - you question their pricing and you get blocked.

 

Is employee discounting on beer legal in PA? When I worked at Whole Foods my discount didn't apply to alcohol, but did in almost any other state's WF

 

Good question. I will say that I've seen it done at other shops, but not certain if its legal or not.

If he doesn't discount (or can't), that makes it even worse. What's it matter if his employee or customer buys it at full price?

 

Granted this whole topic is basically bashing the Beer Store...but their rating on this site is a 100.

 

The good news is that there are plenty of places in Philly to buy good beer at "reasonable" prices..

 

You cannot sell for less than cost.

 

The pricing comments must have gotten to him.

I've noticed on Facebook that he's been posting less than desirable beers at good prices, to more than likely try to lure people in, and so he can proclaim "best prices in town" & "best prices in the area". I see right through it.

 

Come in for the solid Neshamkny Creek prices, stay for the weeks old on tap drafts, and refinance your house for those $40 pizza boy sours & $45 cascades.

 

I hear what you are saying but how many blind consumers are going to buy a growler of something plus pay $9.99 for a beer they never heard of? Most of the people I know who drink craft casually scoff at some of the prices of beers I've paid such as those for sours. i'm sure he sells enough beer to remain in business so I'm sure some of those people buy his beer, but i suspect it's more likely those who know what they are doing but don't want to go through the effort at other stores so they just pay the money because BA says KBS is rated 100.

 

Has he done the 'buy X, in order to be able to buy Y' tactic since the KBS day?

There was a pretty strong backlash on Facebook. I'd be shocked if he plans to continue with that approach. And I agree with the 2nd half of your statement - i.e. I saw a woman buy like 6-7 RR Damnations one day for like $11.99 each, or whatever he charges... when they're like $7 each at Wegmans.

 

Southampton charges $15.99 for a six pack of Nitro Milk Stout. That is insanity.

 

Fixed.

 

Don't forget the Southampton location.