Total Wine & More, America’s largest independent retailer of fine wine, spirits and beer, just opened its first South Orange County location in Laguna Hills.
“This is a win for Orange County in every sense,” notes David Trone, who co-owns Total Wine & More with his brother Robert Trone. “Our investment in South Orange County will bring new jobs to the community, create a thriving business in a formerly empty big box space, and generate retail sales tax that can bring additional city services to residents.”
Total Wine & More offers more than 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers, including hard-to-find labels and locally produced product. Large selection is a major theme in the firm’s success in each market, Trone notes. “From wine connoisseurs who wish to increase their own rare and fine wine collections, to customers who want to build their own six-pack with six different micro-brewed beers, Total Wine & More will provide the best selection to its customers.”
In addition, Total Wine & More strives to be the price leader in every market it is in, including Orange County, according to Trone.
Total Wine & More’s team member training includes education on various regions, production methods, varietals, brew styles, and tasting analysis.
The company also offers its employees the opportunity to meet with the world’s key wine, beer and spirits producers. Every year, Total Wine treats select team members to a trip to California’s major wine regions for a week-long training session, as well as a two-week trip to Europe’s key wine regions every other year, to increase their knowledge of product.
There are also several “next-generation” retail features that are being introduced at the new Laguna Hills store. I have attached the release and photos for your review.
Some of Total Wine & More’s “next-generation” features include:
- In-store iPads and an app which provides recommendations on wines to pair with specific foods.
- State-of-the-art education center hosts classes, tastings and community groups.
- Flat panel video screens throughout store provide information and educational content on wine, beer and spirits makers.
Recipes and recommendations may be printed in the store or e-mailed for easy reference while browsing the thousands of wine selections available in each Total Wine Superstore, according to Trone.
In addition to the unique iPad kiosk, Total Wine & More’s new retail environment features an updated education center, equipped with wireless communications capabilities.
The Laguna Hills store will be the 83rd location for Total Wine & More, and its 10th California location. The new store is located at 24001 El Toro Road in Laguna Hills, a former Circuit City location.
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