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- Thread starter SoapyCy
- Start date
Liquor/Beer is considerably cheaper in MN compared to Iowa. Not only less expensive but no bottle deposit either. I always bring the beer down for tailgates because it saves everyone a few bucks.
However, you can't buy it when you want! Closed Sundays, My local ordinance is no sale after 8pm every other night, can only buy it in liquor stores.
I've never heard of that place you mentioned but nice find if it's even less expensive!
Someone told me about this place the other tonight, looks like I need to make a stop on my way home from work!!
GREAT store! Selection is amazing and - at least in Spokane - the poeple in charge of certain departments (like the single malt guy) are really knowledagable...
Iowa's tax on alcohol is quite high. From the Alcohol Beverage Division's own website: " Iowa currently collects the 3rd highest wine tax and the 25th highest tax on beer. Because Iowa collects a 50% markup on distilled spirits as one of 18 control states "
That probably has more to do with it than anything..
That probably has more to do with it than anything..
Total Wine is a nation wide liquor house. They are huge in California. They don't really have to worry about budgets, so they just buy the biggest deal. For Chain liquor states, Total and the box stores dominate the market, its why non chain states have much better selection but higher prices.
We had Total Wine in Dallas and now where we live in NC, and it is hands down the best beer/liquor/wine store out there. Wide variety, knowledgeable staff, and about as cheap as you can get. Since I discovered it 2 years ago, it is the only place I buy alcohol.
Edit: except for the fact liquor is sold by the state in NC
Edit: except for the fact liquor is sold by the state in NC
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Roseville is not too far from my in laws. Thank you for bringing this too my attention, you sir are a savior
We had Total Wine in Dallas and now where we live in NC, and it is hands down the best beer/liquor/wine store out there. Wide variety, knowledgeable staff, and about as cheap as you can get. Since I discovered it 2 years ago, it is the only place I buy alcohol.
Edit: except for the fact liquor is sold by the state in NC
Couldn't agree more. Their selection is terrific with wines from all over the world, and as others have said, their prices are very low. We load up whenever we are in a city with a Total Wine.
I only wish I had the Saturday take at the store in Naples, Fl during season. Has to be hundreds of thousands.
As part of their opening sale for the Roseville store they had Glenmorganie single malt scotch for $27. That's a pretty awesome price.
Should bring some competition to the local biggies.
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/250229911.html
Should bring some competition to the local biggies.
http://www.startribune.com/blogs/250229911.html
I wouldn't trade Iowa's liquor laws to Minnesota even if it did save a few bucks. The restrictions are ridiculous up there....it is the worst of all the states I have lived in that is for sure.
At least there is some push to repeal the Sunday ban.
It's gotten me a few times if I forget on Saturday, but luckily I'm 20 miles from the closest Iowa gas station. And I've made that run a couple times!
I've been in the liquor industry for 15 years. Total Wine philosophy is low margin on key items to get you in the store and then they try to sell you their private label items that have huge margins. Take a look at their shelves and all the unknown stuff has a star burst saying Dave's favorite and so on. They also take the prime shelf slots. So as long as you buy what you want and don't let them talk you into their private label stuff, then usually best prices anywhere. Oh, and their sales associates have quotas and are bonused on selling their PL. They especially do it on wine.
One good thing we have here in the Twin Cities is some very solid local retailers in Surdyks and Haskells. Adding another option is all good if you keep in mind what you noted although I don't mind trying some wine recommendations from the "Dave's" at Surdyks.
This place is near my house. I have been wanting to go in to check it out. It is next door to the Babies 'R Us that I shop at. It is just cruel to put a liquor store next door to a Babies 'R Us. It's like saying, "Hey ladies, here's something delicious you're missing out on! And we have a ton of it, and it's cheap! But hey, enjoy those baby wipes you just bought!"
I have shopped at total wine in VA but don't have any near me in Montgomery co md despite a state run liquor monopoloy. There are 5 grocery stores grandfathered to sell beer in the county! I look up total wine to email and see that the Corp office is 13 miles away from me, I need Bison to give some advice on how to approach this with them in a delicate manner.
There is a total wine down here in Charleston. Everything is half the price of Iowa Liquor Stores. I am in love.
So you bumped a thread that had been dormant for three months just to make another reference to Charleston? Cool.
