3 minute read
Julio’s Liquors
Specialty foods, accessories and an extensive wine selection, including a tasting room.
Q&A with Ryan Maloney of Julio’s Liquors
Julio’s Liquors is a very unique store. What is your vision for it?
Since purchasing the business, I’ve had a vision to create something that is so much more than a retail store. I view the store as a venue to provide education, build relationships and create a culture around the products we carry. People don’t realize that we are one of the leading liquor retailers in the nation and much of that is due to the way we connect with our customers and vendors.
The pandemic has been challenging for many businesses, have you been able to adjust?
Honestly, we were able to pivot almost immediately and customers were grateful for our response. We were able to accommodate patrons regardless of their comfort level with the health crisis… for those who wanted touch-free options, we offered curbside pick-up and even home delivery. For those who were comfortable shopping in-store, we enacted customer friendly ways to adhere to all CDC and state recommendations.
What products do you think are going to really grow in popularity?
The growth in specialty whiskies and craft brews has been nothing short of spectacular. We are the largest sellers of both types of products in the area. Now, we are looking at “Craft Spirits” as the potential booming market. No matter what products come along, it is our goal to be the educational source that allows our customers to be more knowledgeable about the products they buy.
How do you account for the popularity of specialized whiskies?
It has something to do with a maturing of tastes. As people mature they start to look for products that have a history and a culture behind them. Whiskey culture is a fascinating world and I have gone to great lengths to become an expert in the field. People with an interest in whiskey would be interested to know that I have been inducted into the Keeper of the Quaich Society in Scotland, one of whisky’s highest honors. I also started a group for aficionados known as the Loch and Key Society. Those interested should visit our website at www.lochandkey.com.
Julio’s is known for its educational events…has that been put on hold?
Absolutely not. We have created a series of hybrid events that allow people to participate either in person, (with limited attendance) or remotely…whatever works best for their personal comfort level. To be informed of our events, customers can sign up for our newsletter at www.juliosliquors.com or download our Julios Liquors app.
Julio’s is really known as a regional destination ...how did you become a leader?
I never stop marketing the store and exposing it to new markets. In 2018 I was recognized by the industry magazine, Market Watch as the “Marketer of the Year” and in 2019 we were named a Whisky icon store by Whisky Magazine as the best single location Whisky Store in the country. But beyond that, I am passionate about the culture we have created and I plan to keep building on it...it’s not unusual for us to get a large number of people visiting us weekly from adjoining states or even hundreds of miles away. I always want people to realize what a true “destination store” they have right in their own back yard.
