The Whisky Shop opens doors to Manchester customers

UK retailer The Whisky Shop has opened its doors to customers in Manchester this month with the launch of its second premium flagship store.

The Whisky Shop in Manchester store will be the second flagship store in the UK, following the opening of the Piccadilly store last November

The new store, located at 3 Exchange Street, is the 22nd branch to be opened in the UK and follows the launch of The Whisky Shop’s flagship store in London Piccadilly last year.

“These are very exciting times for The Whisky Shop,” said Andrew Torrance, managing director of The Whisky Shop. “Manchester has a fantastic retail offering and we’re delighted to be opening our newest store in this vibrant and interesting city.

“Our aim is to inform and entertain our customers. Whisky is a wonderful and diverse drink that should be enjoyed rather than revered. We look forward to bringing The Whisky Shop experience to Manchester.”

Spread over two floors, the new shop features slate and timber flooring and glass display vitrines. Next to the main retail area is The Whisky Shop Library which displays rare and exclusive whiskies and is marked by inset angel wings – referencing both The Whisky Shop’s signature symbol and the whisky phrase “the angels’ wings”.

Prominent space has been allocated to Diageo and Brown-Forman products – The Whisky Shop’s retail partners.

Ffion Jones, brand manager of super premium American whiskey UK at Brown-Forman, said: “Brown-Forman is delighted to be partnering with The Whisky Shop on the launch of its second premium flagship store, following the success of the London Piccadilly store.

“There is no doubt that the new Manchester store will provide an excellent platform to showcase Brown-Forman’s leading range of American Whiskey, as well as allowing us to interact with customers in store to educate them on the growing American whiskey category.”

Nick Temperley, head of Diageo Reserve Great Britain, was similarly optimistic that the Manchester shop would “highlight the history and range of the Johnnie Walker brand” and also “educate shoppers on the vibrancy of the malt whisky category”.

The Spirits Business reported that The Whisky Shop acquired specialist whisky retailers Loch Fyne Whiskies in May this year.