Top 100 Retailer: Sodie’s Wine & Spirits
Editor’s Note: We’re recognizing our Top 100 Retailers in the beverage alcohol retail industry from the past year, including Sodie’s Wine & Spirits in Fort Smith, AZ, and our 2025 Retailer of the Year, Garfield’s Beverage.
Having recently celebrated 10 years at their current location nestled into Fort Smith, AZ, Sodie’s Wine & Spirits prides themselves on being more of a destination for shoppers than a quick pit stop.
Spanning 10,000 square feet, Sodie’s selection rivals that of large warehouse retailers. Yet, what sets this liquor store apart is its upscale ambiance, personalized service and innovative features, creating an unforgettable shopping experience.
“I was approached by my father-in-law in 2012, who owns a successful county line store, about purchasing a neighboring competitor — and I did,” Scott Clark, owner of Sodie’s Wine & Spirits, says. “I soon realized I didn’t want to compete with his store, and within two and a half years, I had found property in the center of town, transferred my permit and built the kind of store I wanted to operate.”
Thus, Sodie’s Wine & Spirits was brought to life.
Health-Conscious Consumers
Ensuring they have something for every customer, Sodie’s Wine & Spirits boasts a vast and ever-evolving inventory. Aside from the traditional beer, wine and spirits that most liquor stores offer, Sodie’s also offers a wide selection of THC-infused products and botanical adaptogen-based alcohol-free beverages.
“Non-alcoholic products have experienced significant growth, driven by a rising trend in health consciousness among consumers,” notes Shaina B. Jones, Sodie’s GM. “These offerings provide customers with peace of mind, while aligning with their wellness goals.”
Leading Sodi’s adaptogenic beverage category are THC-infused drinks, with demand at an all-time high.
“To stay ahead of this momentum, we’re actively exploring new brands and expanding into diverse product formats, including drinks, gummies and syrups,” Jones explains.
Sodie’s Cocktail Stop
Clark likes to keep his liquor store fresh with new products and innovations. On top of Sodie’s burgeoning adaptogenic category, they’ve also launched cocktail bags and movie-inspired cocktail recipes — which are a huge hit with shoppers.
The movie-inspired cocktails not only tap into pop culture trends but also offer customers a fun and immersive way to enjoy themed drinks that complement their favorite films.
“The inspiration behind our movie-themed cocktail recipes came directly from our customers,” Jones says. “Film lovers are a big part of our community, and we often find ourselves chatting about movies with them. That shared enthusiasm sparked an idea ─ why not bring our love of cinema into the store? And just like that, our movie-inspired cocktails were born.”
Sodie’s cocktail bags provide a convenient, hassle-free way for customers to enjoy their favorite drinks at home. According to Jones, each bag includes pre-measured ingredients and mixing instructions, making it easy for consumers to enjoy a cocktail without purchasing full-sized bottles.
By personally connecting with shoppers, Sodie’s Wine & Spirits takes their one-on-one feedback and turns it into innovative product ideas.
“At Sodie’s, we do offer feedback cards, which provide valuable insights. However, we believe the most effective way to truly understand and serve our customers is through personal connections,” says Jones. “We make it a priority to engage in conversation, build genuine rapport and make every customer feel like part of the Sodie’s family. This personalized approach is what sets us apart — and why we proudly say, ‘Experience different at Sodie’s.’”
Krystina Skibo is the Trade Managing Editor at Beverage Dynamics. Reach her at kskibo@epgacceleration.com. Read her recent piece, Liquor Stores Make Room for Cannabis and CBD Beverages.
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