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Isanti liquor store posts sales gains; council weighs marketing, signage and revenue options
Summary
Staff reported the liquor store's gross sales rose about 4% in 2024 to just over $6 million, with a transfer of $533,745 to the general fund and community donations of $15,256. Council discussed marketing options, a dynamic sign and whether communications staff could support liquor store outreach.
City staff reported that the Isanti liquor store's 2024 net sales were up about 4% and gross sales exceeded $6 million. Presentation slides noted the store returned $15,256.47 to community causes through customer donations and transferred $533,745 from the liquor fund to the general fund.
Staff framed the liquor store as a city revenue source whose profits stay local. The presenter outlined priorities including reaching a $6.5 million gross sales goal, maintaining competitive pricing on high‑volume items, growing online ordering and DoorDash sales, monitoring cannabis product sales trends, and starting customer clubs (whiskey and wine) to encourage repeat business.
Several council members suggested that improved signage and targeted marketing could capture more drive‑by traffic along Service Road and nearby corridors. Staff said they have reached out to MnDOT to determine whether a temporary corner sign could meet standards. Council and staff also discussed that a dedicated communications or marketing person could assist liquor store efforts by maintaining social accounts, creating in‑store ads, managing promotions and analyzing customer traffic.
Council did not adopt any marketing expenditures during the session; staff will include liquor store marketing and related signage possibilities in follow‑up materials and provide cost estimates as part of the broader discussion on adding a communications position.
