Aldi enters a regional market that has successfully attracted Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Costco, Whole Foods and other national brands, while also supporting the continued growth of independents like Alexander’s and Rouses Markets.
Alcohol sales increased during pandemic, staying high as restrictions loosen
Thursday, July 8, 2021
(iStock photo)
Drinking is something of a well-practiced pastime during the best of times in Baton Rouge, but during the pandemic with its isolating stay-at-home orders and social distancing restrictions people apparently took it up a notch … or two.
Calandro’s Supermarket on Perkins Road has seen a large increase in alcohol sales, with store manager Blaise Calandro III tipping his glass to folks unable to visit bars and restaurants as well as the popularity of at-home mixology during the pandemic.
What’s happening here mirrors the national trend of increased alcohol sales, with Axios citing a survey from late 2020 that found 75% of Americans upped their alcohol consumption during the pandemic, drinking at least one more day per month. Data measurement company Nielsen found a 54% increase in alcohol sales from March 2019 to March 2020.