Minneapolis nonalcoholic bottle shop at risk of closing as alcohol-free drinks become more widely available
One of the last remaining nonalcoholic bottle shops in Minneapolis is at risk of closing, its owner said, joining a wave of similar businesses that have shut down this year.
Marigold in south Minneapolis is now one of the last remaining shops dedicated to nonalcoholic drinks. Marigold's St. Paul location closed its doors in late March, leaving owner Erin Flavin's shop in uncertainty.
Flavin opened Marigold in 2022, after purchasing the building from her landlord, where she operated Honeycomb Salon. Before the purchase of the building, she decided to be sober, as she had already been operating at Honeycomb Salon for 16 years.
"I have been sober for five years," said Flavin. "Not having that ceremony that you love at the end of the day, cooking and having a bottle of wine was something I really missed."
Already selling nonalcoholic drinks at her salon, she realized that there was a lack of options for people like her who wanted to socialize without alcohol. When she purchased the space that houses Marigold, Flavin saw it as an opportunity to create a space for herself and others who shared that need.
"Lines were out the door," said Flavin. "We were really surprised when we first opened because we had so many people who were like,' I don't know if this is going to work, Erin.'"
The opening was a huge success and just a year later, Flavin opened up her St. Paul location.
"Never in my wildest dream did I think that something that was this important to me would have taken off the way it did," said Flavin.
However, two years ago, she saw a shift that would end up being what she calls the "downfall of Marigold."
"Brands ended up in liquor warehouses so they got mass distribution," said Flavin.
Sales of alcohol-free beverages have been on the rise as more consumers are reducing their alcohol intake. Larger retailers, including restaurants and liquor stores, have started to stock nonalcoholic drinks, making it harder to compete with smaller shops.
The rising popularity of nonalcoholic drinks pushed people to convenience over these specialty shops, ultimately leading Flavin to close her shop in St. Paul in late March
After the closing, Flavin took to Instagram, pleading for others to shop at local stores. She said that the store's survival hinges on community support.
"The message I put on Instagram has reminded people that we're here and we're going to continue being here. I don't want to pivot away from this business," Flavin said.
Flavin says she is left with few options and has weighed closing the shop and reopening possibly as a nail salon, but says that this community is too important to give up on.
"I'm facing a lot of debt due to trying to stay competitive and trying to keep products on the shelf that people love," said Flavin. "Hearing how important it is to the community and how important it is to me. I don't want to close."
Marigold ships nonalcoholic beverages and sells THC drinks and local crafts.