Earthquake-Affected Whisky Store to Reopen

One of Christchurch’s iconic retailers is showing its confidence in the region, opening a new store this week.

Iconic whisky retailer and wholesaler Whisky Galore had been based in the now badly-damaged Columbo St store for eight years. When the February 22 earthquake struck they lost around 70% of their stock.

On Saturday 16 July they are opening a new store at 66 Victoria St.

“It’s literally been a case of picking up the pieces,” says owner Michael Fraser Milne. “We managed five wheelie bins of broken glass, we lost a lot of stock including some really irreplaceable drams.

“But we were actually really lucky. Most importantly, no one was hurt. Our warehouse is also situated in a different area of town, and didn’t sustain much damage at all.”

Michael and the team were quickly back in action after the earthquake, “There has not been a day when we have not got whisky out to clients,” he says. “Even the Friday after the earthquake one client met us at the warehouse to get whisky for a wedding that weekend.”

After months of temporary distribution arrangements through wine specialist Vino Fino, the team are excited and relieved about the new premises.

Those making the trip to the new store will not be disappointed, with stock already around 80% of previous levels, and more to come.

“By the end of 2011 expect to have an even wider range than before,” says Michael. “We’ve got far more space in our new venue, we’ve taken in two shipments since the earthquake, and we have two more on the way. “

“We’re really looking forward to having the new premises up and running. It’s another step in helping us, and our customers return to some sort of normality.”

www.whiskygalore.co.nz

ENDS

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