Sorted by Style or Sorted by Region?
We're in the process of planning the "set" for the new store, and the big question is this:
Do we sort the shelves beer by style (ie. Belgian Tripels, IPAs, Pale Ales, etc), or do we sort by state/country/region like it is now?
You're probably thinking, "Why is he asking us?" For those of you who've never been to the building which is soon to be our new home, I'll give you a little info on the layout. Down either side of the store are 36 cooler doors (18 on each side), most of which will be filled with beer. Instead of asking the employees to grab the beer from the back you can stare at the coolers, ask for advice, and grab the beer yourself. As you can see, the customer will be resposible for choosing their own beer, and we'd like to make it as easy as possible to find what you're looking for.
For those who are concerned that the new glass door coolers won't be as good for the brew as the big walk-in was; rest assured we're as commited to proper storage as ever. Only 3 of the cooler doors are exposed to sunlight and they'll hold nothing but cans. The high volume microbrews will have protective tinted film on the glass, the slower moving stuff will have tinted glass AND U.V. protection sleeves on the internal lights, and the top-shelf stuff will be in the very back with tinted glass and ALL the internal cooler lights removed.
Here's your chance to help us shape the future of Belmont Station. Make your voice heard and let us know which method of organization you'd prefer.
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posted by Chris @ 5:09 PM
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18 Comments:
Defintely by region and then grouped by brewery.
I concur - Region first, style or brewery second.
The only downside is that if you're a Belgian fiend (for example) and you always go to the same cooler, you may miss some crazy local version of the style. This is probably an unlikely scenario, but maybe on occasion you could do little "exchange programs" where a bottle of X pays a visit to the shelf for region/style Y.
Where is the new store?
I dig the current regional setup, but change can be a good thing too. The only problems I could see are those beers that defy style, or claim to be something they're not.
And those little discoveries that Andy pointed out are priceless. I tend to seek out high-octane NW IPAs, but I've been pleasantly surprised by some non-NW and non-domestic stuff in the past.
Thanks for the feedback so far!
Andy - I agree about the random things; Allagash and Ommegang being prime examples. Right now they'e sort of near the U.S. stuff, but they're also on the edge of the Belgian area because they're mainly Belgian style breweries. It becomes tricky when people come in and ask about "Belgian Tripels" or something; we have to show them all the real Belgians and also remember to point them towards the U.S. interpretations of the style.
On the other hand when people from out of town come in they tend to ask questions like, "Where are the Oregon beers?" If we sort by style then the Oregon brews will be scattered. Lastly, there's Dave's point about style defying beverages. Where would Fred go if we sorted by style?
Oh, and the new store will be at 4500 SE Stark in the building formerly known as Addison's Market and Cooper's Coffee.
I think you have to go by region and then keep products from each brewery grouped together... especially now that the consumer will be in charge of finding their own bottles in the coolers. Just seems simpler that way.
When is the new place scheduled to open?
I'm hoping for mid-september, but a lot of it hinges on city inspectors being quick about their jobs, so who really knows...
One thing I like about the shop are the "new" tags. I am not a regular shopper at Belmont Station, but once a month or so, I come in and buy beers that I haven't tasted before. Namely, those with a 'new' tag.
I am thinking that those 'new' signs aren't going to stick on cold bottles.
Is there some other way that you can highlight them?
It's not possibly to sort these so that they will be perfectly comprehensible to anyone who walks in. But I'm with the developing majority--region and brewery is far easier for me to manage.
If you were really ambitious, you could create a little book like they have in some video stores where movies are sorted by genre. That way people looking for lambics might find their way to the New Glarus Raspberry Tart (or whatever).
I live on Ash Street, so you're steadily moving closer to my house. I'll look around and see if I can suggest a locale for you next move--
:-) --cheers
Walk in beer colors? Next you're going to tell me the new location will have weekly tastings ...
Why the move? Will the name remain Belmont Station, even though you're on Stark?
I'd prefer The bottles to be sorted by style.
A "Big" section would be an eyecatcher too.
All the Oregon brews separated would be a good call for local Nuts and tourists alike..
angelhair - We'll be attaching the "NEW" stars onto the front of the coolers so hopefully it'll still be easy to find the recent arrivals.
Jeff - I've actually already begun working on a cross-reference that'll be sorted 3 ways: Beer by style, Beer by Brewery (alphabetical), and Beer by Region so no matter which way it gets set up staff and customers will have something to narrow their search.
