JUNE 2019 | MARKETWATCHMAG.COM | MARKET WATCH 61PH
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Warren says, noting that a special section
in the spirits department features vodkas,
gins, whiskies, and amari from the likes of
local producers such as the Bainbridge and
Townshend distilleries.
The store offers about 1,000 wine SKUs,
and local Cabernets dominate. Top-selling
labels include the 2016 Chateau Ste.
Michelle Cabernet Sauvignon ($16 a
750-ml.) and the 2016 Substance Cabernet
Sauvignon ($20). Rosés are also hot,
Tompkins says, noting that while Down-
town Spirits stocks only about a dozen rosés
($8-$55 a 750-ml.) during the winter
months, selection soars to 80 labels in the
summer. “It used to be that just a few core
brands would dominate in rosé, but year
over year, people are getting more adven-
turous,” he adds. “I’ve found that having a
wide selection of rosés is more beneficial
than just a few massive displays.”
Membership in the Wine & Spirits Guild
has provided Downtown Spirits with the
opportunity to market private-label wines.
“We’ve had a lot of success with them,”
Warren says. “They’re great products that
help us build our margins. Over the next
few years we look to deepen our investment
in those products.” Private-label wines that
do well at the store include the non-vintage
Casa Dora Cava ($10 a 750-ml.), 2016 El
Jamon Garnacha ($10), and 2017 Silver
Beach Sauvignon Blanc ($14).
Downtown stocks some 400 beer SKUs,
generally priced between $10-$12 a 6-pack
of 12-ounce cans or bottles. Craft beer
accounts for a whopping 70% of the store’s
beer sales, Warren notes. “We have a great
assortment of macro beers, but we really do
have to differentiate ourselves from the
groceries,” he says. “The easiest way to do
that is with local craft products.” Top-selling
craft brews include Black Raven Updraft
pale ale ($12 a 6-pack of 12-ounce cans),
Deschutes Fresh Squeezed IPA ($12 a
6-pack of 12-ounce bottles), and Bale
Breaker Field 41 pale ale ($11 a 6-pack of
12-ounce cans).
In 2013, Downtown Spirits added a
10-tap growler bar, and Tompkins says it’s
been a great margin builder. “Some of the
best beer is only available on draft, so we
can offer the hottest beers in growlers,”
he says. The store offers both 32- and
64-ounce growler pours, generally priced
between $10-$18.Downtown Spirits’ rosé selection (display top) rises to 80 labels during the summer months.
Meanwhile, spirits offerings (above) are centered on Bourbon and Scotch; the store has
partnered with brands like Maker’s Mark on single-barrel offerings and also works to
highlight local spirits producers such as the Townshend and Bainbridge distilleries.