RETAIL ROUNDUP
Brewer expands into Texas.
Watch out Texas, here comes New Mexico.
Albuquerquebased Tractor Brewing is expanding operations into El Paso. Because of laws concerning brewery expansion across state lines, the move will involve sales only, not a new location, said Skye Devore, co-owner of Tractor Brewing.
“(Co-owner) David (Hargis) and I spent a lot of time in Texas as kids, so it seemed like a natural step for us,” said Devore.
There were other, more business-minded reasons as well.
Skye points out that Texas, at least the El Paso market, has a “mentality and style” that Tractor excels at. She said Texas often prefers the lighter beers, unlike Colorado which likes darker or more bitter beers.
Another difference between Colorado and Texas, said Devore, is that Colorado already has a booming microbrew scene. “El Paso has like four (microbrews) as opposed to like 20 here in Albuquerque.”
Tractor will initially be offering Milk Mustachio Stout, Farmer’s Tan Red Ale, New Mexico Lager, Almanac India Pale Ale and Hay Maker Honey Wheat to the El Paso area. It will also offer two of its cider flavors, Delicious Red Hard Apple Cider and Berry Cider.
Distribution will be handled by L&F Distributors, which already handles Tractor’s distribution in southeast New Mexico.
Rollout for the new market is expected to be the first week of June.
In keeping with the axiom that everything is bigger in Texas, Tractor will also begin moving from a 12-ounce can to a 16-ounce can starting later this month.
The new cans “allow us to be much more agile.” Devore said.
Tractor was able to find a company that offers smallquantity orders of the larger
can, “so instead of just doing a few beers, we can include seasonals. It just made sense,” Devore said.
Tractor Brewing currently has two Albuquerque locations at 118 Tulane SE and 1800 4th NW, but last week announced it had signed a lease for a third location at Central and Tramway. An opening date for that location will be announced soon, according to Devore.
Pueblo mugs
More mugs are coming! More mugs are coming!
The popular pueblo-style Starbucks mugs offered by the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center will be out in an entirely new series later this year. These Series Two mugs will feature new artists and new designs.
“For Series Two, we’re selecting (artists) by going on our database, looking at images and feeling who could best represent (us) and what properties do they have,” said Ira Wilson, lead buyer for the IPCC gift shop, Shumakolowa Native Arts.
Wilson said the new series is already being designed.
Last year, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center shook the Starbucks designer mug collector world with the introduction of five cups featuring the work of five prominent local Native American artists. In April, the IPCC introduced a line of glossy ceramic mugs with the same patterns.
Since December of 2016, the IPCC has sold more than 8,000 plastic Starbucks cups bringing in nearly $200,000. It has sold 400 of the ceramic mugs, bringing in over $10,000.
The first series sold out quickly and required the IPCC to create a waiting list for purchase.
“Hopefully there will be a line out the door again like last time,” said Wilson.
For Wilson and the IPCC, these are more than just coffee cups. At the New Mexico True Travel Tank event last week, Wilson spoke about efforts to connect with Native American young people.
The goal is to appeal to those young people through something generational and new. Since the IPCC owns and operates the Starbucks across from the Cultural Center, it seemed like a natural fit to Wilson.
“We are always trying to teach our young kids about our culture ... Kids are coming in and purchasing these cups. And they are (saying) this is amazing. What is this water bird about? What are these patterns? And we can teach them. And they get that education. Now, we are again perpetuating our traditions and our culture. It’s cool,” Wilson said.
The original prototypes, which were made with traditional Native American methods, are displayed at the Starbucks across from the IPCC. Copies of the mugs and cups are only available online and at Shumakolowa Native Arts located inside the center. The mugs and cups both cost $25.00.
For more information or to order the cups, visit www.indianpueblo.org/visit/shopping/.
Smith’s introduces Clicklist
Smith’s is adapting to the changing consumer environment by introducing Clicklist, an online ordering service that allows for same-day curbside pickup.
“The introduction of ClickList to the New Mexico market illustrates the evolution of customers embracing technology to enhance their shopping experiences,” states a Smith’s news release.
Smith’s Clicklist, which was announced last year, will offer 40,000 items to customers through an online order form. The program comes with a $4.95 service charge that Smith’s will waive for a customer’s first three orders.
The kickoff of the program was announced Wednesday at the 4700 Tramway NE location and is now offered at three locations — 6125 4th NW and 4700 Tramway NE in Albuquerque, and 1000 Rio Rancho SE in Rio Rancho.
“We are certain this online shopping service will offer busy families, seniors, people with disabilities and other shoppers an easier and more convenient way to grocery shop,” said Marsha Gilford, Smith’s vice president of public affairs.
Smith’s parent company, Kroger’s, launched the service in 2015 and Smith’s has already brought it to Nevada and Utah.
To use Clicklist, visit www. smithsfoodanddrug.com/ClickList.
In other news ...
QBrik’s, a new Albuquerque-based convenience store, will be opening in East Downtown and will offer local items like Rebel Donuts and ChocolateDude alongside staples like Coke and Doritos.
The new store could open as early as today, according to founder Brian Gage. It will be located at 300 Broadway NE. A second location is planned for 2018, according to the company website.
Five Guys Burgers, the popular national eatery is set to open a new location at the Northeast corner of the Coronado Center parking lot, according to the company website. Five Guys currently has two Albuquerque locations and one in Rio Rancho.
Bob’s Burgers, a local burger joint, will open a new location at 1945 Juan Tabo NE, the former Christee’s Restaurant. This will be Bob’s Burgers 11th location in Albuquerque.
Buffett King on Academy and San Mateo has reopened after a long closure for renovations.
Allen Sigmon Group and Sundram Builders have broken ground on the Heritage Farms and Interpretive Trail project at NMSU.
The project will include a 125-room Courtyard by Marriott and several retail pads. Retailers have not yet signed leases, according to David Miles, a representative for Allen Sigmon, but there has been talk of including a winery and microbrewery.
Completion is roughly set for the end of 2018.