Giant Wine and Liquor Stores

[nativeomahan]

I didn’t see an existing thread covering this topic so I decided to start one.
In the past several years the retail scene for wine/ beer/ liquor sales here in Metro Omaha has seen a seismic change, First there was Wine, Beer and Spirits store next to Oakview Mall. It was a true game changer. I had never seen so many beers under one roof. The wine and liquor selection is also amazing.
Not long afterward Hy-Vee entered the mega liquor market with their two area Wall to Wall Wine and Spirits stores. I really like their wine selection in particular, and they always are running monthly and periodic weekend sales. If you sign up for their emails you will get plenty of them!
Macadoodles opened their first area store at 72nd and Grover last May. I finally stopped in today, and while they are nowhere near the size of the stores previously mentioned, they do specialize in wines of all price ranges from $5 to over $250 per bottle. Free tastings are offered, and if you give them your email and phone number you get notifications of sales, as well as member discounts. They offer 15% off all wines on Wednesdays. I found a few hard to find favorites of mine there today, at very good prices. The staff were all very friendly, however I didn’t notice anyone with extensive wine knowledge on hand, unlike the other stores.
Finally, I’ve now visited the Total Wine & More’s Omaha store off 72nd and Pacific twice, and spent more than I want to admit but they are very generous with their snail mail coupons as well as email coupons, and their prices really cannot be beat. I took a video of their tequila selection to show a buddy in Guadalajara (the birthplace of tequila) and it took me 40 seconds of strolling down the aisles to capture it all. This place literally prompted an audible “Oh My God!” response when I walked through the door. It’s like a effing toy store for vinophiles. I needed help locating one of their advertised sale Pinot’s and a sales rep looked it up in her phone app, saying, “It should be in Section E-21”. My response was “I think that’s where I parked my car at the airport.”
The irony is, as I’ve gotten older I drink a lot less alcohol than I used to. We maybe consume 3 or 4 bottles of wine per month unless we throw a party or celebrate Thanksgiving or another major holiday. The only liquor I drink anymore is tequila, and I might have 2 beers a month at home. Nevertheless I’m super pumped that residents have these new options to choose from. Don’t neglect the local wine and spirit purveyors, but competition is great for the consumer.

[Brad]

The two nationals (Macadoodles and Total wine) have nowhere near the craft beer selection of the regional places (Wall to Wall and Wine Beer and Spirits).

[FishFighter92]

In the past several years the retail scene for wine/ beer/ liquor sales here in Metro Omaha has seen a seismic change, First there was Wine, Beer and Spirits store next to Oakview Mall. It was a true game changer. I had never seen so many beers under one roof.

First? WBS just opened a couple years ago. When HyVee at Shadow Lake first opened, I remember they heavily promoted that they had over 100 different beers available for sale. That was maybe 20 years ago. Then what about Brix? Spirit World?

I understand what you mean, but Omaha has had a fantastic beer selection for a few decades at Beertopia and HyVee.

[nativeomahan]

I believe that Total Wine advertises a selection of over 2,000 different beers. I walked the multiple aisles of their beer department yesterday and it was just overwhelming. Yes they have the mass produced stuff, sold by the case, but clearly they are marketing to beer aficionados. The area devoted to regional Nebraska beers was impressive.

[FishFighter92]

I believe that Total Wine advertises a selection of over 2,000 different beers.

I'm tempted to drive over there and count the beers. I find the selection at Oakview WBS a bit disappointing, but I know that's not their business model.

[nebport5]

Wall to Wall’s 132nd & Center location is apparently closing.

[Louie]

I believe that Total Wine advertises a selection of over 2,000 different beers.

I'm tempted to drive over there and count the beers. I find the selection at Oakview WBS a bit disappointing, but I know that's not their business model.

This is like a billion years late, but Total Wine is definitely the spot for wine and liquor. But for beer, it seems like it lacks in options in comparison. Especially if you're shopping for cold package.

[Busguy2010]

Almost every time I've been in there, I've seen people spending hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on a large number of bottles, so I wonder if its a sort of distribution point for event organizers (?), much like Home Depot is for contractors.

