USA. The first duty paid Arrivals liquor store in the USA has opened at Las Vegas McCarran Airport’s domestic Terminal 1, catering to the city’s party-loving visitors.
The owners are predicting annual sales of at least US$2 million, with 15% of gross revenues going to the airport under a contract signed in February.
The 1,400sq m Liquor Library, located at the end of the T1 baggage reclaim hall, offers beers, wines and spirits to visitors wishing to pick up supplies for their trip. Under its contract with the airport, Liquor Library must match prices with liquor outlets on The Strip, the famous street housing the city’s biggest hotels and casinos.
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Liquor Library is said to be the first duty paid Arrivals liquor store in the USA |
The outlet is named for its library-like design, with high wooden shelves to make the most of limited space and ladders for staff – dressed as librarians – to reach higher shelves. The product mix focuses on high-end wines and spirits, including The Macallan 25yo at US$1,000, as well as craft beers. But it also offers a selection of lower-priced beers, spirits and wines, as well as cigars, soft drinks and other convenience items.
McCarran Airport originally awarded the contract for the store to local liquor retailer Lee’s Discount Liquor in 2010, but Liquor Library was awarded the contract earlier this year when Lee’s failed to begin construction on time.
Liquor Library is owned by Christian Haase of Burnett Haase Construction and Richard Worthington of the Molasky Group of Companies. The two companies invested US$700,000 in the construction of the store.
According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Liquor Library is in the process of setting up an incentive scheme for local chauffeurs and drivers who bring paying customers to the store.