The retail giant Woolworths has opened up an independent liquor store called “WCellar” in Bryanston, Johannesburg on Thursday, May 27. This move will now place Woolworths up there, going head-to-head with several other retailers that have standalone liquor stores such as Spar’s TOPS brand and Pick n Pay Liquor.
Woolworths opened its first standalone liquor store called WCellar today.
The first of many was opened at the Nicolway Shopping Centre.
WCellar will sell wines, beers, craft beers, ciders and spirits in the hopes to compete with Spar’s Tops, Pick n Pay Liquor, Shoprite. pic.twitter.com/ICUe62TyTV
— Madima (@MaanoMadima) May 27, 2021
As reported by IOL, the retailer said the liquor store offers wines, beers, craft beers, ciders, and spirits. It will also look to open another WCellar store in the Gauteng region, as they make their way through the country.
According to senior wine buyer, Rebecca Constable, Woolworths are constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve their offering of quality products. Meanwhile, the alcohol industry subsequently took a huge loss, with three separate bans instituted and billions of rands lost in taxes and revenue. One of the biggest issues have also been the uncertainty of the bans and lack of forewarning from the government, with concerns that South Africa could face further restrictions on the sale of alcohol amid the third wave of COVID-19, Business Tech reports.
Some social media users also saw the funny side of this latest move.
Imagine the English after we get drunk from the alcohol. pic.twitter.com/nSKNn3F1qn
— Twisted (@veggietta) May 28, 2021
Weee people will be taking alcohol on credit ??♀️ somebody’s dad is about to be blacklisted for a 48 of Castle Milkstout and 5 Mellow Wood bottles ??♀️
— Nkosazana (@LungileDube) May 27, 2021
@PEPstores_SA why can’t you have Pep liquor nawe? ?♂️
— uNhloso (@nhlakagreg) May 28, 2021
This for Mr Price pic.twitter.com/rkB1BKyEgW
— Nono❤ (@Asseco_M) May 28, 2021
.@WOOLWORTHS_SA take all my money then. pic.twitter.com/r4IqnjqEtB
— supernova (@MissKeratilwe) May 27, 2021
Interesting marketing strategy
— Ntsapo Ningiza (@ntsaningiza) May 28, 2021
Picture: Cape Town Etc gallery