2013 Liquor Outlets

Whether you’re craving a good red wine or picking up beer for a party, find the best liquor store for your needs with our customer satisfaction ratings.

See our Ratings Methodology.

1 in 3 New Zealanders buy alcohol based on price, not quality

Apparently, it’s not always the vintage or the year that matters when choosing an alcoholic beverage. According to more than a third of our recent survey respondents, price is more important than quality when choosing which alcohol to buy. Across New Zealand, this was particularly true for respondents from Otago and the Bay of Plenty, where 45% and 50% of respondents respectively agreed with this statement. Furthermore, half of our respondents only ever purchase alcohol on special, suggesting some consumers treat it as a luxury item. Generation Y respondents are more likely than their older counterparts to make their alcohol purchasing decisions based on cost issues, including reducing their alcohol consumption to save money. Younger New Zealanders are also less likely to have tried purchasing alcohol online than their Baby Boomer elders (13% versus 26%). As a nation, close to one in four have purchased alcohol online.

Liquorland achieve this year’s liquor outlets award in New Zealand

With nearly a quarter of respondents reporting they have a drink most days of the week, many will need a good bottle shop to help them achieve their afternoon ‘tipple’. In this year’s comparison, Liquorland received our Most Satisfied Customers Award – Liquor Outlets, including five stars for range of alcohol, knowledge of staff, customer service and overall satisfaction. Also rated in this survey were liquor store brands Henrys, Countdown, The Mill, New World, Super Liquor, PAK’nSAVE and Liquor King. In other results:

• New World achieved five stars for its store layout and appearance, and
• PAK’nSAVE received top ratings for value for money, price compared to online retailers, and price compared to other brick and mortar retailers.

Overall customer satisfaction

Liquorland achieved five stars for overall customer satisfaction in this category, outpacing four star recipients Henrys, Countdown and The Mill. Following with three stars each were New World, Super Liquor, PAK’nSAVE and Liquor King.

Value for money

Needing to pack in more value for an afternoon barbeque? PAK’nSAVE received five stars for value for money from their liquor outlet. Countdown was next with four stars, and Liquor King, Super Liquor, New World, The Mill, Henrys and Liquorland all finished with three.

Price compared to online retailers

Customers of PAK’nSAVE were most satisfied their liquor outlet advertised good prices compared to online retailers, which resulted in the brand receiving five stars in this area. Following with four stars each were Countdown and The Mill, then three star recipients Liquorland, Henrys, New World, Super Liquor and Liquor King.

Price compared to other brick and mortar retailers

It’s important to find a brick and mortar liquor retailer that offers a good price in comparison to its competitors. PAK’nSAVE achieved five stars, Countdown received four, and Liquorland, Henrys, The Mill, New World, Super Liquor and Liquor King followed with three.

Range of alcohol available

Many Kiwis love a good glass of red wine at the end of their day, while others prefer something stronger. Liquorland may be a fine choice in either case, having received five stars for its range of alcohol. Both Henrys and The Mill followed with four star ratings, and Countdown, New World, Super Liquor, PAK’nSAVE and Liquor King closed with three.

Knowledgeable staff / advice given

Do you know the differences between bottles of Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon? How about your single malts from your blends? You may just need a knowledgeable liquor store staff member to help you with your queries. Liquorland customers were most satisfied in this regard, with the brand earning five stars for the advice and knowledge given by their staff. Henrys came next with four stars, and The Mill, Super Liquor and Liquor King each received three. Following with two stars were Countdown, New World and PAK’nSAVE.

Customer service

Liquorland received five stars for the quality of its customer service. Following with four stars were Henrys, The Mill, New World, Super Liquor and Liquor King; then Countdown and PAK’nSAVE with three.

Store layout and appearance

A well-designed liquor store means less time searching for what you need, and more time enjoying your drink! New World customers were most satisfied with their retailer in this regard, which earned the brand five stars. Liquorland, Henrys, Countdown and Liquor King were next with four stars apiece; The Mill, Super Liquor and PAK’nSAVE all secured three.