|
Spring will arrive.....right??? It seems doubtful today as we prepare for yet another Winter Storm Warning!
But our calendars are full of things to be accomplished before we begin the busier summer season.
Some things to be done at Liquor Hutch between now and May 1st:
- Hire and Train Temporary/Seasonal Part Time Staff
- Plan, Review and Reset all Beer Cooler Doors
- Select and Implement a new POS/Inventory Control System
- Whiskey Seminar on February 27th
- GrapeVine Wine Club Tasting Event on March 20th
- Pub Club Beer Tasting Event on April 17th
- Review and Update Policy and Procedures Handbook - done annually in March
- Quarterly Employee Meeting and Product Knowledge Training on Sunday, March 16th
- Clear all displays from sales floor, scrub and refinish concrete floors on Sunday, April 13th
I'm sure your calendar is just as busy! Obviously, we cannot accomplish everything needed without the support of great staff and sales people. Make sure they know that they are appreciated!!
That reminds me.....I forgot to list the Employee Appreciation Trip that we will be taking soon! All employees and their guests will be treated to a trip to Third Street Brewhouse and Glacial Ridge Winery.....it's our chance to say "Thank You" and to offer some product knowledge at the same time!
Foremost on our calendar in the next few days is the Beer Cooler Reset.
I am always amazed by the "positioning" that occurs among beer distributors during this process!
Be sure to spend the time, not always easy to find, to review your inventory for items that should be discontinued.
I think we do a great job of this with each vendor on an everyday basis, but we always find some things to get rid of when we look at the categories overall.
Use your inventory control system to identify trends, set goals for the outcome and then have each of your major distributors submit a proposal.
Remember you are responsible for the results, so use their proposals to put together the best set for your operation.
It is a time consuming process....especially when each distributor needs to convey their priorities...but the best results can only be achieved when you gather as much information as possible!
On the day of the reset, we actually tape the plan for each door on the glass and back rail so that no changes can be made and no further debate can exist.
2013 was the worst Spring in many years for beer sales!
I hope Spring 2014 treats you well!
Candice Woods
Liquor Hutch, City of Hutchinson
| 
