Retailers are getting ready

Retailers across the state are able to begin purchasing to stock their stores before the Oct. 1 changeover date. But beer has a shelf life, and LoPorto doesn’t expect many orders until early September.

Lisa Newport operates Midwest Wine and Spirits in Midwest City, and is preparing for the arrival of these varieties. “We are excited to see their portfolio, however their portfolio is quite extensive,” Newport said. “We will monitor it like we do other brands in the store. If they sit and don’t really sell, off they go to the discount bin and we look for product more people are looking for.”

Newport already has installed coolers in the Midwest Wine and Spirits store and is simply waiting until October to flip the switch. She plans to sell the bigger-name strong beer versions offered by Anheuser-Busch from the coolers, while the more specialized versions will remain unchilled. The products with the highest demand will be kept cold.

It won’t be all AnheuserBusch products in the refrigerated spaces, and they won’t be the only company to expand their portfolio, Newport said. MillerCoors products and independent beers also will demand shelf space. “We are trying to embrace the law changes and grow with them,” Newport said. “As far as being able to offer some of the bigger brands or more major, popular brands, we’re excited.”