I stopped by Andover Classic Wines on Saturday and was impressed by the store’s wonderful makeover.
The modernization effort shut down the store for several weeks in February and March. It was completed two weeks before Easter. The new design places a premium on accessibility and comfort for shoppers who enjoy browsing through well-lit, wide open-aisles while gliding across gleaming hardwood floors.
I’m a wine guy and the store certainly retains its commitment to featuring a nice global selection at all price points. But most impressive is the fine craft beer displays in the store’s midsection, highlighted by nine consumer-friendly refrigerated cases.
“Every country that makes craft beer is represented in this store,” said Andrea DiFiore, the store’s manager and wine buyer.
Two months ago, the “old” Andover Liquors, located in the Shawsheen Plaza on Route 28, was gutted to the studs. It reopened in late March with a great new look and name. DiFiore also hired a new assistant manager, Adriane Schultz, who has extensive experience in the liquor trade.
Upon entering through the automated doors, customers get an expansive sight line of the entire store: fine liquors and spirits to the right, wines straight ahead and to the left, and craft beers in the ample mid-section and beyond.
The large room flows easily, enticing customers to walk around and take in the experience.
The layout leaves strategic space between the beer and wine sections to stage product tastings, which take place each Saturday afternoon.
“Customer reaction has been fantastic,” said DiFiore, who collaborated with designers on the new floor plan. “You feel comfortable browsing, looking at the different offerings, and making choices.”
I agree. Some stores can be frustratingly claustrophobic with stacks of boxes and bottles making it difficult to turn around in the aisle. But Andover Classic Wines won’t hem you in: The racks are spaced liberally and the sense of freedom is uplifting.
I spent about 20 minutes perusing the premium wine section before heading to to the interior rows. There, I hit my stride checking out wines selling in the $10 to $40 range. Those tagged by Andrea as “manager’s recommendation” got my undivided attention.
Naturally, I took home three to sample and review in the coming weeks, a white Bordeaux, a Bench Chardonnay from California’s Russian River Valley, and an affordable Ken Wright Pinot Noir from Oregon.
Andover Classic Wines is worth a visit. If you go, introduce yourself to Andrea and tell her the Wine Novice sent you.
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