Granny’s Liquor is definitely not “just a liquor store!” Owner Lori Bakke chose the name Granny’s Liquor because she liked the sassy sound of the name. This liquor store oozes personality; Lori says many customers come in just to check it out.
Lori decided to start a liquor store 10 years ago at her son’s suggestion. Lori had operated a floral/gift shop at the same location at 113 Parkway Avenue called Grandma’s Garden. After she closed that shop, she tried to sell the building for a year with no luck. Lori decided to open an off-sale liquor store in the building. She knew this would be a business that would sustain year round business serving both the locals and tourists.
The first thing Lori did was learn more about the liquor business; she knew she needed to be flexible and adaptable. There are new products all the time; she has a diverse customer base. Lori has learned to trust her sales reps; she keeps up with the trends. She plans to continue to evolve, follow her instincts and stay curious.
A trend she pointed out was that last year non-alcoholic beverages were big, and now THC beverages and gummies are trending. Craft beer sales have been dwindling recently; the sales reps have added THC products to their line. Granny’s has been selling Minnesota produced THC for about a year.
History is a big interest of Lori’s; she has spent hours researching the history of her building, including 40 hours on the abstract alone, and wrote a book about it. Pictures and details are hung around the store providing the building’s history and the history of alcohol in Lanesboro.
The building boasts the original tin ceiling and old hardwood flooring. Lori has decorated the store with antique beer and alcohol memorabilia. Grumpy Gramp’s Beer Cave is housed at the back of the store.
Granny’s biggest challenge was during COVID. The business was only four years old. Lori kept the business open during COVID herself doing curbside and home delivery. The good thing about that time was that more people were shopping local. With her innovative approach to the problem, Lori saw the business become very successful during this trying time for retailers.
Following that experience, Lori decided to offer delivery to local campgrounds and continues to do so. Additional sales promotions include a rewards club, weekly Saturday samplings, 10% discounts for seniors on Wednesdays and monthly preferred customer emails highlighting specials.
Lori has been producing a Thirsty Thursday video since her second year in business. The first video garnered over 10,000 views back then and has grown in popularity. A poll was held on a video to name Gladys, one of the granny dolls in the store. Lori markets daily on several social media sites.
According to Lori, consistency is super important; Granny’s is open seven days a week with just a few holidays off. Lori continues to take marketing classes and is always looking for unique companies to carry in her store. Lori loves her relationships with her customers and reps; she’s met a lot of people at Granny’s.
Granny’s Liquor will celebrate its tenth anniversary on the actual opening date, May 7, from 3-8 p.m. There will be a 10% discount store wide, three different sales reps will offer samples, Lottery Dan will be giving away lottery tickets and playing Plinko. There will be door prizes and treats for all! Remember Granny’s motto: “You’re never too old to have fun!” and come join the celebration on May 7!
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