Comments for The Urban Grape - 7 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 - 617.232.4831

Comment on So, where were we? by Donna Manie

Donna Manie — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 02:47:02 +0000

My mom gave me a sign for XMAS last year it says,,
I cook with wine ,, sometimes I add it to the meal!!!
Perfect,

Comment on The Star Market Customer is UG’s Customer! by nicole

nicole — Tue, 21 Feb 2012 22:57:47 +0000

I def think it is inaccurate to say a Star Market customer is not a UG customer. I typically have the time to stop by UG when I am leaving the grocery store. I value UG but I don’t always have the time to just drive over there at night whenever I want a bottle of wine so I plan ahead and go there when I am making a trip to the shopping center.

Comment on Is That TJ or….(the Celebrity Edition) by urban wear

urban wear — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 16:47:28 +0000

urban wear…

[...]Is That TJ or….(the Celebrity Edition) « The Urban Grape – 7 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA 02467 – 617.232.4831[...]…

Comment on A Tale of Two Customers by Harry Silverstein

Harry Silverstein — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:12:43 +0000

In the spirit of full disclosure, I am an employee of the Urban Grape, and so have a biased viewpoint in this case. However, I also have a business degree with a concentration in economics and have a decent understanding of the market forces at work here. In theory, the comments by Steve Simpon above are accurate – at least in the near term, the superstores will use their pricing power to bring wine prices down, much like Trader Joe’s has done, though likely with more common brands, not the private label producers that TJ’s utilizes in large part. However, the attrition amongst smaller retailers will result in more consolidation, and ultimately, pricing power will return to the best capitalized participants. As a strict free marketeer, I would normally support less regulation in this industry. But the fact is, the three tier system (producer – distributor – retailer) is, in and of itself, regulatory. And I don’t expect that system to go away anytime soon. And so, relaxing a portion of that regulation that benefits one group disproportionately, is patently unfair to the underrepresented group, in this case the small retailers. If the playing field were made equal for all participants, specialization would protect the small stores to some degree, and in some cases, allow them to amass market power in their own right. But allowing the deep pocketed big boxes further advantage than they already enjoy will only hasten market consolidation, and potentially, higher prices for everyone.

Comment on The Star Market Customer is UG’s Customer! by Donna Manie

Donna Manie — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 03:56:40 +0000

o my gosh you guys have taught me about good wine and bad wine! yes sure I can buy cheap wine down the street but in the end its not worth it and I do NOT have to spend a fortune to come see you guys,,, I love your store its so personal its like family and I will come tuesday night to support you,, I have been there from the beginning and I will support you ,, love you guys!!!!

Comment on How to Take Action by Star Market in Chestnut Hill Seeks Liquor License « Chestnut Hill Association

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 02:42:30 +0000

[...] February 16, 2012 by ehpyle Leave a Comment Neighbors might have heard rumors about Chestnut Hill’s Star Market/ Shaw’s plans to sell beer and wine. Or maybe you’ve seen Star Market’s petition in support of their application for a liquor license. Possibly, you have heard some of the concerns raised by local wine merchant, Urban Grape. (Click here for Urban Grape’s concerns.) [...]

Comment on The Star Market Customer is UG’s Customer! by Emily

Emily — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:29:29 +0000

hey – well said (as always). exactly what i was thinking. xo

Comment on Rocky vs Drago by Eric Rollo

Eric Rollo — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:07:59 +0000

This is awful news! While “convenient” these superstores selling wine, beer, and spirits takes a great deal away from the experience of making an educated decision about a purchase. Small businesses like Urban Grape are more than a place to stop in and buy a bottle or two, they represent a place that can help shape an individual’s tastes, expose us to new things, and challenge us to grow as drinkers. You won’t be able to ask a question about a specific bottle or varietal at Star Market, and if you do, you will more than likely be answered with an awkward stare.

To those reading this, especially those residing or doing business in Newton, please support Urban Grape and their effort to maintain the high quality product and services they already provide.

Cheers,

Eric

Comment on Rocky vs Drago by nicole

nicole — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:54:03 +0000

I’ll def be there to support you guys next week at town hall!

Comment on Superglass 2012: Syrah vs. Zinfandel! by ELS

ELS — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 19:35:15 +0000

What a great post! Having concrete wine recommendations and helpful illustrations is a nice touch! Hope to see many more like these!