Independents - Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade News

Jeroboams reveals plans to almost double estate

Published: 08 March, 2021

Jeroboams has revealed plans to open up to seven new shops in London during the next few years.

Hedonism moves online with subscription service

Published: 01 March, 2021

Hedonism, the fine wines and spirit boutique in London’s Mayfair, has launched its first subscription-based service called Case Study by Hedonism.

Lay & Wheeler to build new warehouse and head office

Published: 23 February, 2021

Lay & Wheeler has revealed it is gearing up to build a new head office and warehouse.

Indies: Staying ahead

Published: 22 February, 2021

A new year is likely to bring new challenges for indies looking to hold on to new custom, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

Last chance to register for AWMB indies promotion

Published: 17 February, 2021

The Austrian Wine Marketing Board (AWMB) is inviting indies to promote its wines as part of its Austrian Wine Time promotion to be in what a chance to win a 'special prize'.

Jeroboams appoints Lucie Parker as trade director

Published: 17 February, 2021

Jeroboams Trade, the wholesale business within the independent Jeroboams Group, has appointed Lucie Parker to the role of trade director.

Independent alcohol sales enjoy January boom

Published: 15 February, 2021

Newly released data shows that January 2021 saw an increase in demand for alcohol from independent businesses, along with an increase in the price tag compared to 2020.

Oxford Wine Company launches tourism platform

Published: 09 February, 2021

The Oxford Wine Company (OWC) has launched a wine tourism platform aimed at making wineries "accessible to everybody".

Success for Manchester hybrid as prohibition notice is revoked

Published: 04 February, 2021

Blossom Street Social has been allowed to open again after a prohibition notice prevented the hybrid business from operating as a retail outlet.

Indies survey: Health check 2020

Published: 21 January, 2021

The loss of the on-trade was obviously a huge blow to the UK drinks sector in 2020. In all parts of the UK, the forced shuttering of hospitality has wreaked havoc on both economic and mental wellbeing. For independent businesses, this has often meant the loss of a major chunk of sales in terms of wholesale trade, with an entire source of revenue lost overnight.

High street restrictions could have dire consequences for small business this Christmas

Published: 10 December, 2020

Local shops and businesses are on a ‘cliff edge’, with one in 10 facing permanent closure without a successful Christmas trading period.

Brexit: Independence Day?

Published: 09 December, 2020

With the end of the Brexit transition now hurtling down the track, many indies may not be aware of quite how much post-1 January changes could affect their businesses, as Andrew Catchpole reports.

WSTA webinar to offer indies “essential” advice on 1 January trading preparations

Published: 26 November, 2020

Fine wine and independent merchants are being invited to attend a free ‘Essential Preparations for 1 January Trading’ webinar hosted by the Wine & Spirit Association (WSTA) on 2 December.

Inter Beaujolais partners with home dining app

Published: 18 November, 2020

Inter Beaujolais is launching a new UK trade campaign to support restaurants which are finding customers in new ways during the coronavirus pandemic.

Drinks writer Bert Blaize opens wine shop

Published: 18 November, 2020

Wine writer Bert Blaize has teamed up with specialist car showroom Hexagon Classics to launch a wine and deli shop in London’s Highgate.

Reimagining the high street shop for drinks retailing

Published: 13 November, 2020

A renewed focused on shop-front retail has led to a rash of new openings, from Manchester to Birmingham and Surrey, writes Jo Gilbert.

Second lockdown sounds ‘death knell’ for the ‘Ditch

Published: 05 November, 2020

Hanging Ditch, one of Manchester’s foremost independent businesses, has been forced to close due to the ongoing stress of the pandemic.

Tring Winery packs a postable punch

Published: 03 November, 2020

Alex Taylor and Jamie Smith of Urban Craft Wines at Tring Winery are sending innovation out the door, as Andrew Catchpole reports

‘Shop out to help out’ scheme needed for small retailers

Published: 02 November, 2020

Extra help is needed to support small, independent retailers through a second lockdown, including a ‘Shop out to help out’ scheme and a cashflow windfall, it has been suggested.