Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board said its sales jumped 8.5% Dec. 31, setting a one-day sales record of $26.3 million. December itself set a sales record, ringing up $310.3 million in total sales, a 5.2% increase from a year earlier. The monthly sales growth was bolstered by higher special liquor order (SLO) sales, which totaled $10.2 million in December, an increase of $1 million or 11 percent over SLO sales in December 2014.
And for the fiscal first half, ended Dec. 31, sales climbed 3.8% to $1.29 billion, including taxes.
“New Year’s Eve is always a highlight of the year for wine and spirit sales, but we saw an exceptional end to 2015,” said PLCB Chairman Tim Holden. “We have taken a number of steps to improve customer convenience and the buying experience, and these steps are paying off in increased sales.”
Many PLCB stores stayed open until 9:00 P.M. on Dec. 31 this year, allowing customers more time to shop in advance of New Year’s celebrations. Additionally, the PLCB continues to increase the number of wine specialists available to answer consumers’ questions; remodel store interiors to become warm, welcoming shopping atmospheres; co-locate stores in shopping plazas with grocery stores, large retail chains and ample parking; and improve the customer experience through in-store education efforts, sales promotions and product variety.