BOSTON — More than 78% of independent alcohol store owners and managers said they’ve had higher online sales since March, at the start of the coronavirus spread in the United States, according to Drizly.
The online alcohol delivery service recently released its second annual nationwide survey in October of more than 500 adults who manager or own independent liquor stores, including retailers on and off the Drizly platform.
Sales on Drizly have grown 350% compared to last year, the Boston-based company said. The number of retailers on Drizly increased from about 2,000 to 4,000 locations since January.
As many on-premise locations, like bars and restaurants, are closed amid the pandemic, online ordering outpaces in-store shopping.
Nearly half of retailers said their online sales accounted for less than 5% of total sales prior to COVID-19, but that grew to 11% or more of total sales as of October.
The fastest-growing concern alcohol retailers cited in the survey was grocery delivery services; however, positive trends are expected to last through the holiday, Drizly said. About 44% of retailers predicted sales will be significantly higher this year than during previous comparable periods.
When it comes to hard seltzers, White Claw and Truly still lead the category, Drizly said, but just more than half of retailers surveyed said they’re planning on giving High Noon hard seltzer, from Modesto, Calif.-based E. & J. Gallo Winery, more space over the next year.
Retailers also said they would give Tequila and Mezcal more space in 2021 and beyond.
“It goes without saying that 2020 was an unprecedented year. We feel fortunate to have played a role in helping our Retail Partners continue to serve consumers during these times, and in many cases, actually grow their businesses,” said Cory Rellas, Drizly group CEO and Drizly co-founder.
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