Kevin Graff

Supermarkets on Tap

March 1, 2010

FROM RETAILWIRE:
Both Wegmans and Whole Foods have recently opened pubs inside stores in Pennsylvania, serving beer, wine and drinks. What do you think of the idea of pubs in supermarkets? Does it take a Wegmans or Whole Foods to pull it off or is this something most grocers could handle?      [more...]

At the Whole Foods store around the corner from my home, they started serving beer and wine in their seated eating area about a year ago. From all indications, it's going very well. While it's certainly not a pub-like atmosphere, many customers seem to enjoy the chance to have a drink. It only makes sense, doesn't it?

Go to Europe and see how society isn't afraid of alcohol, doesn't demonize it, and views it as part of a 'civilized' existence. This has nothing to do with abusing alcohol. It's merely part of creating a better experience for your customers. One that has them stay longer in your store...and probably buy more too. If putting in a coffee stand works to drive up frequency of shops and average basket values, can you imagine what a couple of beer taps might do?