Big Red Secret


• By Holly Thrasher   |   Thursday, June 28, 2012 at 1:00 pm   |     |   Print   |   Permalink

You can hardly drive a block in Bloomington without spotting a Big Red Liquors storefront, but I can see how someone might overlook their outlet location at 2nd and Walnut (especially when zooming through a yellow light at the intersection). And now that it’s swamped with construction equipment, it’s especially tricky to get there these days. But on a recent round of errands, I used on-street parking just east of the store and tiptoed in, surrounded by a symphony of backhoes and jackhammers.

A friendly staffer named Levi informed me that what makes the building an “outlet” is that when the larger Big Red Stores purchase the last of something – particularly wine – from a vendor, it usually ends up at this location. That’s why the variety in their wine room changes so dramatically from week to week, and why most bottles are rarely priced above $8.

So while it might not sound glamorous to shop at an “outlet” for your wine, let me assure you: it’s worth the trip. What it lacks temporarily in convenience, it makes up for in affordability and variety.

One comment

• Louis Calli   |   June 29th, 2012 at 10:47 am    

Holly,

Thank you so much for “discovering” our outlet location! We spend a lot of time trying to source cool new products for our customers to explore here. I’m dead set against buying something just because it’s on a deal or inexpensive. We try each one of these wines and there are penty that don’t make the cut.

The construction is definitely less than ideal, but I really believe navigating the mayhem is worth the effort. There are some amazing treasures just waiting to be discovered!

If there is ever anything I can do for you, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks again!

Cin Cin,
Louis Calli
Wine Director – Big Red Liquors