The Beer Store in Ontario is grappling with the closure of 23 locations due to increased competition from convenience and grocery stores following the Ford government's decision to expand alcohol sales.
The Beer Store , a prominent chain of beer retailers in Ontario, is facing a significant decline, with 23 locations either closed or slated to shut down by February 28, 2024. John Nock, President of UFCW , the union representing Beer Store workers, attributes these closures to the Ford government's decision to allow alcohol sales in convenience and most grocery stores, a move that has intensified competition for The Beer Store .
While the current number of closures might seem relatively small compared to the chain's over 350 stores across the province, Nock warns of a potentially larger crisis in the near future if no measures are taken to protect The Beer Store from the competitive pressures. He points to an early implementation agreement requiring The Beer Store to maintain at least 300 stores open until the end of 2025, after which there are no limitations on closures.In response to the changing landscape, The Beer Store has implemented strategies aimed at boosting revenue, such as allowing the sale of non-beer items in their stores. However, the recent wave of closures suggests that these efforts might not be enough to stem the tide. When contacted about the closures, Ozzie Ahmed, Beer Store Vice President of Retail, stated that the chain is continuously evaluating its business operations to adapt to the evolving market for beverage alcohol. He emphasized that any decisions regarding store closures are made with a commitment to serving customers.The expansion of alcohol sales under the Ford government has not only impacted The Beer Store but also other businesses in Ontario's beer and ready-to-drink market. Craft breweries, for example, have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of increased competition from corner stores. Blood Brothers Brewing Company, a local brewery, highlighted that foreign macro brewers appear to be the primary beneficiaries of this expansion, as their bottle shop revenue is now threatened by the sale of beer in convenience stores.
THE BEER STORE ALCOHOL SALES COMPETITION CLOSURES ONTARIO GOVERNMENT FORDH GOVERNMENT BREWERIES UFCW
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