How to avoid dead inventory problems
Hint: It's not discounts
Last week, I spotted a bottle of blackberry brandy marked down to $6.99 or two for $8 at a local liquor store. I’d seen bottles from this distillery lingering for a while, slowly discounted from what I’m guessing was the $20 range. I bought one, took it home, and to tell you the truth, it was pretty good.
Which got me thinking, this bottle wasn’t not selling because it was bad. It was “stuck” on the shelves because no one knew what to do with it.
This isn’t a budget problem. It’s a customer confidence problem.
In a sea of bottles, I imagine many customers skip thing they can’t quickly understand.
"Is this a gimmick?"
"How would I use it?"
"Will I regret this?"
Blackberry brandy, crème de cassis, bitter amari, sherry. I’d argue these don’t move slowly because they’re bad, but because they’re unfamiliar.
The Fix? Education. Not Discounts.
After tasting the brandy, I began experimenting with it how many bartenders would, I dropped it into a classic sour, with fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and the brandy.
The resulting drink was delicious.
And if we took it one small step further, topping it with soda and a sprig of mint, we’d have a blackberry mojito riff that is perfect dockside or poolside.
That’s the kind of story a store’s customers need to hear before they start slashing prices.
Teach a customer, move a bottle
When customers understand what they’re buying and how to use it, they’re far more likely to say yes.
Try:
A quick shelf talker that compares it to something familiar
A recipe card with two easy uses
A QR code to a short video
Product bundles that remove guesswork of what they need
Bonus: your staff will become savvier by being around these educational engagements.
Why I built Shelf-Side Mixology
After working with thousands of everyday drinkers, I have one broad conclusion:
Many people are eager, but don’t even know the basics like when to shake versus stir.
Shelf-Side Mixology helps retailers:
Think like cocktail educators
Equip customers with confidence
Sell more without leaning on discounts
Each month you get:
Fresh shelf talkers, recipes, and pairing ideas
Optional training assets for staff
A better way to make products move
Want to see how it works?
Let’s talk about how Shelf-Side Mixology could help your store sell more — bottle by bottle.
📧 info@DecodingCocktails.com