Kirkland Signature products can indeed be found in local liquor stores, particularly in control states where state laws regulate the sale of alcohol. In total, 17 states retain full control over spirits and sometimes beer and wine, requiring Costco to navigate these regulations to sell its brand. Pricing can vary significantly among liquor stores as they operate under state-set rates, but apply their own mark-ups. This complex system illustrates how deep state control extends into alcohol sales, including unusual rules like permitting underage consumption for religious reasons in some areas.
According to the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association (NABCA), there are 17 states in the U.S. that maintain full control over spirits and occasionally beer and wine sales.
Kirkland might be Costco's personal brand, but the company is overruled by state-specific laws, and in this case, that means sharing its stock.
Interestingly, customers might also notice pricing variations. All local liquor stores access Kirkland Signature at the same state-set rate before adding their own variable mark-ups.
Behind the scenes, the variation between state liquor rules is huge - did you know that 26 states permit underage consumption for religious reasons?
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