In the competitive world of premium spirits, the moment of purchase is where brands can make the biggest impact. With 76% of purchase decisions made in-store, point-of-sale (POS) activations are not just marketing tactics—they are essential growth drivers.

From bartender recommendations to gifting displays and sampling experiences, effective POS strategies tap into consumer behavior, build trust, and drive sales. By leveraging key insights and industry data, brands can turn these critical moments into lasting consumer connections.

Here are some key insights on how brands can optimize their in-store strategies to drive engagement and conversion:

1) Critical Moment of Decision

76% of purchase decisions for spirits are made in-store, and 43% of shoppers are open to trying a new brand when influenced by in-store activations, particularly at premium price points.

2) Impact of Bartender Recos

65% of consumers trust bartender recommendations when choosing a premium spirit. Point-of-purchase activations like bartender-led tastings and brand ambassador programs can tap into this trust, increasing sales by an average of 20-30% for recommended products.

3) Consumer Loyalty Through Sampling & Experiences

50% of consumers who sample a premium spirit are more likely to purchase it. Activations such as tastings or interactive experiences at the point of purchase can build brand affinity and drive repeat purchases, turning trial into loyalty.

4) Driving Gifting Behavior

29% of premium spirit purchases are made as gifts, particularly around key holidays. In-store activations like custom packaging, personalized gift options, or displays that highlight gifting occasions can increase premium spirit sales by up to 40% during the holiday season.

5) Impulse Purchases & Gifting

68% of shoppers are more likely to buy premium spirits as gifts when presented with eye-catching, giftable packaging at the point of purchase. In-store visual merchandising that emphasizes exclusivity and luxury plays a key role in converting browsing into buying.

6) Maximizing Marketing ROI

Premium spirit brands that invest in point-of-purchase displays or activations see a 22% higher sales lift compared to those without in-store promotions. This ROI is especially pronounced when combined with bartender endorsements or unique gifting propositions.

Conclusion: Turning the Moment of Purchase into Lasting Loyalty

A well-executed POS strategy doesn’t just boost sales in the short term—it shapes brand perception, builds loyalty, and enhances consumer engagement. Whether through bartender advocacy, experiential sampling, or premium gifting solutions, brands that invest in impactful in-store activations see higher conversion rates and increased brand affinity. In an industry where visibility and influence at the point of purchase can define success, optimizing POS strategies is not just an advantage—it’s a necessity.