Hays County Alcohol Sales

Top Performers in May 2025

Leading the pack in May 2025, Hays City Store on FM 150 W raked in the highest total receipts at $276,932. This establishment excels in liquor sales, accounting for $201,455 of its total, making it a clear favorite among locals. Its beer sales also contributed significantly, reaching $65,372.

In second place, Peak Beverage Texas LLC on Frog Pond Ln offers a more balanced approach with strong sales in both wine and beer. The store's wine sales stood at an impressive $67,579, nearly mirroring its beer sales of $66,409, while liquor sales brought in $116,326.

Noteworthy Trends and Insights

Camp Lucy on Creek Rd shows a unique trend with its wine sales almost matching its liquor sales, at $99,254 and $102,814 respectively. This indicates a diverse customer preference at this location, possibly due to its event-hosting capabilities.

It's interesting to note that Freddy C's Lounge/WildfireSMTX on E Hopkins St focused heavily on liquor, with a staggering $163,508 in sales, but saw negligible wine sales. This reflects a targeted strategy that seems to be paying off, considering its total receipts of $211,248.

Emerging Players and Comparisons

Zelicks, also located on W Hopkins St, closely trails Freddy C's, with a strong emphasis on liquor and beer, showing a well-rounded offering. Their beer sales even outpaced their liquor, highlighting a potential local preference for beer-based socializing.

Newer or smaller venues like Dripping Springs Distilling are making a mark with focused offerings. With total receipts of $151,789, nearly all from liquor, this distillery exemplifies a successful niche strategy, catering to enthusiasts of distilled spirits.

Diverse Offerings and Market Opportunities

Trattoria Lisina stands out for its wine sales, contributing $84,477 to its total income. This wine-centric approach sets it apart, catering to a different demographic than typical bars, which could be an opportunity for others to explore.

Overall, establishments with diverse alcohol offerings seem to attract a wider audience, though those with specialized focuses, like Axis and Mayloo's, also find success. These trends suggest that understanding customer preferences and tailoring offerings accordingly can drive significant sales growth in Hays.

Top Performing Zip Codes

Zip Code 78666 is the clear leader in alcohol sales, bringing in a whopping $3,996,065. With 85 establishments, this area boasts the highest density of alcohol vendors. Its sales mix shows a strong preference for liquor, accounting for 64% of sales, followed by beer at 30%.

Trailing behind but still significant is Zip Code 78620 with $1,246,172 in sales. Here, liquor is also the top choice at 63%, though wine makes a more notable presence at 18% compared to other areas. This zip code supports 31 establishments, suggesting room for additional competition.

Sales Mix Insights

Across the board, liquor dominates the sales mix, with percentages ranging from 58% to 65%. Zip Code 78619 stands out with the highest liquor preference at 65%, while 78610 leans more towards beer at 35%. Interestingly, Zip Code 78676 shows a balanced interest in wine at 13%, which could indicate a niche market for wine enthusiasts.

Opportunities for New Establishments

Zip Code 78610, despite generating $1,134,322 in sales, only houses 23 establishments. This lower density suggests potential for new businesses to enter the market. Similarly, Zip Code 78619 has the fewest establishments, with only 11, meaning there is ample opportunity for growth in this area.

Market Trends and Insights

Overall, Hays' alcohol sales reflect a strong consumer preference for liquor, though each zip code displays unique characteristics. The diversity in sales mixes, particularly where wine and beer are concerned, could guide strategic decisions for new entrants. Considering the total sales of $8,972,410 across the region, the market is robust and ripe for exploration.

Overall Sales Trends

Over the past 12 months, alcohol sales in Hays have shown a dynamic and fluctuating pattern. May 2025 marked the highest sales peak with total receipts reaching a whopping $9,255,596, reflecting a significant 12.36% increase from the previous month. This surge suggests a potential seasonal uptick or successful promotional campaigns driving consumer interest.

Monthly Variations

Interestingly, the number of establishments decreased by 5.24% in May, indicating that fewer outlets might be generating higher sales per establishment. This could suggest consolidation in the market, perhaps with stronger players capturing a larger share of the consumer base. Earlier in the year, March 2025 also saw a notable spike with a 29.9% increase in total receipts, hinting at robust sales activity post-winter.

Sales Mix Insights

The sales mix highlights liquor as the dominant category, consistently outperforming wine and beer. In May, liquor sales alone accounted for $5,766,475, showing a strong preference among consumers. Beer sales, however, displayed a steady performance, peaking in October 2024 at $2,600,882, possibly due to sporting events or seasonal preferences. Wine, while the smallest category, saw a significant month in March 2025 with $872,283 in sales, suggesting potential growth opportunities in this segment.

Market Implications

The data suggests that Hays' alcohol market is experiencing both consolidation and dynamic consumer behavior. The fluctuations in establishment numbers and the consistent growth in sales per outlet indicate a competitive environment where efficiency and customer loyalty are key. For businesses, focusing on liquor offerings, while exploring promotional tactics during peak months, could capitalize on these trends.

Year-Over-Year Comparisons

While year-over-year data isn't fully detailed, comparing recent high points with similar periods last year shows that current trends are not anomalies but part of a broader growth trajectory. The market's resilience and adaptability hint at a robust future, provided businesses continue to align their strategies with changing consumer preferences and seasonal patterns.