The coronavirus outbreak has caused economic hardship to many local businesses, but one, in particular, has thrived.
Many of the liquor stores in Owensboro have reported seeing a noticeable spike in sales.
White Lightning Liquors, Val-U Liquors on KY 54 and J’s Liquors and Cheese Shop have all reported seeing a boost in sales.
“It kind of came out of the blue,” said Bill Armendarez, wine manager at J’s Liquors, 2216 New Hartford Road. “Last Monday was D-Day. We had one of the busiest days of the year.”
Business is still busier and better than usual but has died down from about a week ago, Armendarez said.
“It really has been just keeping up,” he said. “The difference is we’re seeing a lot more bulk buy and case sales.”
Armendarez said he thinks people increased their buying due to a mixture of fear or a way to relieve anxiety.
“When you consider that people feel more comfortable when they have their alcohol at home, we don’t need to add to their sense of insecurity or deprive them of the comfort that alcohol provides,” he said. “If it keeps them from getting out during this time then so much the better.”
He said J’s Liquors had originally decided to introduce some changes to the store because they thought it would be quiet this time of the year, but COVID-19 dropped a bomb on that.
Liquor store owners have taken action to ensure the safety of their employees and customers. Discount Liquor, for example, has suspended in-store purchases and moved to the drive-through only.
J’s Liquors closed down its bar, no more than 10 customers are not allowed inside the store, and customers are asked to stand six feet apart while standing in line.
