2014 liquor sales increase in the state, county

February 13, 2015 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

Last year was a great one for Jim, Jack and the Captain.

State liquor sales in 2014 reached a record level of $949 million — an increase from 2013’s total by $50 million.

Money, apparently, didn’t hold people back from buying the good stuff.

“If they want to try something different, they are willing to spend a little more,” said Ryan Zocolo, store manager at Chalet Premier in North Lima.

In Mahoning County, there was nearly a $1 million increase in liquor sales from $19.4 million in 2013 to $20.3 million in 2014.

The Ohio Division of Liquor Control said customers throughout the state bought more premium items in 2014, which increased dollar sales.

Dominating the sales were premium and super premium products. Those categories made up about 60 percent of total dollar sales in the state.

State retail sales totaled $677 million, an increase of 6.6 percent. Wholesale sales increased by 3.1 percent with sales of $272 million.

Gallons of liquor sold increased to 12.6 million from 12.3 million in 2013.

With an increase in sales comes an increase in tax revenue for the state. Tax on liquor is $3.38 a gallon. The state department of taxation shows a continuous increase in liquor taxes from 2009 through 2014. In fiscal year 2013, liquor generated $40.7 million in taxes; in fiscal year 2014, liquor generated $41.8 million in tax revenue.

In Trumbull County, sales increased from $11.5 million in 2013 to $11.9 million in 2014.

Columbiana County’s sales decreased slightly, from $4.1 million in 2013 to $4.07 million in 2014.

Liquor sales at Chalet have consistently increased for the store through the years.

Customers are especially willing to spend more if they are entertaining company, Zocolo said.

“It just goes to show with spirits, wine and beer people are willing to spend more for the [quality] product,” Zocolo said.

In Ohio, top sellers were Jack Daniels Tennessee whiskey, Crown Royal Canadian whiskey and Captain Morgan spiced rum.

Towne Centre Liquor owner Fred Simeone listed Crown, whiskey and vodkas as his top sellers. While there was a large boost in sales statewide, his Girard store saw just a 1 to 2 percent increase in sales from 2013 to 2014.

The customers he serves — primarily from the Girard, McDonald and Liberty areas — did pick up some better wines and checked out the craft selection, he said.

In Youngstown, Al Franceschelli anxiously awaits the opening of his new store A&C Beverage at the former Edison Financial Credit Union at 45 South Ave. The goal is to open next Friday with hundreds of wines, four shelves of liquor, and a 100-foot row of beers, including craft, cigars, a deli and Philadelphia Chocolates.

The older South Avenue location has long been a neighborhood store, so there hasn’t been much growth in sales. Franceschelli said the store hit its sales peak in 2000 and hasn’t moved much since.

“We think we are going to sell different kinds of stuff — more scotch and more bourbons,” he said. “I think we are going to get a bigger market.”

This store, he said, will cater to the enthusiasts out there.

“I think we will hit a home run,” he said.