What Liquor Store Equipment Should I Buy First?
- Nate Jones, CPCU, ARM, CLCS, AU
- Oct 1
- 3 min read
Starting a liquor store is an exciting venture—but before you stock your shelves with spirits, you need the right equipment to run your business efficiently and professionally. From shelving and refrigeration to POS systems and security, your initial equipment investments will shape your store’s layout, customer experience, and operational success.
At Wexford Insurance, we specialize in helping liquor store owners protect their businesses with tailored insurance coverage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential equipment you should buy first when opening a liquor store, along with tips for balancing quality and cost.
1. Point-of-Sale (POS) System
A modern POS system is the backbone of your liquor store’s operations. It handles transactions, tracks inventory, verifies customer age, and generates sales reports.
Key Features to Look For:
Age verification and ID scanning
Inventory tracking (cases, singles, mix-and-match)
Loyalty program integration
E-commerce compatibility
2. Shelving and Display Fixtures
Your shelving should be sturdy enough to hold heavy bottles and flexible enough to accommodate different product sizes.
Recommended Options:
Gondola shelving for center aisles
Wall-mounted shelving for wine and spirits
Endcap displays for promotions and seasonal items
3. Refrigeration Units
Cold storage is essential for beer, wine, and ready-to-drink beverages. Choose units based on your store size and product mix.
Types of Coolers:
Reach-in coolers for easy access
Walk-in coolers for bulk storage
Glass-door display coolers for visibility and merchandising
4. Security System
Liquor stores are high-risk environments due to valuable inventory and cash transactions. Invest in a security system that includes:
Surveillance cameras with remote access
Motion detectors and alarms
Panic buttons for staff safety
POS integration for transaction monitoring
5. Checkout Counter and Cash Handling Equipment
Your checkout area should be functional and secure. Include:
Ergonomic counters with storage
Cash drawers and safes
Barcode scanners and receipt printers
6. Inventory Management Tools
Efficient inventory tracking helps prevent shrinkage and ensures you’re always stocked with customer favorites.
Barcode labeling systems
Inventory software integrated with POS
Handheld scanners for stock counts
7. Insurance for Your Equipment
Once you’ve invested in equipment, protect it with equipment insurance. At Wexford Insurance, we offer:
Equipment Insurance – Covers refrigeration units, POS systems, shelving, and more
Commercial Property Insurance – Protects your store from fire, theft, and vandalism
General Liability Insurance – Covers customer injuries and property damage
Liquor Liability Insurance – Protects against alcohol-related incidents
Workers Compensation Insurance – Required if you hire staff
Commercial Auto Insurance – If you offer delivery or use company vehicles
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right equipment is a critical step in launching a successful liquor store. From shelving and refrigeration to POS systems and security, each item plays a role in your store’s efficiency, safety, and customer experience. And once you’ve made those investments, protecting them with the right insurance is just as important.
At Wexford Insurance, we help liquor store owners safeguard their businesses with coverage tailored to the alcohol retail industry. Whether you're opening your first store or expanding to a new location, we’re here to help you build a business that’s protected and profitable.
Ready to protect your liquor store?
Contact us today.
