Some customers simply stare in disbelief at the hundreds of beer cans in the big fridge at the Bayfield Loblaws.
Other shoppers are almost giddy with the convenience and selection.
If Loblaws on Bayfield Street is any indication, Barrie residents love buying their beer in grocery stores.
The large retailer launched beer sales Friday morning at the Bayfield location and the suds were flying off the shelves throughout the long weekend.
"This is fantastic. I still don't believe it," said shopper Frank Lupo on Monday morning, impressed with the big variety.
Right now the Bayfield Loblaws has stocked 240 brands and by the end of next week it will be up to almost 300.
Eights doors of the long fridge at the northwest corner of the store are devoted to local craft beers and ciders.
"It was gangbusters from grand opening at 9 o'clock on Friday," said store manager Shane Burnett, his voice hoarse from talking beer all weekend.
"9:01 on launch day, I saw a gentleman stand at the fridge doors for about an hour reading about all the different kind of beers. Where they're from, the hops, the percentages. It's just amazing how a can of beer can make you think about your small towns. Your big towns but with eight doors with just local beers."
A lot of those local beers are not sold at the LCBO, adds Burnett.
Over 200 grocery stores across Ontario can now sell beer and cider, including up to 70 that can sell wine.
Ultimately, beer, wine, and cider will be available in up to 450 grocery stores, including up to 300 that also sell wine.
This is in addition to the 452 Beer Stores and more than 650 LCBO stores across Ontario.
Grocers were invited to submit bids to the LCBO and successful bidders received authorization from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario
Burnett says the store caters to a lot of craft beer drinkers and he witnessed many shoppers go right to them.
"It's a hit," he said. "I took four home myself of the craft ones I never tried. We still have three other companies in town we're going to reach out to. We do have Flying Monkeys right now. We've asked people what kinds people are looking for and we'll get them. If the LCBO has them then we can have them."
There's also beer on shelves and Burnett says Loblaws' beer and ciders are competitively priced.
Separate checkouts with two beer-only cashiers are available Monday to Thursday because everyone has to be Smart Served.
On Friday, Saturday, Sunday three to four tills will be open for beer and groceries.
According to shoppers, the concept's main selling point can be summed up in a word - convenience.
"One-stop shopping," said Lupo. "I could buy liquor in Italy when I was six. This is a breakthrough. I'm 60 and now I can buy beer in a grocery store. It's a fantastic."
Beer is for sale Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