[Brad]

Wall to Wall’s 132nd & Center location is apparently closing.

That sucks. They had a really nice craft beer selection and Ken the beer manager really knows what's going on in the local craft beer scene. The Casual Pint and Wall to Wall are my go to places for Craft Beer.

I haven't bee to the place by Oakview for many years now as wall to wall was a mile closer and way more organized.

Tried the two national chains (Mcacdoodles and Total wine), but their local craft beer selection was lacking.

Almost every time I've been in there, I've seen people spending hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on a large number of bottles, so I wonder if its a sort of distribution point for event organizers (?), much like Home Depot is for contractors.

That's not legal in Nebraska. If you have a liquor license in Nebraska you cannot buy from a retail shop. "Event Organizers" aka catering companies would need to buy from a distributor.

[zippy]

This is like a billion years late, but Total Wine is definitely the spot for wine and liquor. But for beer, it seems like it lacks in options in comparison. Especially if you're shopping for cold package.

Total Wine's selection of wines is very broad, but it's focused on wines that nobody has ever heard of. They market those as "Winery Direct" wines. Their prices on wines I've actually been able to purchase at other places is very good, but they're not convenient to the places I visit.

[Greg S]

I know the selection isn't quite like the others but Macadoodles has become my go to. Most consistent service, plus the specials they email and text me are quite good.

Greg

[Mr.Nuke]

Wall to Wall’s 132nd & Center location is apparently closing.

10/14. As of today 25% off wine, 20% off spirits, and 10% off for beer.

[djc311]

Wall to Wall’s 132nd & Center location is apparently closing.

That sucks. They had a really nice craft beer selection and Ken the beer manager really knows what's going on in the local craft beer scene. The Casual Pint and Wall to Wall are my go to places for Craft Beer.

I haven't bee to the place by Oakview for many years now as wall to wall was a mile closer and way more organized.

Tried the two national chains (Mcacdoodles and Total wine), but their local craft beer selection was lacking.

Almost every time I've been in there, I've seen people spending hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on a large number of bottles, so I wonder if its a sort of distribution point for event organizers (?), much like Home Depot is for contractors.

That's not legal in Nebraska. If you have a liquor license in Nebraska you cannot buy from a retail shop. "Event Organizers" aka catering companies would need to buy from a distributor.

That does suck - I much rather shop in Wall to Wall over the Oakview place. I go in there and everything to me is chaotic. They have stuff stacked right by the entrance, brands I've never heard... and I feel they cater their offering to stuff that's not familiar. I suppose that's a selling point for a lot of others that are more adventurous.

[Busguy2010]

.

Almost every time I've been in there, I've seen people spending hundreds upon hundreds of dollars on a large number of bottles, so I wonder if its a sort of distribution point for event organizers (?), much like Home Depot is for contractors.

That's not legal in Nebraska. If you have a liquor license in Nebraska you cannot buy from a retail shop. "Event Organizers" aka catering companies would need to buy from a distributor.

Sure. But by "event organizers" I was referring more to your "uncle Bob" and "cousin Ricky" type of event organizers lol. Not at all obligated nor concerned about the legality of it.

Who buys 30 bottles and spends $700 in one trip? I see people make bulk purchases there almost every time I go there. I just wonder what the occasion is. I'm not mad about it. But when I'm just there for a 6 pack I can get at Hy-vee and I'm only spending like $10-15, I always feel a little out of place is all. Just depends where I'm at in my day.

One thing I did note, at least at the Hy-vee on Cass, I've seen them lower their prices on some items and specifically cite "Compared to Total Wine & More". So theres the competition positive that benefits the consumer.

[nebport5]

I see the Macadoodles building/lot is for sale.

[nativeomahan]

I dropped some serious cash at the Wall to Wall closing sale over the past weekend. I hate to see businesses go under, and this place was well run and had a great selection, at least by Omaha standards. The check-out clerk (the son of the store manager) told me that Hy-Vee opened these stand alone liquor stores about 3 years ago as an experiment, and things went well until Total Wine came to town. He said Total Wine put them out of business. Their Lincoln store also has now closed.
I now have enough wine in my home to open my own wine shop.

