Total Wine Uncorks Excitement as It Opens Its First Nebraska Store: 8,000 Bottles of Wine on the Wall!

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Total Wine & More, the largest independent wine retailer in the country, recently opened its inaugural location in Nebraska, showcasing an extensive variety and attractive pricing.

The grand opening was held quietly on Friday in the space that once housed Bed Bath & Beyond, located at Shoppes at Aksarben Village. A formal celebration is set for November 7.

This retailer, known for its impressive inventory, typically offers around 8,000 distinct wines at each of its stores. The new Omaha location is situated at 1220 S. 71st St., in the former Bed Bath & Beyond building.

The shop offers a variety of products including wine, spirits, beer, cigars, and various accessories.

Robert Hammack Sr., a native of St. Paul, Nebraska, who studied at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the early 1980s, holds the position of chief stores officer for the national chain.

He is responsible for the daily operations of all Total Wine & More locations — which number 273 in 29 states, including Nebraska — and he leads the team that is focused on developing new stores.

“I’ve always maintained that ‘Hey, we need a store in Nebraska,’ and fortunately, we found a prime location right near 72nd Street,” Hammack expressed.

He has dedicated seven years to the company.

The shop launched quietly, but a celebratory opening event is planned for November 7.

According to Robert Hammack Sr., the chief stores officer at Total Wine, the Omaha site, which spans 32,000 square feet, will feature an impressive selection of more than 8,000 different wines, 5,000 varieties of spirits, and 2,500 types of beer.

Throughout the nation, the company’s large locations have occasionally faced resistance when breaking into new markets, as smaller businesses express concerns that their livelihoods may be negatively impacted by increased competition.

Nebraska is home to several prominent outlets that offer wine and spirits, including the well-known Costco and Hy-Vee’s Wall-to-Wall Wine and Spirits locations situated in Omaha, Papillion, and Lincoln.

Additional notable retailers comprise Wine, Beer and Spirits, which operates stores in Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, and Fremont, as well as Spirit World, located at the intersection of 67th and Center Streets.

Recently, a professor from New York University mentioned in an interview with The World-Herald that large store competition often benefits consumers.

Karl Storchmann, who specializes in the field of wine economics, noted that Total Wine & More holds the title of the largest wine retail chain throughout the country.

The Total Wine store in Omaha boasts a diverse selection of regional craft beers.

“Their variety and pricing are unmatched,” Storchmann remarked. “This means consumers will benefit in two ways: affordable prices and access to rare wines will boost consumer surplus.”

He also noted that the introduction of a large store could disrupt any local monopolies that might dominate the marketplace.

“They will need to be creative with their pricing and wine offerings to stay competitive,” he stated. “This is all positive from an economist’s viewpoint.”

According to Alyssa Brodersen, the executive director of the Nebraska Winery & Grape Growers Association, winemakers in Nebraska are seeing new opportunities at the large retail store.

On Thursday, Coe Emmett, the assistant manager of the newly opened Total Wine & More store in Omaha, was seen reviewing prices on various wine bottles.

The mission of the association focuses on the promotion and growth of the wine and grape industry within Nebraska. Its membership encompasses everything from small vineyards to extensive winemaking operations.

“The company has taken significant steps to reach out to Nebraska wineries, and they have already included several local wines in their inventory,” Brodersen remarked.

She mentioned that this partnership will give wine lovers an additional accessible spot to explore and buy wines produced in Nebraska.

According to Matt Yaeger, the second-generation proprietor of Pinnacle Wine & Liquor, a family-run wine shop in Brighton, New York, this new player in the market might push existing stores to enhance their offerings.

He added that last year, local retailers successfully opposed a proposal that would permit wine sales in grocery stores across New York, while Nebraska already permits these sales.

Matt explained that larger wine retailers, due to their scale and purchasing influence, can secure better pricing from suppliers.

According to Yaeger, smaller retailers can continue to thrive, but they may need to adapt and put in extra effort.

“Now more than ever, retailers must prioritize their customers,” he stated. “Pay attention to their preferences and take good care of them. If you focus on this, you will be fine.”

He mentioned that some retailers might have to lessen their reliance on national brands and offer a variety of unique, vibrant, and tasty wines from around the globe at various price points.

Additionally, he suggested that strengthening their ties to the community through events, seminars, tastings, and educational opportunities for customers would be beneficial.

Hammack mentioned that Total Wine & More prioritizes three key elements: affordability, customer service, and a wide range of products.

He explained that the employees at the store receive extensive training to gain knowledge about wines and to help customers effectively.

With a spacious layout of 32,279 square feet and an extensive inventory, this is quite a challenging endeavor.

“We stock more than 8,000 varieties of wine, 5,000 types of spirits, and approximately 2,500 varieties of beer,” he stated.

Total Wine offers a variety of products including wine, spirits, beer, cigars, chips, and snacks. The store is anticipated to feature more than 400 items sourced from local producers.

Additionally, the store will showcase over 400 products from local vendors, encompassing wines, spirits, craft beers, chips, and snacks for a touch of local flavor.

Hammack, who currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland, mentioned that he plans to return to Nebraska for the grand opening festivities.

“I’ll dedicate two entire days to the store,” he expressed. “I hope you won’t be able to distinguish me from a team member, because I enjoy that.”

The store operates from Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., and on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

On Thursday, October 31, 2024, Total Wine & More in Omaha is bustling with excitement.

As you walk into Total Wine & More in Omaha on that Thursday, you’ll notice an impressive Jack Daniel’s display welcoming you.

Coe Emmett, the assistant manager, is busy price checking bottles at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Rows of wine bottles are displayed at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

The inside of Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Racks showcasing Nebraska craft beers at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

A collection of spirits at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024.

Cigars are neatly arranged at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

Egg nog is prominently featured in the holiday section at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

This is the scene at Total Wine & More in Omaha on Thursday, October 31, 2024.

joe.dejka@owh.com, 402-444-1077

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About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!