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The Christmas season has snuck up on us as it seems to each year. If you haven’t started your liquor store marketing plans for 2025, we hope this blog post offers some helpful ideas to get you started. According to Better Retailing, 28% of annual liquor sales happen during the holiday season. Retailers can capitalize by implementing a well rounded Christmas marketing plan.
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Profits
Every year, retailers deck the halls, and aisles, shelves, and windows. Some liquor stores go all out while others do the absolute minimum. While you don’t need to make your liquor store look like the North Pole, there are very good reasons to rise above the “bare minimum”. Studies show that there is a correlation between store presentation and sales. One researcher found that “Christmas stimuli (music, decorations, and scent) has been shown to increase purchases and customers’ experience-satisfaction”. Source: Land, Julia M., “Mistletoe Marketing: An Analysis of How Christmas Stimuli Affects Consumer Behavior” (2014). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 5976.
Decorating ideas
- Begin decorating your storefront and interior as early as possible in November to create a welcoming atmosphere and stand out from other liquor stores who start later
- Use blinking fairy lights, wreaths, festive window displays, and holiday signage.
- Put up a Christmas tree and make it part of a Christmas liquor display
- Play festive music to get shoppers in the spirit of the season
Holiday Baskets and Product Bundles
Shoppers sometimes get stuck for gift ideas. Curating themed gift boxes or baskets is a great way to solve that problem.
- Bundle wine and chocolate in a gift basket
- Create a craft beer sampler basket with local beers. Pair with pretzels or other salty snacks
- Offer whiskey gift boxes with chocolate, dried fruit and a few shot glasses
Feature Seasonal Favourites
Stock a good selection of holiday faves such as whiskey, bourbon, rye, cream liqueurs, spiced rum, brandy, cognac, and winter ales.
Highlight Local Producers
Some liquor store customers make a point of supporting local producers. Feature local spirits, beer and wine in a standalone display. Use signage or shelf labels so shoppers can easily find locally-made liquors.
Host Tastings
Host in-store tastings of new and hot liquor products or demonstrate cocktail mixing. Advertise tastings in your store and on your website.
Watch Compliance Over Christmas!
It’s easy to get distracted during what is a liquor store’s busiest time of year. Compliance issues grow when your back’s turned! Thrive liquor license consultants provides liquor store compliance audits and checklists so your store can remain infraction free.
Get Social with Your Liquor Store Marketing
Use your social media accounts to generate excitement and advertise Christmas gift ideas
- Post photos of your holiday décor, gift bundles, and in-store events on social media
- Launch a “12 Days of Christmas Deals” promotion with daily deals until Christmas day
- Send email newsletters with holiday recipes, drink ideas and offers
Connect with Thrive for an In-Store Marketing Consultation
Make your store stand out, put customers in the shopping mood and grow your holiday revenue this Christmas. Talk to a Thrive Advisors liquor license consultant today for support this season.
