The SAQ’s Mont-Royal Ave. Tasting Space to Close Early
The SAQ’s innovative tasting space on Mont-Royal Ave. will close its doors this Sunday, marking the end of a brief but impactful pilot project that aimed to revitalize sales.
The unique concept allowed visitors to sample up to five products for a flat fee of $10, with the cost later refunded in Inspire points upon making an online purchase. Despite its popularity, the SAQ has decided to end the project ahead of schedule after just five months.
It’s worth noting that no alcohol sales were conducted on-site, emphasizing the educational and experiential nature of the space. Originally intended to run for six months, the closure comes as the SAQ evaluates the outcomes to determine the potential for a similar initiative in the future. This decision follows a challenging period for the corporation, which has been grappling with declining sales and recent store closures throughout Quebec.
Exploring various strategies to adapt to changing consumer behaviors, the SAQ has experimented with different concepts like mini-agencies in convenience stores, extended operating hours, and the possibility of app-based delivery services. However, concerns raised by public health officials about the potential risks associated with increased alcohol accessibility have added a layer of complexity to these endeavors.
Stay tuned for the release of the results from the POP tasting space experiment in the forthcoming months as the SAQ continues to navigate the evolving landscape of alcohol retail.
