Southeastern Grocers debuts liquor store concept

Southeastern Grocers (SEG) has launched WDs Wine, Beer & Liquor, a new retail concept that delivers an engaging shopping experience for customers seeking affordably priced alcoholic beverages and fine foods for social occasions or just to enjoy themselves.

WDs Wine, Beer & Liquor premiered Wednesday morning in the Miramar community of Jacksonville, Fla., the hometown of SEG, which operates Winn-Dixie, Harveys and Fresco y Más supermarkets. Besides a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the grand opening of the 8,900-square-foot, stand-alone store featured a celebratory champagne pop, entertainment, samples and customer giveaways, including products and charcuterie boards packaged with specialty cheeses and accompanying items.

“We are excited to introduce WDs Wine, Beer & Liquor as a unique new destination for fine wine, craft beer and quality liquor, right here in our hometown,” Anthony Hucker, president and CEO of Southeastern Grocers, said in a statement. “This immersive shopping experience offers convenience and a robust range of premium products for entertaining and eating at home.”

Located at 4472 Hendricks Ave. in Jacksonville’s Miramar Center shopping plaza, WDs houses more than 1,700 red, white and sparkling wines, including 700 imported varieties and a smattering of luxury and rare offerings, SEG said. A bottle chiller is available for shoppers to cool any champagne or wine in minutes, and a wine tasting station serves up free samples of 10 varieties.

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The “Beer Cave” stocks more 500 beer varieties, including a “Local” showcase of 73 Florida beers and 22 First Coast area beers, such as brews from Intuition Ale Works, Veterans United Craft Brewery, Bold City, Ruby Beach Brewing Co. and Mocama Beer Company.

WDs also carries a broad assortment of liquor. The store’s 1,400 spirit selections include bourbon, scotch, tequila, rum, vodka and cognac, with both popular and rare items. Offerings from local distillers include Citrus Distillers, Burlock and Barrel, City Gate Spirits, Two Titmice Vodka, Noble Coyote Mezcal, Grey Matter Distillery and Marlin & Barrel Distillery. A “Mixology” provides a full range of mixers and utensils to “craft the perfect cocktail,” SEG said.

But there’s more than beverages. Customers will find an array of fresh foods and supplies to create charcuterie boards, including fresh meat selections, 70 specialty cheeses and accompaniments, plus more than 45 dips and spreads, along with a variety of chips, crackers and toasts and sweet selections for a range of occasions. Meanwhile, a “Finer Things” section includes a humidor with 40 premium cigar selections from Nicaragua, Dominican Republic and Honduras, including top brands reflecting local community tastes. 

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Service also is a hallmark of the store. Knowledgeable associates and informative signage help customers pick the right wine, “say cheers to the perfect beer,” provide recommendations on beverage and food pairings, and highlight store favorites, SEG said. A seating area is available for tastings and group events, and shoppers can get same-day home delivery via Shipt.

SEG said the Jacksonville store marks the first WDs Wine, Beer & Liquor location “in the grocer’s Southeast footprint” but didn’t indicate upcoming openings.

“The new WDs concept is our latest opportunity to deliver exceptional service to our North Florida neighbors as we continue our growth throughout the state of Florida,” Hucker added.