The Wine Shop Purchase Experience - What Reels You In?

So we have a number of local purchase options here in Halifax which range from the NSLC Regular Stores to their Port of Wines Shops, to the Private Wine Shops.  Each of them are in the business of selling wine to licensees and to the public.  As a member of the public, we have certain buying habits and preferences.

Most of the Retailers organize their stores similarly (by Country) but no one locally is throwing a mixture of flavours or styles in there.  For example, organizing by characteristic such as Bold or Light or Fruity.  Would that improve the purchasing experience for you?  For us, I would say no, the country and region are more important as we do have some understanding of the styles in those regions.  So we gravitate to that type of store layout.  That said, for us we like a good deal.  But then again, who doesn't?

We tend to look for those wines on the Sale table or part of a promotion.  We really like a good deal especially around here where deep discounts are not as readily available.  We also really like the idea of a loyalty program such as a 10% discount for repeat buyers (so long as the program is free).  So, for us it boils down to what is the most interesting type of discount for us.  Depending on the wines we are buying most times we walk away with a bigger smile on our faces if we got 10% of our entire purchase.

So, what about you?  Do you go for a good deal on an individual bottle (especially one you like) such as $3 off your wine or do you like getting a percentage of your purchase?  Or do you like the case discount (Buy 12, Pay for 11)?  Or do you say forget the discount, just give me a great selection at a reasonable price?

As always, all comments are welcome.

Keep on drinking!

Chris & Shannon