The difference is noticeable as soon as you step through the doors at Cork and Bottle Liquor, formerly Felpausch Xpress Mart.
“We’ve probably tripled the inventory,” said Sam Shango, who along with his brother, Eddie purchased the business close to a month ago. “I’m always on the lookout for a good deal, and I saw potential here.”
The potential he sees in the business, located at 324 S. Cochran Avenue in Charlotte, is that of a destination. Shango envisions Cork and Bottle as a place people can find wine or beer you can’t find anywhere else, at least locally. He said his plans include offering every microbrew produced. The microbrew market has increased tremendously over the past five years.
“If you can beat the selection and prices, you will be the place to come,” Shango said. “That’s how I am with my other stores.”
Shango and his brother own three other businesses in the Lansing area. He said they have been successful by following the simple philosophy of giving customers a great selection and more “bang for their buck.”
One way of doing that, at least at Cork and Bottle, is by providing exclusive closeout prices. Cork and Bottle has a large selection of closeout beer and wine at reduced prices. The selection may include products that are slightly out of season, which is a big factor with microbrews.
“I have the exclusive closeout contract in the area,” Shango said. “Which is not easy to get. It has to be the right person at the right time. Brewers don’t want people buying their products so cheap because people will start to think they are buying a cheap product … it’s not good for the business’s image.”
Cork and Bottle also offers a large selection of Michigan-made beer and wine. The wine rack is arranged by country of origin, or state of original in the case of US manufactured wines. In addition to beer, wine and spirits, Cork and Bottle carries a selection of dairy products, including MOO-ville milk and ice cream, dry goods and frozen foods.
