2021 RETAILER OF THE YEAR
A New Jersey mainstay, Gary ' s opened its new St. Helena store in Napa Valley in 2019. a well-known retailer in St. Helena, CA, that he’ d patronized many times over the years. The store was in a great location and had always been a destination spot for Gary, who enjoyed the wine selection as well as the various food offerings. The store had a great deal of business potential but was struggling at the corporate level.
Upon a return trip with his wife, Liz, a few months later, Gary connected with the property’ s landlord and ended up signing a lease in July.
Very quickly, Gary’ s became a national brand, opening its 10,000-square-foot St. Helena location in the heart of Napa Valley in October 2019.
Distinctively different from the New Jersey locations, the California store dedicates about one-third of its space to wine. The Napa location also offers freshly prepared foods, coffee, giftware and a wide range of gourmet items, including cheese and charcuterie.
“ The idea was to maintain the footprint that was in place after the store that was originally based at this location closed,” Gary explains.“ That store was wonderful, and it was such a great addition to the community, which is filled with so many small tasting rooms these
14 Beverage Dynamics • 2021 Top 100 Issue www. beveragedynamics. com