Before we get to the hurricane, let’s talk about the wine kiosks…
According to a special performance audit by PA Attorney General Jack Wagner, the Liquor Control Board’s wine kiosk program has fallen short of established goals. Currently there are 22 kiosks operating in supermarkets owned by Giant Eagle, Giant Food Stores, ShopRite, The Fresh Grocer and Shop ‘n Save. Wegmans had several kiosks but recently ended its participation in the program, and Wal-Mart announced last week that they would not install 23 kiosks in its stores, as previously planned.
Wagner’s report states the following:
- From 1/29/09 through 3/31/11, the kiosks showed net income of $206,060 with total operating costs of $1,131,375.
- 20 of the 32 kiosks that were operating during the audit period failed to meet the minimum weekly sales threshold.
- All kiosks had to be shut down in the height of last year’s holiday season due to mechanical and technological malfunctions.
- 919 malfunctions were reported in a six month period last year, and 118 additional malfunctions were reported in the one-month period after the original malfunctions were repaired.