Talking Shop with Neville from Wine Experience

When did the store open?

September 2005, store re-opened after two months being closed.

Where is the store located?

150 Baroona Road Rosalie Village Brisbane.

How many staff do you have?

Four including myself.

Can you tell me a little about each staff member?

Collectively we all love working in the store, we have a very loyal following in the area. Michael & Myself are here most of the time, sampling wine (Toughest Job we ever had!!!).

We both pride ourselves on service, number one attribute in the industry. All the wine knowledge in the world won't help if you're a wet rag behind the counter.

Marianne is our Poster Girl for customer service. Coming from the dark shores of the Empire (England), Marianne really fits in with the way things get done around the store, personality plus.

Tim fills the occasional shift in the store and with his industry experience is a fantastic first reserve.

What differentiates your store from others?

Our unique dedication to the cleanskin market and a strong belief in our cause.

What is the most popular product in your store?

Currently we have a Margaret River Cabernet that is just superb, under label for $22.00 in store for $13.99, and a 2001 Coonawarra Cabernet, $11.99!!!

What happens in your store on a typical day?

We firstly check emails and phone messages, (orders come in overnight from around Australia). Store opens at 11.00 am every day specials on blackboard changed, Putting orders together for delivery, wine tasting with customers, (greatest part of the job), website maintenance store running.

Describe what attracts consumers to your store?

Firstly curiosity and interest at our product, then the experience they get every time they buy a bottle from us, will it live up to their expectations etc. Fantastic value for money!!

How did you get into this industry?

Needed a Sea change for want of better words, slugging away 12 hours a day six days a week sucks your lifeblood out, Wine puts it back so why not spend all my time with wine?

What has been your greatest challenge in your current role?

Constantly exceeding our customers expectations. We are always looking for the next product that will WOW them.

What has been your greatest achievement in your current role?

We are all slaves to the mighty coin so exceeding the expectations of shareholders was very satisfying.

What is the best part of your job?

Sampling wines sent to us from wineries and being able to purchase some of Australia's best wines without labels.

What do you like least?

Not having someone in the store all the time to talk too, drink and rave about wine with.

What would you do if you were not in your current role?

Find someone who wants to make a difference in the industry and pitch an idea or two. COME ON! ANYONE?

Name the most unusual product you have been asked for?

“Have you got cask wine here?”

Do you see any innovations in the retail liquor industry?

I really like the idea of turning the front of store into a Wine Bar scenario, including Deli setup, Chalk have done a fantastic job there.

Explain your stores design and layout and how it influences your customers buying decisions?

For some time cleanskins could only be bought as a carton entity not singularly. The way we have structured our store in grouping firstly into states then growing areas of Australia, consumers can pick and choose their own mixed dozen, if for example a customer is a Shiraz lover, there is an opportunity to purchase a Shiraz from half a dozen areas and compare the subtle differences.

How do you see the relationship between retailer and supplier evolving in the coming years?

We have to be aware that for both to survive the pie must always be cut fairly, and for each to be looking for innovations to keep the wine industry on the up.

What advice would you give to someone looking at a career in this industry?

Enjoy the atmosphere that goes with it, learn as much as you can from fellow workmates and customers. If its not for you, try another vocation.

Do you see growth opportunities in the industry over the next couple of years?

I see some real consolidation in the next 12 months with both suppliers and retailers, but I believe there are people out there with great ideas and what these people need to do is pursue them, tell someone, talk it over, what is the worst that could happen?