[Brad]

I’m still disappointed they closed and even more disappointed to hear it’s because of total wine. As a beer drinker, I thought wall to wall was a much better store than total wine..

I feel like Hy-Vee does a lot of these experiments and at very first sign of adversity they run away… Except for of course this failed burger experiment with Wahlburgers… that lasted way too long.

[nebugeater]

I’m still disappointed they closed and even more disappointed to hear it’s because of total wine. As a beer drinker, I thought wall to wall was a much better store than total wine..

I feel like Hy-Vee does a lot of these experiments and at very first sign of adversity they run away… Except for of course this failed burger experiment with Wahlburgers… that lasted way too long.

At least Wahlburgers never rolled out to all the stores. Imagine that the length of time they held on to the locations had to do with contract agreements

[Greg S]

I’m still disappointed they closed and even more disappointed to hear it’s because of total wine. As a beer drinker, I thought wall to wall was a much better store than total wine..

I feel like Hy-Vee does a lot of these experiments and at very first sign of adversity they run away… Except for of course this failed burger experiment with Wahlburgers… that lasted way too long.

Yeah Hy Vee just seems to throw a lot of stuff at the wall and see's what sticks. Some of it is just crazy. One time they were selling gas grills at the one on Maple. Just not a place I would even consider investing in one of those at. A few years ago I was in Shakopee MN coaching hockey and I stopped at a Hy Vee near the rink. Seemed like the predecessor for the new one in Gretna. It was selling baby clothes, had a DSW in it, and almost a full food court. Would love to go back to it and see what's in it today.

Remember years ago when they opened the Hy Vee at Oak View? It had a Taco Bell in it when it opened. The TB did not last long. Will be interesting to see what the Gretna store looks like in a year or two.

I do hope they haven't completely abandoned the Wall to Wall concept. I just looked on their website and there are only 2 open, the one at Shadow Lake and in West Des Moines.

Greg

[OverlookedFarm]

I just wonder where the market saturation point is with alcohol.

The macro trends have been discussed.

If any of you have ever been into these been alcohol warehouses (Republic, Johnson, Premier, Southern Glazers), it's mind blowing how much of it is distributed and consumed. I'm talking 3 pallet racks high, as far as the eye can see in every direction.

[Brad]

Another thing I forgot to mention. When Wall to Wall announced they were closing, they sent and email to all the rewards members. One thing that email said was something along the lines of "they have learned that HyVee customers prefer to shop at their full service grocery stores and not stand alone liquor stores". That might be true for some HyVee stores, but not the one by my house. I live by the 90th and Center HyVee and it has a terrible beer selection, that's why I would drive the extra couple miles to Wall to Wall. The Peony Park HyVee usually has a decent beer selection but can be hit or miss. They Linden Market HyVee's beer selection has really gone downhill over the past several years.

[nebport5]

Another thing I forgot to mention. When Wall to Wall announced they were closing, they sent and email to all the rewards members. One thing that email said was something along the lines of "they have learned that HyVee customers prefer to shop at their full service grocery stores and not stand alone liquor stores". That might be true for some HyVee stores, but not the one by my house. I live by the 90th and Center HyVee and it has a terrible beer selection, that's why I would drive the extra couple miles to Wall to Wall. The Peony Park HyVee usually has a decent beer selection but can be hit or miss. They Linden Market HyVee's beer selection has really gone downhill over the past several years.

Hmm…maybe they’ll invest in refreshing some of the liquor departments in some of the existing stores? The Saddle Creek/Center location has always been pretty terrible too. I’ve seen expired product on the shelf. Come to think of it, it seems like the more West located stores have the best selections, like Stony Brook or 180th & Q.

As far as I know Hy-Vee(to their credit)still has a local buyer for each store rather than standardizing the selection across locations. Maybe you could bend the ear of the buyer at the 90th & Center store with a few requests.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I’m still disappointed they closed and even more disappointed to hear it’s because of total wine. As a beer drinker, I thought wall to wall was a much better store than total wine..

