The sale of Beer, Wine and Agency products in Convenience stores in Canada is governed under Provincial jurisdiction in Canada.
The majority of provinces do not allow the sale of alcoholic beverages, the exception being Québec. There are a few locations outside of Québec that do sell these products under special license, for example, some wines produced in certain provinces are allowed to be retailed in specialty Agency stores in malls and grocery stores.
Beer/Wine/Agency committees advises CCSA membership on the status of beer and wine sales in Convenience Stores.
This work involves developing a strong advocate lobby working with Members to raise the profile of the issue with the provincial Governments and to secure appropriate legislation to proceed.
The sale of beer and wine in convenience stores is a prime business development sector for Members. This endorsement further supports our contention that restrictions placed on our Members are discriminatory and create an unfair business practice.
This committee is working to educate all members on this topic. We are focusing particularly on Agency stores, and the direction the governments are taking. Ultimately, our goal is to create a focused lobby group in order to achieve the appropriate legislative changes required for business development.
Focusing on the Female Perspective in C-stores
All CCSA associations have received presentations of the 2009 State of the Industry report for retailers, distributors and manufacturers.
The rise in consumption of contraband tobacco is the main reason behind the rapid increase of C-store closures across Canada. In 2009, 1 out of 10 convenience stores closed. Most of the closures occurred in Quebec, Ontario and the Atlantic provinces.
Merchandising directly impacts on generating in-store traffic first and that should translate into in-store sales. Merchandising creates the ambiance to attract people to enter the store, and once inside, that same merchandising must not just create a good first impression; it also must sustain and leave a positive last one!
