THE WINE MERCHANT. An independent magazine for independent retailers
Issue 122, March 2023
Dog of the month: Pip The Seriously Good Wine Co Lyme Regis
Independents are positive despite a year of turmoil Survey shows pessimism at a new high, yet the majority of merchants believe they can ride out the current storm
I
ndependents remain upbeat about their prospects in the coming year, despite confidence – and, in many
cases, sales – taking a knock.
This year’s Wine Merchant survey
involved more than 200 businesses
in the independent trade has risen 60p, to £15.70, compared to a market average of £6.35. But basket spend is down by 41p and now stands at £52.20.
Almost half of all indies are now hybrid
shops and bars, restoring a trend that had Continues page 2
who shared information about their
performances in 2022 and hopes for 2023. The proportion of indies feeling gloomy
about the year ahead has hit a new high,
with 13% saying they are fairly pessimistic and 2% saying they are very pessimistic.
But 12% remain very optimistic and 39% are fairly optimistic, the survey found.
Almost four in 10 indies report a decline
in sales over the past year – about the same proportion as those who saw an increase. Average turnover per business now
stands at £863,413, according to the
survey, though this figure is perhaps higher than the true average as it includes some
responses from larger independents with big wholesaling operations. The median average figure, of £550,000, is probably more representative.
Wine in all its forms contributes about
three-quarters of indie turnover. Just over half of revenue is generated by walk-in trade, with wholesaling, online sales
and drinking-in contributing most of the remainder.
The average price of a bottle of still wine
Vineyards at Chénas, Beaujolais
Emma Evans invites people to take their clothes off at her Wandering Palate store in Greater Manchester – and it’s a useful sideline for the business. Story on page 22.