Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Opens New, More Customer-Friendly Prototype Store in Harrisburg

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board today opened a redesigned Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in Harrisburg as part of its effort to enhance the shopping experience for consumers.

Located at 333 Market St., the refurbished store features a central service point at which customers can find assistance, browse featured items and make purchases. It also offers a warm, welcoming atmosphere for customers to learn about and shop for wine and spirits.

It is the PLCB's second prototype store. Since the first prototype location opened in New Hope, Bucks County in July, retail sales at that store have increased by more than 30 percent.  

"The first prototype store has been incredibly successful," said PLCB Chairman Patrick J. "PJ" Stapleton. "The new layout and design is based on consumer feedback and consumers have responded. People are coming in to browse, learn and explore all the new features the prototype store has to offer and we hope to receive the same response from consumers in Harrisburg."

The focal point of the new store is a center table, where consumers can always find staff to answer questions or provide guidance. The center table provides spacious counters for highlighting new products and featured selections, provides a gathering place for consumers to learn about products and find recommendations. It features information such as:

• Frequently Asked Questions about wine and spirits;
• a vintage chart;
• a food pairing outline;
• a party planning guide;
• a calorie chart; and
• tips for responsible hosting and consumption.  

An easy-to-use overview of the most popular wines and spirits will help consumers navigate the choices. Staff will also provide their own recommendations to consumers based on their years of experience.

The Harrisburg store will replace plastic bags with paper, a renewable resource, and also offer reusable bags. The store will also implement a cork recycling program.

Store hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.  It will be closed on Sunday.

The PLCB began a re-branding initiative in 2008 as one aspect of its comprehensive effort to become a more consumer-focused retail business. The PLCB will also open a prototype store in Philadelphia in the coming months. The agency will collect and study sales data and consumer feedback from all three stores before expanding the initiative statewide.  

The Liquor Control Board has embarked on a systematic business plan to make the 75-year-old agency more consumer-focused. The plan includes initiatives to improve the consumer store experience; enhance training for employees; boost returns to the state General Fund; assure and promote responsible use of alcohol through regulation and education; and take advantage of new technology.

Media contact: Stacy Kriedeman, 717-783-8864

SOURCE Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board