TLDR

You have noticed the shifting trends in drinking culture, with more customers looking for non-alcoholic options. Capitalize on this growing market by stocking your shelves with the latest popular non-alcoholic drinks. Offering quality mocktails and zero-proof spirits shows you respect the changing preferences. Consider creative merchandising like a "Dry January" display. The possibilities are multiplying in this expanding niche. Adapt intelligently, and you can gain a share from this segment while still serving your core customer base.

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The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Drinks

The popularity of nonalcoholic drinks is marking a shift in drinking culture. According to recent surveys, over 50% of drinkers are replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages. As liquor store owners, it is imperative to tap into this growing market by stocking non-alcoholic options to meet changing customer demands.

Diversify Your Product Offering

Carrying non-alcoholic drinks allows you to reach a wider range of customers. In addition to alcoholic beverages, stock sparkling waters, coffees, teas, juices, and sodas. Consider products from brands like Seedlip, Kin Euphorics, and Ghia that specialize in non-alcoholic spirits and aperitifs. Cater to health-conscious customers and those abstaining from alcohol by providing drink alternatives.

Adapt to Evolving Trends

The popularity of low- and no-alcohol drinks, especially among younger generations, continues to rise. Gen Z, in particular, is drinking less alcohol in favor of non-alcoholic options. Stay up-to-date with trends by following influencers and media in the non-alcoholic beverage space. Look for the latest products, flavors, and brands to add to your inventory. What's popular now may change quickly, so remain flexible and willing to adapt.

Enhance the Customer Experience

A varied product selection, knowledgeable staff, and a welcoming atmosphere will enhance the customer experience. Educate your employees on the different non-alcoholic drinks you offer so they can make recommendations and answer questions. Create an inviting space for customers to browse non-alcoholic options. Highlight new and popular products through displays, samples, and signage. Provide resources on your website and social media to inform customers about the available selection.

By diversifying your product offering, adapting to trends, and improving the customer experience, you'll be poised to succeed in the growing non-alcoholic beverage market. Meet your customers' changing needs and demands to build long-term loyalty and increase sales.

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Stock Non-Alcoholic Spirits Like Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof Tequila

The rising popularity of non-alcoholic spirits presents an opportunity for liquor stores to tap into a fast-growing market segment. Non-alcoholic spirits brands such as Seedlip and Ritual Zero Proof Tequila have gained traction, with sales showing strong year-over-year growth.

Diversify Your Product Offerings

Carrying non-alcoholic spirits allows you to cater to customers seeking high-quality alternatives. Seedlip, for example, offers distilled non-alcoholic spirits in familiar gin and whisky profiles using all-natural botanicals and spices. Ritual Zero Proof Tequila provides an alcohol-free version of the popular agave-based spirit. By stocking these premium products, you open your store up to new customers and give existing customers more reasons to shop with you.

Take Advantage of Industry Trends

The non-alcoholic spirits industry is becoming increasingly competitive, with major players investing heavily in new products. According to a recent report, the market is projected to grow over 15% annually over the next several years. By getting into this space early, you can establish your store as a go-to destination for the latest non-alcoholic spirits and benefit as the category continues its upward trajectory.

Enhance Customer Experience

Today’s consumers, especially younger ones, value choice and inclusiveness. By offering high-quality non-alcoholic options in addition to your traditional selection, you create a more welcoming environment for people who don’t drink for personal or health reasons. This emphasis on customer experience can help build brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing for your store.

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Offering Mocktails and Non-Alcoholic Beer

With the rise in health-conscious consumers and “sober-curious” individuals, offering non-alcoholic options at your liquor store is a savvy business decision.

Mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits

Mocktails and non-alcoholic spirits have seen significant growth, with sales up 54% in 2023. Pinterest searches for “mocktail bar” have also increased 75% year over year, demonstrating the demand for liquor stores and wine merchants to provide alcohol-free choices.

As a liquor store owner, dedicating a section of your store to popular non-alcoholic brands and mocktail ingredients allows you to tap into this growing market. Carry brands like Athletic Brewing Company, Lyre's Spirits, and Seedlip to offer high-quality non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits. Provide mixers, bitters, and garnishes so customers can easily make mocktails at home. You may also want to create premixed mocktails to sell, using fruit juices, herbs, and mixers.

Promoting your non-alcoholic options through social media, email marketing, and in-store displays will increase visibility and drive sales.

Run specials and discounts

Run specials and discounts on popular non-alcoholic brands and mocktail ingredients. Educate your staff on the latest trends in non-alcoholic drinks so they can make recommendations to customers.

