Wine and spirits distributor encourages Michiganders to support local retailers and restaurants

Detroit, MI – Employees at Great Lakes Wine & Spirits (GLWAS) are putting in extra hours to ensure retailers are well-stocked ahead of small family gatherings during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has led to more people drinking in the comfort and safety of their homes. Traditionally, the stretch between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is the busiest stretch of the year for wine sales. But according to IRI, a data analytics and market research company, alcohol sales are up 21% at grocery stores and 17% at liquor stores compared to this time last year.

“We are proud to do our part to provide a safe working environment for all of our employees so they can ensure retailers’ shelves are stocked with reds, whites and rosé so Michiganders can celebrate safely at small family gatherings this holiday season,” said Lew Cooper III, co-CEO at GLWAS. “From the front office and the warehouse, to our sales team and delivery drivers, the entire GLWAS team is committed to ensuring consumers’ favorite wines and champagnes are on store shelves.”

Cooper is also encouraging Michiganders to support local restaurants and retailers this holiday season. GLWAS recently donated $21,000 to the Detroit Free Press’ Top 10 Cares, a fundraiser to help healthcare workers and Michigan’s struggling restaurant industry.

“Over the last nine months we have tried to do our part to help restaurants across the state, including buying restaurant gift cards for employees and donating to restaurant industry relief efforts,” Cooper said. “We encourage those who have the means to get carryout from your favorite local restaurant one more time before the end of the year to help support local businesses and the people who work there.”

As Michigan’s COVID-19 cases continue to surge, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recently extended its epidemic order. One of the recommendations made by the governor and public health officials was to keep holiday gatherings small, if they happen at all.

“At GLWAS, our employees have taken the necessary steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 — including wearing masks, practicing social distancing and washing our hands frequently — so you can enjoy the holidays with your immediate family,” said Syd Ross, co-CEO of GLWAS. “Michigan’s wine distributors work hard to ensure retailers across the state have a wide variety of wines produced right here in Michigan, across the country and around the world. As Michiganders raise a glass to their loved ones virtually this holiday season, chances are they can all be drinking the same wine no matter how far apart they are thanks to a three-tier system that promotes fairness and a level playing field.”

The Michigan wine industry and its nearly 150 wineries generate more than $5 billion for the state’s economy annually. Michigan currently ranks in the Top 10 for wine production and is the fourth-largest grape growing state in the country.

Great Lakes Wine and Spirits employs more than 1,000 people and operates warehouses in Highland Park, Detroit, Gaylord, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Marquette, Saginaw and Traverse City. 

Photo Courtesy GLWAS

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Great Lakes Wine & Spirits is Michigan’s largest wine and liquor distributor. With more than 1,000 employees and facilities across the state, GLWAS services nearly 17,000 accounts in all 83 Michigan counties on both peninsulas. For more information, please visit www.GLWAS.com.