What’s Pouring in 2025? Key Liquor Store Trends You Can’t Ignore

Running a liquor store today is a different game than it was even five years ago. If you’re still relying on the same strategies that worked pre-pandemic, 2025 is likely hitting you with challenges you didn’t see coming—shifting consumer preferences, new compliance hurdles, and rising operational costs.

But here’s the good news: the industry is evolving, and liquor store owners who adapt are not just surviving—they’re thriving.

The Rise of the “Sober Curious” Customer

Take a walk down your own aisles and you might notice something: customer questions are changing. More are asking about low-ABV options, alcohol-free spirits, and natural ingredients. That’s not random—it’s generational.

Gen Z and Millennials are drinking differently. Whether it’s for wellness, social responsibility, or simply personal preference, alcohol consumption is dipping. According to a 2025 U.S. market trend report by Dataplor, non-alcoholic beverage sales rose by over 30% in just the past year, driven largely by younger consumers.

This doesn’t mean people are ditching liquor entirely—but it does mean they’re looking for balance. If your product mix hasn’t been refreshed recently, now is the time to diversify. Consider adding trending categories like zero-proof whiskey, CBD-infused mixers, or hard kombucha to capture new interest.

Your Customers Expect Convenience

It’s no longer enough to just have a well-stocked store. Today’s shoppers want the flexibility to order online, check your inventory before driving over, or receive promotions via text. Convenience wins—and your store needs the systems to support it.

Modern POS systems can do much more than just ring up sales. They can automate inventory, track customer behavior, integrate loyalty programs, and even sync with your website or delivery app. If your POS isn’t pulling its weight, you’re losing both time and money.

And let’s be honest—if you’re still managing inventory with a spreadsheet in 2025, you’re working harder than you need to. The smarter play? Work with tools and strategies that lighten your load while growing your bottom line.

Margins Are Tight, But Strategy Can Save You

From inflation to rising import costs, pricing pressures aren’t going anywhere. But slashing prices to keep up with big box stores is rarely the best move.

What works instead? Strong storytelling and smarter sourcing. Highlight the uniqueness of what you carry—small-batch distillers, woman-owned brands, or eco-conscious producers. When you tell the story well, customers see the value and spend more.

"It’s not about being the cheapest store on the block—it’s about being the most valuable. Stock smarter, sell better, and make sure your systems are working for you, not against you."

— Rachael Vento, President of Thriving Retailer

Ready to Take Action?

At Thriving Retailer, we offer courses and services designed specifically for liquor store owners looking to scale, modernize, and reclaim their time.

Start with one of our top-rated courses:

• The Blueprint for Success
• Beyond the Brick & Mortar

POS Training Courses:

• Percent POS
• Heartland Retail POS
• FasTrax POS

Learn how to use your POS system to its fullest—no more guesswork, just growth.

Prefer done-for-you help?

Explore the Retail Success Hub, where you can get:

• 1-on-1 coaching with Rachael
• Customized solutions for your store

Let’s turn your liquor store into a lean, profitable, future-ready business. Book a free 30-minute call with Rachael here and start building the business you deserve.