A Grand Opening

Not many blog entries recently, despite the fact that I've got a lot of material stacked up to blog about--it's Limited Edition season and I've not only been putting that together, but also I've been very busy doing a lot of travelling, the customer appreciation barbecue for our retail store and, oh yes, my day job. But I had a lot of fun last weekend: I was invited to the Grand Opening Freeman's Winexpert in Kingston Ontario.

A swingin' set for a swingin' joint

Bill and Janet Freeman have had a great Wine On Premise operation in Kingston for years, and they've been a very valued retailer for us. As part of our plans to extend our brand value (oh my, that sounds corporate-y!) we're partnering with some of our best retailers to set up model stores. These will have carefully planned and designed looks in terms of fixtures, decor, posters, layout and equipment, and we'll be working to make sure the experience our customers receive is the best in class at every branded store.

Happy people, the best decoration a store could have

The place wasn't quite finished--the best laid plans of mice, men and trades subcontractors must give way to broken-down delivery trucks, but it's going to be spectacular--completely integrated design, beautiful layout and great decor. I can hardly wait to see the finished version.

A big part of the success of our new model store is the retail partners we've got.

Bill, Janet and store manager Mike--go team!

Not only are Bill and Janet a couple of sharp folks, they've got a secret weapon in their corner. Mike knows his stuff and his customers love him dearly--he also really knows how to have fun, as he demonstrated when we hit the oyster bar. Oyster bar?

Ostranconophilia, ho! Look at those beauties!

The spread they set up for the store opening was wonderful, with excellent canapes, tasty cheese, cases of oysters and delicous wines--all commercial wines, of course, given that it's never legal in Canada to give away consumer-produced wines. Pity.

Nom nom nom

Happy, noshy people

Winexpert was well represented that night.

L to R: Lynne, Andy, Janet, Gavin, Lorri, Mr. Disheveled, Bill

But it wasn't all oysters and Champagne. There was a draw for some spectacular prizes, a charity draw and a little bit of business.

Mike says we need to make two!

I had a fine time, and really enjoyed hanging out with the Freeman's crew. It was a bit of a whirlwind, as I had to fly out the next morning, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat--be sure to drop in on them if you're in Kingston. You can tell 'em I sent you.

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