I feel like Hy-Vee does a lot of these experiments and at very first sign of adversity they run away… Except for of course this failed burger experiment with Wahlburgers… that lasted way too long.

I agree with Brad here and we have discussed this off the forum several times..

I’m so po’d that Wall to Wall closed on 132nd and Center.. not just because it was 1 mile from my home, but also because you could count on them for a wide, organized beer selection and thoughtful attention to detail from my friend Ken who managed the place. As a craft beer drinker, this closure was a kick in the pants..

And BOOO to Hy Vee for giving up on this concept at this location…

Ciao..LiO…Peace

[Brad]

Another thing I forgot to mention. When Wall to Wall announced they were closing, they sent and email to all the rewards members. One thing that email said was something along the lines of "they have learned that HyVee customers prefer to shop at their full service grocery stores and not stand alone liquor stores". That might be true for some HyVee stores, but not the one by my house. I live by the 90th and Center HyVee and it has a terrible beer selection, that's why I would drive the extra couple miles to Wall to Wall. The Peony Park HyVee usually has a decent beer selection but can be hit or miss. They Linden Market HyVee's beer selection has really gone downhill over the past several years.

Hmm…maybe they’ll invest in refreshing some of the liquor departments in some of the existing stores? The Saddle Creek/Center location has always been pretty terrible too. I’ve seen expired product on the shelf. Come to think of it, it seems like the more West located stores have the best selections, like Stony Brook or 180th & Q.

As far as I know Hy-Vee(to their credit)still has a local buyer for each store rather than standardizing the selection across locations. Maybe you could bend the ear of the buyer at the 90th & Center store with a few requests.

Unlike most HyVee location, I’m not sure 90th and Center even has a manager for the liquor department. Just to clarify the Casual Pint in Countryside Village is still my primary go to for beer. But it’s a small space and sometimes their selection is limited and that’s when I would branch out to wall the wall. Since the closing of Nebraska Brewing Company and Wall to Wall, I’ve made an extra effort to actually go to the breweries and buy the beer directly from the brewery and skip the middle man.

[omaha79]

I'm kind of surprised Wall To Wall has struggled the way it has because Hy-Vee has a lot of local clout and backing. The one in Papillion generally seems to do well, but it must just be too much oversaturation between Total Wine, Wine Beer & Spirits, Macadoodles, and Wall to Wall. There isn't much competition in Papillion/Bellevue with large liquor outlets. I'm glad Wall to Wall is there because I have little interest in driving to Total wine every time I need something from Bellevue. And, their beer selection at Total Wine is generally poor. Wall to Wall is the winner there.

[BuildTaller]

I'm kind of surprised Wall To Wall has struggled the way it has

I'm not. It was so sterile inside. There were only ever like 3 customers in the store. I never understood what the counter area in the middle of the store was supposed to be. If it was for samples, paid or free, I was never invited to try.
WBS has a bar, customers having a good time, free samples multiple days a week, and just an overall welcoming vibe.

I only make the drive to Total Wine to redeem the constant coupons they send.

Also, remember when HyVee did the liquor & beer store concept at 102nd and Maple back in the day? That failed and yet they tried again.

[Greg S]

I'm kind of surprised Wall To Wall has struggled the way it has

I'm not. It was so sterile inside. There were only ever like 3 customers in the store. I never understood what the counter area in the middle of the store was supposed to be. If it was for samples, paid or free, I was never invited to try.
WBS has a bar, customers having a good time, free samples multiple days a week, and just an overall welcoming vibe.

I only make the drive to Total Wine to redeem the constant coupons they send.

Also, remember when HyVee did the liquor & beer store concept at 102nd and Maple back in the day? That failed and yet they tried again.

These are actually good points. Their stores are very plain or as you point out probably better, sterile.

I do remember that store. It was close to the old Valentino's Grand Buffett. I live west of it and tried it once. Their prices were kind of high, or at least no better than others. The selection wasn't good enough to go out of my way for.