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On Monday, loyal customers of the South Loop location of Sam’s Wines & Spirits learned that the location was due to close this upcoming Sunday, August 9. The store opened with much fanfare in 2007 and included a rooftop deck and a wine bar. The Chicago-based chain spent a significant amount of money renovating the 16,000 square foot former Trailways bus terminal it was located in. The exact reasons for the close are unknown, but emails from Sam’s indicated that general economic malaise, as well as the particular difficulties in the South Loop housing market, helped lead to the store’s demise.
We’re really sad to see this store go. Many of our ingredients for Properly Sauced came from this Sam’s location, and the staff was always friendly and helpful with our sometimes-esoteric requests. There are a few days left to visit the store, if you wish, and the flagship location in Lincoln Park will remain open.
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Sam's in Lincoln Park is like alcohol valhalla. It's way better and cheaper than any Binny's location
Interesting how we can spend $24 million to bring MillerCoors and $25 million to bring United (both of whom had already decided to move to Chicago before the TIF money was floated their way) but when it comes to helping a small local business get going it is tough shit. FYI the Sam's at the corner of Wabash and Roosevelt is in a TIF district just like MillerCoors and United.
It probably has more to do with:
1. Parking issues
2. There's a really nice Binnys right down the street that DOES have parking
South Loop Sam's has/had it's own parking lot... I never had trouble parking there.
Where was it? I've only gone there a few times (on foot) and never saw anywhere to park--which is a huge reason why we often ended up at Binny's. If you're already out doing errands, you don't want to hunt down a parking space.
The parking lot is directly North of the store. I never had trouble finding parking there.
Well that's a bummer. I had always heard alcohol sales went up in down-times...
Does anyone know if they're having a closing sale that I can stock up on?
I want to know what they were thinking opening a high-volume liquor store with no parking.
Don't blame the south loop. Blame the space.
There is parking space. And they deliver. And they're steps from the Roosevelt El stop. Plus the store is nice, well stocked and everyone I've ever met there has been friendly. Plus they have the wine-bar, etc. It's just this crappy economy and bad luck. Too bad I say.
I don't remember parking. Was there parking in the back or something?
That's what I would like to know! A few people have already mentioned it so the odds of everyone being tricksy is extremely slim!
Damn. I went there to pick up a 12 pack and spent $120 on beer. The place always seemed busy too.
Oh and they definitely have...had...parking. Sad.
They also got hurt from grocery stores offering wider selections of beer, wine and liquor.
Send them some TARP money.
Maybe the original store's customer service will improve now? It seemed fairly inconsistent the last couple years. Not that I shop there regularly, but it seemed like the staff was more indifferent since the new store opened. (Not rude or anything, just less knowledgeable and proactive.)