Super-size storage for bottle shop

Tākaka’s Super Liquor store has quietly extended its facilities over the past year in order to increase the storage capacity of beverage supplies during Golden Bay’s busy seasons.

Franchise owners, Karalyn Barnett and Michael Drummond, bought the original Junction Hotel bottle store in May 2015.

In the first few years the couple extended the shop “both ways” and installed a large chiller room. Since their takeover, Karalyn said they have become the fastest growing outlet in New Zealand.

“The business has just grown and grown every year.”

Last year saw the construction of the storage shed by local builder Toby Christenson, after Nathan Holland laid the concrete pad.

“It went up pretty quickly,” said Karalyn. “And more than caters for our storage needs.”

Due to the difficulty in replenishing stock during the frenetic summer seasons, there was a need to expand the previous storage facility. That was comprised of two shipping containers, “and storage down at Michael’s father’s down the road”, Karalyn said.

Having adequate storage also enables the business to cater for unexpected events at short notice, in addition to the many local events, celebrations, clubs, and businesses they supply.

Michael and Karalyn work “really hard” and prioritise customer service. In their third year of operating, they won the Store of the Year award, out of a total of 165 Super Liquor outlets nationwide. They also achieve finalist status, if not the Top Regional Store award, annually.

Furthermore, in their first year, Karalyn won the marketing award for her innovative approach in advertising.

“We always help our customers, and we service all the local clubs in Tākaka… we highly support all the sports clubs,” said Karalyn. “It’s about giving back to the community.”

Somewhat mystified as to why their business has grown so rapidly, Karalyn thinks it may be due to more visitors coming to Golden Bay, or possibly the store’s plentiful car parking providing easy access.