Town and Country Wines and Liquors keeps it local

Jan. 30—WINDHAM — These days, trends often come and go in the liquor industry.

Ed Theriault, who owns Town and Country Wines and Liquors in South Windham, said trends in his industry typically last about 18 months.

The latest trend his customers have latched onto is artisanal gins.

" That's really starting to take off as a niche market," Theriault said.

Other trends in the past include flavored alcoholic seltzers and unique liquor flavors.

Theriault's business, which he has owned since 1997, is at 685 Windham Road in South Windham. He has a strong connection to the community, having grown up in Willimantic.

Theriault, who has a bachelor's degree in business management from Eastern Connecticut State University, has four, parttime employees. At the beginning of the pandemic, business picked up, with many working from home.

Since then, however, it has slowed down.

" It has ebbed and flowed," Theriault said, referring to business during the pandemic.

The advantage of going to a local store versus a corporate chain, he said, is that staff at small package stores get to know their customers.

There are more than 1,200 package stores in the state.

Currently, package store owners in Connecticut are concerned about a proposed bill that would allow wine to be sold in grocery stores in the state.

The proposed bill is House Bill 6101, " An Act Concerning Various Issues Related to the Liquor Control Act." Wine is currently sold in grocery stores in 42 states.

The Connecticut P a c k a g e S t o r e s Association and Indian American Package Store Association of Connecticut are lobbying against the bill.

" We feel that if wine goes into grocery stores, it's going to limit availability," Theriault said. He said grocery stores would deal with larger brands, whereas package stores also sell local brands. The store can be reached at 860- 4500460.

More information about the business is on the business Facebook page.

Follow Michelle Warren on Twitter — @ mwarrentc.