The new B.C. Liquor Store is set to open this Friday (May 29) with samples of Prosecco and single malt tastings galore.
And manager Rich Cordocedo can’t wait to show the public what the new shop has in store.
The building itself is 9,000 square feet, more than 2,000 square feet bigger than the old location and Cordocedo said that translates into more than 120 new products — including beers, wines, spirits, coolers and liqueurs.
On Saturday the store will sample various Okanagan wines and B.C. products.
“One of the key elements that’s happening is we are now selling refrigerated products,” said Cordocedo. “That’s huge.”
The store has 20 cooler units inside the vast, open space which will carry beer, coolers, white and sparkling wines.
Cordocedo said the store has gone from “a traditional look to a higher, cleaner, crisper look.”
Plank-style vinyl lines the floor with nine island shelves housing a variety of vino and spirits while modern light fixtures hang from the ceiling.
“It’s a fresh look for B.C. Liquor Stores,” said Cordocedo. “It’s all brand new.”
He said the store also has new hours of operation and will be open Monday to Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The only two days they’ll be closed, Cordocedo said, will be Christmas Day and New Years Day.
With the additional space and expected business, Cordocedo said B.C. Liquor Store hired 10 new staff who are working close to full-time. He said they’ll also be hiring a limited number of additional seasonal staff for the summer.
“These are really important changes to B.C. Liquor Stores,” he said. “We’re building on our tradition of better pricing, social responsibility and better selections as being requested.”
Cordocedo said he’s expecting a busy summer given their location between Parksville and Qualicum Beach.
“My favourite part of the new store is really the excitement my staff has,” he said. “It’s empowering them… it’s really fun watching my staff and how excited they are.”
Cordocedo said the store will also carry a selection of “premium table wines as supply is available” in an effort to cater to as wide an audience as possible.
Additionally, he said they have “one of the best single malt selections in the area” with more than 70 different scotches in-stock. Cordocedo said his favourite is Lagavulin.
“It’s exciting,” he said of all the changes, noting construction is actually ahead of schedule.
The new B.C. Liquor store will make its official debut this Friday at 9:30 a.m. with lots of samples, cake and coffee. Cordocedo encourages everyone in the community to come down and check out the new store located at 826 Island Highway beside Save-On-Foods (in the Wembley Mall area).