Pull the cork on liquor jobs

With liquor sales going private in June, how are Snohomish County’s spirits?

Big liquor retailers have been checking out the state since the passage of Initiative 1183, according to news reports, scouting out sites to open stores.

An East Coast company called Total Wine &More plans to open two stores in Spokane and one in Seattle, according to the Spokesman-Review, while the Seattle Times reports that the plans so far are for two in Seattle and one in Spokane. The chain — with 78 stores in 11 states — plans to open 10 shops in Washington eventually, including stores in Vancouver and Tacoma, the Times reported. Additionally, it’s reported that Liquor Depot and Beverages and More have begun shopping for spots in the Puget Sound region.

Total Wine &More, according to its website, is America’s Wine Superstore® — the country’s largest independent retailer of fine wine.

Total Wine stores are usually 20,000 square feet or larger, hire about 30 workers, and stock their shelves from an inventory of up to 8,000 wine choices, 3,000 choices for spirits and 2,000 beers. (Its website lists that it carries 252 Washington wines. The Washington State Wine Commission says the state has more than 740 wineries. And since Washington is second only to California in producing wine, and California has private liquor sales, it should all work out in the marketplace.)

Total Wine president David Trone told the Times its prices match Costco’s, and that he expects liquor prices to fall over time due to increased competition. But Total Wine isn’t about “cheap” liquor — the company aims at customers who make $100,000, Trone said. The company is attracted by Washington’s high incomes and education level, as well as its above-average alcohol-consumption rate, Trone said.

Like Costco, the major warehouse player (and driver of the new law), Total Wine appears to be a good company to work for, offering benefits and room for advancement. (Opportunities and benefits can be found at Totalwine.com.) Each new store will have managerial and non-managerial positions. But such a large company also has numerous opportunities at the corporate level, from human resources to IT and computer services.

So with liquor retailers out shopping for store sites in the state, we hope Everett and Snohomish County are among those courting the businesses.

Unless a legal challenge prevails, the state will be out of the liquor business and private sales will start on June 1. Where are Snohomish County’s new stores going to be located? What communities will get to offer a toast to new jobs?

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Opinion

toon
Editorial cartoons for Tuesday, July 15

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Perkins, in strong field, best for Marysville council

The fifth-grade teacher hopes to improve outreach and participation with neighborhood meetings.

State should have given ferry contract to shipyard here

The state of Washington’s decision to award its newest ferry construction contract… Continue reading

Some Democrats did question Biden’s fitness to run

Recently, a letter to the editor said that Democrats would not say… Continue reading

Dowd: Trump’s good-looking Cabinet making him look bad

Trump’s toadies are keeping the truth from him and making decisions on their own that dog the president.

Goldberg: Why Nebraska may make GOP pay for its awful bill

It will be tough for Democrats to win the Senate, but an independent union leader could tip the balance.

Comment: Trump era will prove consequential; but as he hopes?

Trump has taken far-reaching steps in foreign and domestic policy. What follows will write his history.

Authorities search for victims among the rubble near Blue Oak RV park after catastrophic flooding on the Guadalupe River in Kerrville, Texas, on Sunday, July 6, 2025. The half-mile stretch occupied by two campgrounds appears to have been one of the deadliest spots along the Guadalupe River in Central Texas during last week’s flash floods. (Jordan Vonderhaar/The New York Times)
Editorial: Tragic Texas floods can prompt reforms for FEMA

The federal agency has an important support role to play, but Congress must reassess and improve it.

2024 Presidential Election Day Symbolic Elements.
Editorial: Retain Escamilla, Binda on Lynnwood City Council

Escamilla was appointed a year ago. Binda is serving his first term.

A Volunteers of America Western Washington crisis counselor talks with somebody on the phone Thursday, July 28, 2022, in at the VOA Behavioral Health Crisis Call Center in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Editorial: Dire results will follow end of LGBTQ+ crisis line

The Trump administration will end funding for a 988 line that serves youths in the LGBTQ+ community.

toon
Editorial cartoons for Monday, July 14

A sketchy look at the news of the day.… Continue reading

Comment: Midterm messaging fight for working class has begun

And Democrats have a head start thanks to the GOP’s all-in support for cuts to the social safety net.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.