From Smirnoff to Skyy, what to know about New Hanover ABC sales during the holidays

Megan Pociask, Wilmington StarNews
·2 min read

The holiday season is here, and if recent years are any indication, New Hanover residents will again flock to county liquor stores for extra cheer.

With eight liquor stores spread throughout the county, alcohol sales have seen steady growth, with an increase particularly during the holiday season.According to the New Hanover County’s Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board, an increase in sales can be seen beginning the week of Thanksgiving and lasting until New Year’s Eve.

Run the numbers

New Hanover County’s ABC Board said that it sees an increase in liquor sales typically of 12-15% during November and December.Last November, New Hanover County saw a 10.4% increase in sales, and last December, the county saw an 11.8% increase.This year, the New Hanover County ABC has total gross sales of over $71 million, an increase from the prior fiscal year’s $65 million. And signs don’t point to sales slowing down.Even with the crisis locals faced during the 2020 pandemic, New Hanover County still experienced 8.4% year-over-year growth. At the time, local customers told the county’s general manager, Charles Hill, they thought Gov. Roy Cooper would close liquor stores.

Why the holiday increase?

With holiday office parties, family gatherings and the overall message of the season, it makes sense that sales around this time would increase.According to the ABC board, it's normal for this time of year.

“I’d attribute the 12-15% increase to holiday celebrations and customers buying gifts for colleagues and family,” said James Casteen, assistant general manager of the New Hanover County ABC Board.The pattern can be seen statewide, too. Last December, ABC sales hit a record-breaking high of $213 million, the first time any month has surpassed $200 million in sales.

No change in hours

With Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve both on Sundays, a day ABC stores are already closed, regular hours will remain throughout December: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday (11 a.m.-7 p.m. for the Carolina Beach Road and Castle Hayne Road locations).

What are the popular sellers?

According to Casteen, vodka is one of the top sellers around the holiday season.

Here are the county's top 10 sellers in Dec. 2022:

  • Tito’s Vodka

  • Evan Williams Egg Nog

  • Platinum 7X Vodka

  • Pinnacle Vodka

  • Smirnoff Vodka

  • Burnetts Vodka

  • Crown Royal w/glasses

  • Fireball Traveler

  • Skyy Vodka

  • Evan Williams Black Label

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Popular liquor at ABC stores in Wilmington NC during the holidays