Hi everyone, I've been doing some research into the possibility of opening up a small beer store in NY. As I'm trying to grapple with the feasibility of it, one question I keep coming back to is: for stores who sell bottles and growlers, how much of the business should one expect from each? In other words, which one makes up a higher portion of the business? Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Matt
Interesting idea and depending on the beer and my time frame to drink it, I would prefer the growler over the bottle. Consumer's in Buffalo does growler fills which is a cool idea. I wish I could provide more wisdom from a retail side, but as a customer, yeah...definitely a cool thing to have and probably could be profitable.
One thing to keep in mind is that you can have a MUCH larger/broader bottle selection than you could offer on tap/growler. Good stores can have several hundred to over 1000 different bottle options. There's no reasonable way you could match that at a growler station. If it were me, I'd run it as a bottle shop with not more than 6 taps to start. If growler fills are in high demand, you can expand. If you start with more supply than demand, you're pretty much screwed.
My local store isn't that large, but they have 1700 different beers, and 60 taps for growlers in 64/32oz sizes. Personally, I like bottles, as it lets me try more beer initially, and not have to go with the larger size. I'll get a growler of something I have an idea that I'll like, or something I've had before. On a rare occasion I'll usually go in and get a growler of something I want, and then pick the brain of the guys there and get something to experiment with in the smaller growler. I'd prefer to get ALL growlers, but thats just not feasible, and won't last by the time I get to them.
I live near NYC and I never bought a growler before, nor do I really have an interest in doing so. I'll check your store out when it opens on one condition: You have to shoot and star in a shot for shot remake of the movie Liar Liar for my amusement.
I agree with running as a bottle store but having a growler station starting with just a few taps initially but leaving room to expand number of taps.
The problem with the various Consumers in Bflo is the knowledge of the kids that work at the places. Village Beer Merchant has a larger selection of bottles & taps & Vinnie (& crew) have an understanding of what they are talking about. I think you need all 3 pieces to be succesfull.
I agree. When I go there, I'm working with my experience and a Droid in my hand connected to BA if I encounter something new. There's a lot to be said about a staff who knows their beer, that aspect in itself would stir me to drive the extra miles to a bottle shop. I just mentioned Consumers because it's the first one that came to mind. I was at a place in Syracuse that sold bottles and growlers and the's actually a beer distributor in PA where I live who also does growler fills. I think it's pretty cool and is a nice "one stop shop" as opposed to a bar where you can't buy a case of beer.
Deciccos in NY is one of.my favorite places.to visit. While the actual store is big the beer department is kinda small yet has an amazing selection. The locations I frequent are ardsley and Brewster. I'm not sure exactly how many taps they have but I'd guess its around 12 and then they have a great bottle selection. If you haven't visited this place I'd suggest you do and maybe get an idea because I know they do a great deal of business with BA people.
Bottles definitely produce much more sales than growlers overall, but having a growler station is always an added plus. I wish Illinois growler laws weren't so archaic. I'd love to be able to go to my local Binny's and get a fill of something.
