Beverage Dynamics July-August 2019 | Page 46

2019 RETAILER OF THE YEAR

Margaret and I both grew up in our father ’ s liquor store , and he was a great retailer who understood that you had to build relationships one customer at a time .
– David Jabour , President

800 staff members . And although growth is definitely part of the company ’ s ongoing business strategy , it ’ s never been the top priority of the business . The Jabours are in this industry because they love it . They ’ re passionate about providing the highest level of service to their customers and offering the best selection of products at a fair price point . Everything else is a bonus .
“ In the early days , we never had any long-term plans for expansion ,” David admits . “ Most of it has just been organic growth with a delicate balance of acquisition . But Margaret and I both grew up in our father ’ s liquor store , and he was a great retailer who understood that you had to build relationships one customer at a time . He also had a passion for this industry , which he instilled in us . We are so passionate about this business and the everyday work that we do for our customers . It ’ s exciting .”
THE TWIN LIQUORS DISTINCTION Currently , Twin Liquors stores are spread out across the Austin , San Antonio , Dallas ( Sigel ’ s ) and Houston metropolitan areas . Since the company ’ s inception , Twin Liquors has been known as a destination for single malt scotch , which is a top category at all store locations . Other popular products include American whiskey and tequila . Mezcal is a much smaller category , but the Jabours
report that it ’ s experienced steady growth over the past several years . On the wine side , rosé sales continue to climb , keeping pace with national trends but perhaps performing even stronger in states like Texas , which boast warm climates year-round . Despite these key staples , product selection is always slightly adjusted from store to store to best meet the needs of each location ’ s unique community . The Jabours are also extremely committed to offering customers high-quality products at a good value .
Twin Liquors stores vary in size and generally fall into one of two categories : the smaller 4,000- and 6,000-square-foot stores are known as neighborhood models , and the larger , 15,000-square-foot stores , known as the company ’ s marketplace stores , are equipped with full tasting bars and classrooms in order to provide the most comprehensive educational opportunities possible for customers . The store aesthetics are also extremely unique in that the Jabours took exceptional care in building an environment that fosters a positive shopping experience for customers .
“ We realize that we need to make the stores warm , welcoming places where people want to spend time and can enjoy the shopping experience ,” Margaret explains . “ Twin Liquors stores all have a department-store feel to them . If you walk into Neiman Marcus or Saks Fifth Avenue , you ’ ll instantly notice a welcoming ambiance with a focus on the merchandise . Lighting , music and low-profile shelving create a pleasant mood and give the
8 Beverage Dynamics • Top 100 Supplement www . beveragedynamics . com