Luxury drinks retailer the Whisky Shop has opened a new 600sq ft store in Manchester which aims to provide a dedicated platform for some of the world’s most exclusive whiskies.
The Manchester opening is just the latest in a series of developments for the business this year. Following on from the opening of its flagship London store in November 2012, the retailer acquired specialist whisky store Loch Fyne Whiskies for an undisclosed sum in May.
It’s latest store, which is located in Exchange Street, close to Selfridges and Harvey Nichols, is designed to be luxurious, accessible and educational to whisky novices and connoisseurs, leading them on a journey of discovery and celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship of the product.
The shop is spread over two floors, featuring slate and timber flooring, glass display vitrines and a new fully glazed shopfront featuring copper signage. Prominent space in the main retail section is given to the Whisky Shop’s key retail partners Diageo and Brown-Forman and located from the main retail area is the Whisky Shop Library, which features an array of rare and exclusive whiskies.
Andrew Torrance, managing director of the Whisky Shop, said: “These are very exciting times for the Whisky Shop. Manchester has a fantastic retail offering and we’re delighted to be opening our newest store in this vibrant and interesting city.”
He added: “Our aim is to inform and entertain our customers. Whisky is a wonderful and diverse drink that should be enjoyed rather than revered.”
Paul Simpson, managing director of Visit Manchester, said: “The Whisky Shop’s decision to open a second flagship store in Manchester is a testament to both its retail and its food and drink offering. We are certain the brand will experience great success in the already thriving area in and around Exchange Street, and wish it all the best as a new business in the city.”
