The economy of alcohol in Idaho Falls

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Story Published: Feb 3, 2010 at 7:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 4, 2010 at 1:35 AM MDT

By Anthony Congi

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IDAHO FALLS - At the Liquor Store in Idaho Falls, plenty of traffic comes into the business everyday to buy alcohol. But these days, people are more likely to skip the eye level bottles, and buy their booze from the bottom shelves.

"Absolutely. With the economy the way it is, we see a lot of people going to the lower two shelves versus the top shelves to save save a little bit of money," explains Janet Cozakos, Manager of the Liquor Store.

Prior to the recession, advertising made high-end hard liquor very trendy. Today, high-end bottle counts are much higher. Meaning less are being sold.

They can't afford the $50 a bottles anymore. They're down to the $25 bottles," explains Cozakos.

And the ones who were buying $25 bottles, are spending much less now.

At the Liquor Store, prices and quality differ quite a bit. Take for example Grey Goose Vodka, 1.75 liters, $70. Same size in Monarch Vodka, $13.

But not everyone in the alcohol industry is suffering during the economy. Just this weekend, a new wine-bar, 'The Whinery' opened in Idaho Falls on North Eastern Avenue.

With a tough economy in mind, the new business is open for limited hours only Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

"It's the economy and the overhead factor. We all work, so we are off Thursday, Friday, and Saturday," explains Co-Owner, Len Rader.

"Our size, the limited hours, keep our prices well below retail. We have some nice wines without the, what would you say, nice prices that go with them. We have wines by the glass starting at three dollars, we've got wine by the bottle for under $10. We've also got bottles at $200," says Co-Owner, Terry Montague.

And it turns out, the unique spelling of their business has to do with the economy as well.

"If you're whining about the economy, come down to The Whinery," said Rader.
"And that's where the 'H' came in?" I asked.
"That's where the 'H' came in, yes we're all whining."

Ten-million bottles of distilled liquor is expected to sell in Idaho this year alone. Compared to 5.9 ten years ago. However, profit distribution in that same time frame has increased from $19 million to $45 million.

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