The first retail store I visited was “World of Wines and Whiskey” located on 55th and Lexington avenue. The shop was very welcoming and once we entered we were able to see labels on the shelves that distinguished the wine sections by different Countries, France, Germany, Spain, Africa, Australia, New York, etc. besides the store being divided by country, it was also within each section divided by types. For example, Merlot on the top row, Cabernet in the middle, and whites and blush on the bottom. Another benefit of this particular store was that they prefer smaller suppliers so they can have a higher profit in return. As a customer you could benefit from this because they offer an automatic 15% off when you purchase 6 or more bottles. Some draw backs that this store had was lack of inventory and variety. They also were quite pricey on most of their merchandise. Another drawback for them is that they are a fairly new store, only having about a year in operation. There was no exact reasoning or motive to where which wines were placed on shelves or on the floor just by category. This store provided a friendly and welcoming environment but prices and the lack of variety would probably be the reason I wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

Picture shows the labeling of sections and primarily red wines. (World of Wines & Whiskey)

The second retail beverage shop we visited was “Ambassador Wines and Spirits” located on 1020 2nd Ave at 54th St. this shop had a vast variety of wine. Once you enter the store you run into wines that are good for the current season. Also the shop is two floors; upstairs there are wines from all over the world, while the lower level is completely devoted to wines of France. From a room of just Burgundy wines and another of just Bordeaux wines to a room dedicated to Champagne. Downstairs is also a room where tastings are held, while in the same room you can see storage of wines set to soon be on the floor. The General Manager, Andre Robert Guerin, of the store was very eager to give us the “interview” as he called it and he was very informative and excited to show us their wide variety of wines. The wines upstairs were all placed by price and from cheapest (bottom) to highest (top shelve). One of the draw backs is that they would only lower prices for an item if they get a deal from the actual distributor does since their rent is $22,000 due to location. The store does not have a separate section for aged wines but is looking to in the near future have either its own room or section. I will surely return to this store, and might even take part in their wine tasting deal.

Interview being had with the GM in the classroom/wine tasting room. Storage of wines to rotated onto the floor seen labeled in small crates on shelves.

Entire room dedicated to Champagne on the France floor. (Ambassador Wine & Spirits)

Wines upon entrance of store; season specific. (Ambassador Wine & Spirits)