[geeks] trader joes

[nate at portents.com]

>>> New Hampshire's state government runs all liquor stores - similar to
>>> South Carolina's ABC stores.  My guess is TJs doesn't want to give up
>>> sales of their house brand liquor/wine/etc.
>>
>> As far as I know, they wouldn't have to.  Supermarkets can sell beer and
>> wines in NH.  They just can't sell spirits.
>
> I don't think that's the issue - I think the issue is that in the state of
> New Hampshire, with it's socialist liquor and wine laws (where the state
> is the the wholesaler of all wine), there could very well be some issues
> with the exclusive distribution agreements that Trader Joe's already has
> in place with brands such as Charles Shaw.

Actually, I just realized something else - if Trader Joe's were to come to
NH, they'd be put in the odd position of being prevented from being able
to sell their own hard liquor (such as Rear Admiral Joseph's London Dry
Gin), but perhaps (I'd have to double-check this) NH State liquor stores
could sell it.

Considering that Joe Coloumbe started Trader Joes by acquiring an old
liquor license that enabled him to act as a wholesaler and develop a
private label program, and then convert his existing chain of Pronto
Market convenience stores into Trader Joe's built around selling wine and
liquor (the food came later), NH's laws aren't exactly compatible with
what Trader Joe's is.

- Nate