Dave - Not only will we have scheduled tastings with brewery reps and cider makers, we'll have an on-site cafe with roughly 45 seats and an on-premise permit so you can drink any of the (soon to be) 1000 beers. Oh yeah, and at least 4-5 taps to start with featuring beers custom made for us and other stuff that isn't bottled.Lastly, it'll still be called Belmont Station. We can't throw away almost 10 years of name recognition over something as minor as moving off Belmont. ;)
Anonymous - By "big" section do you mean "big beers" (barleywines, etc) or large format bottles like magnums and 3L jerobaums?
So far we have four votes for region and one vote for style. Thanks for chiming in, and keep those comments coming!
I vote for region then brewery.
I like the idea of the style, but that would get to the point of insanity to do that. I do like the planed book of brews. Here's an idea...maybe a rotating 'display' of xxxxx style brews...you could get a specific or as vast as you have space for.
And I can't wait to have a pint at Belmont Station. Mmmm...and thanks for moving closer to me. -Jamie
Enquiring minds want to know: when do you plan to open in the new space?
Will you have food?
We're hoping for a September opening, but given the speed of things in this town it wouldn't suprise me if that was a little optimistic.
Angelhair - We will in fact have food. We've worked up a light soup, salad, and sandwich menu for meals and an assortment of munchie options (olive plates, sliced baguettes with parmesan and oil, party mix bowls, etc) for people who just need a little something to nibble on. We'll also have a small grocery section in the main store with neighborhood essentials (milk, bread, eggs, peanut butter, etc) so you can grab some "fixins" and make food at home.
"Big" section as in >9% ABV, of course!
Double Stouts/DIPA's/BW's/"Extreme" Crazy Sauces/etc.... ;)
Thinking better of Region/Brewer as well now. Easier on Belmont Station staff and will prod me into tryin' new things i otherwise wouldn't.
My initial inclination was for sorting by style, in spite of the majority leaning. However, on reflection, it's just frickin' impossible, thanks in large part to those damn Belgian brewers. Too many of their beers just don't fit well into "styles". Same is true for a lot of the lagers coming out of central and eastern Europe, where they aren't hamstrung by German anal behavior.
Do it right, though, and also arrange the American beers by state. Someone feeling really ambitious could start producing little tags for the beers like those you see in the wine section at New Seasons. Avoid ratings, but at least a description of what the buyer may expect in terms of color, style, bitterness, etc. A nice project for someone's winter.
We're still a long way from figuring out whether we will have your every day groceries in Belmont Station on Stark Street. In keeping with our original plan for Belmont Station, we will want to "let the neighborhood decide", but as much everyone in the neighborhood adored
Addison's, they ultimately took their pocketbooks to QFC and Freddie's; hence Addison's closed -- arguably the sweetest little corner market in the world. But history now, isn't it?
As Belmont Station, we aim to be, first and foremost, the best beer store in the Pacific Northwest, and we will definitely expand our beverage selection. Secondly, with our great keg sales, we envision somewhat of a one-stop party store; for example, offering snacks, chips, nuts, dips, a multitude of mixers, etc. A wine selection is an obvious step, but we may only start out with some premium boxed wine, and a few other selections. In the bier cafe, we'll start out with just a few select offerings, and we will add to the menu as we grow in sales and evolve in our own professional expertise. Don't forget, this is a big venture for little Belmont Station and we don't have a never ending supply of cash to invest. As with many small businesses, we're jumping in down and dirty (albiet with clean, freshly painted walls and a new, however basic, bar to sit at!) It will be a lot of fun. And the place screams for beer (and cider) tastings, and lots of good times. Smoking will be welcomed in the seating tables outside exclusively, and your lovable little rugrats will be welcomed, as well. (At least during most hours.)
I think by region and than brewery is the best way to go for the layout. The idea for a "master" book of beers is great. Listing by brewery, region, and style will help everyone find something they want. I would also think pointing out certain breweries that produce unique styles to the region, ie: Ommegan, Allagash, Jolly Pumpkin, etc..., would be a good idea. Signs on the coolers would probably be sufficient. As far as the new and seasonal beers I think a chalk board or something similar listing them would be cool (like in the Horse Brass).
Oh and on a side note I think a couple dart boards would be cool too :)
Kyle
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