While liquor and alcohol sales still make up the majority of revenue for most stores, non-alcoholic choices provide an opportunity for growth. According to Mintel, 38% of people say they want to cut back on alcohol consumption for health and wellness reasons. As “Dry January” and sober socializing become more popular, especially among younger generations, liquor stores that get ahead of this trend will be poised to succeed. Offering high-quality non-alcoholic drinks and mocktails allows you to capture sales from health-conscious consumers and those abstaining from alcohol, without losing their business.

Staying up to date with the latest non-alcoholic brands, trends, and consumer preferences will be key to making the most of this growing market. With the demand for liquor stores and wine merchants to provide better non-alcoholic options, adding mocktails and alcohol-free drinks to your product lineup is a smart strategy for continued success and revenue growth.

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Making Non-Alcoholic Mini Bottles and Cans Available

As a liquor store owner, offering non-alcoholic beverage options in smaller sizes is an easy way to tap into this growing market. According to research consumer insights, 52% of drinkers are replacing alcohol with non-alcoholic beverages. Offering smaller sizes, like mini bottles and cans, allows customers to try new non-alcoholic drinks without committing to a full-sized bottle.

Provide Sample Packs

Put together sample packs of different non-alcoholic drinks for customers to try. Include selections like non-alcoholic wines, beers, spirits, and mocktails. The variety will appeal to customers looking to explore their options. Once they find something they enjoy, they will likely return to purchase full-sized versions.

Stock Single-Serve Options

In addition to sample packs, stock a variety of single-serve non-alcoholic drinks. Carry well-known brands of non-alcoholic wine, beer, and spirits in smaller bottles and cans. Also, offer pre-made mocktails and cocktail mixers in smaller sizes. Having many options at an affordable price point will make it easy for customers to try new drinks.

Promote Your Selection

Promote your non-alcoholic drink selection through in-store displays, ads, and social media. Let your customers know you have high-quality options available in smaller sizes so they can find new favorites. Spotlighting specific products through promotions and discounts will further drive interest and sales.

By making non-alcoholic beverages available in smaller sizes, educating your staff, and actively promoting your selection, you can successfully tap into this expanding market. Offering customers convenient ways to try new drinks will lead to increased non-alcoholic product sales and boost your business.

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Enable Online Liquor Store Delivery Services to Reach More Non-Drinkers

As the popularity of nonalcoholic drinks grows, liquor stores should consider ways to tap into this emerging market. One strategy is to partner with online alcohol delivery services like Drizly to reach customers interested in nonalcoholic options.

Expand Your Product Selection

Stocking a variety of high-quality nonalcoholic beverages allows you to cater to customers abstaining from alcohol or reducing their alcohol consumption. Non-drinkers and moderate drinkers alike will appreciate alternative options like craft mocktails, nonalcoholic wine and beer alternatives, premium bottled waters, coffees, and teas. Promoting these options through delivery services exposes you to new customers seeking out nonalcoholic choices.

Analyze Trends

Delivery services provide data and analytics about customer preferences and buying habits. Study trends in nonalcoholic drink orders to anticipate growth opportunities and make informed product selection decisions. Look for spikes in certain drink types, brands, or flavors to determine what nonalcoholic options are resonating most with customers. Stay ahead of trends by stocking the latest innovative nonalcoholic drinks as soon as they become available.

Consider a Mobile Ordering App

A mobile ordering app customized for your store allows customers to browse your full product selection, including nonalcoholic options, and place orders for delivery or pickup. An app provides an easy way for customers to discover your nonalcoholic drink range and gives you an additional channel to promote these products. Per Diem app integrates with Doordash saving you third-party delivery platform charges as well.

By focusing your efforts on expanding and promoting your nonalcoholic drink selection, liquor stores can tap into the growing market of customers reducing their alcohol consumption or abstaining altogether.

Many liquor stores are adopting mobile technology to distinguish themselves in this billion-dollar competitive market. Explore further insights in our blog.

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Final Thoughts

Look to the future by embracing the growing nonalcoholic drinks market. Consider dedicating shelf space to trendy mocktail ingredients and premade nonalcoholic spirits. Partner with emerging nonalcoholic brands to stay ahead of the curve. Offer mobile ordering and checkout to better serve your evolving customer base. The cultural shift away from alcohol, especially among younger generations, presents an opportunity to retain and grow your customer base. Help patrons make mindful choices by promoting delicious nonalcoholic options alongside traditional offerings. Meet customers where they are now, without compromising your identity. Lean into the growing nonalcoholic movement to secure an enduring, profitable business for years to come.

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