“Today, if a store is being built with a lot of space and foresight, retailers put their higher-dollar items in the back bars,” said Sharan Kalva, COO at C-StoreMaster (a national c-store distributor specializing in tobacco and beverage product). Health and beauty products, electronics, and over-the-counter medicines are all mentioned as areas of opportunity for diversifying your back bar space.
Consider Adding Liquor to Back Bar
While there are many product categories to consider when assessing how to best use back bar sections as a multipurpose merchandising area, liquor is a product category that offers considerable opportunity. Nearly half of U.S. states allow liquor to be sold in the convenience channel. Here are three reasons to consider adding liquor to your back bar display.
1. Add Liquor to Prevent Shrinkage
Liquor bottles, especially in smaller sizes, are often “high-theft” items. According to RetailResearch.org, alcoholic products like whiskey and gin are among the most shoplifted merchandise. Securing pints, flyers, and even large bottles behind the counter can be beneficial for minimizing shrinkage. Lockable storage cabinets such as Planniq® Lock are another option to bring these high-value products out into the open without sacrificing security.
2. Add Liquor to Boost Sales
Positioning liquor behind the counter increases visibility and sales, as small liquor bottles make for a great last-minute impulse item. These items have high margins and are often sold in multiple units at a time, making them a great way to boost the average ticket price and improve your bottom line.
3. Add Liquor to Maximize Profits
Flavored tobacco bans have already disrupted some markets, with others possibly to follow. Regulations like this can require reworking your back bar. Replacing uncontracted flavored tobacco products with liquor is an easy solution keeping back bar space full and maximizing profitability.
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