Homebrewing helped spark the craft beer boom. Now interest is waning.

[jswordy]

Over the last few years, homebrew stores have shuttered across the country, and while the exact number is difficult to pinpoint, there’s anecdotal evidence in the announcements.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/12/29/homebrewing-decline-closed-shops/

 

[Rocky]

Over the last few years, homebrew stores have shuttered across the country, and while the exact number is difficult to pinpoint, there’s anecdotal evidence in the announcements.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/food/2024/12/29/homebrewing-decline-closed-shops/

I was unable to read the article (they wanted me to join something and I am not a "joiner" unless I have a specific interest) but could this be another manifestation of the decline of "brick and mortar" vis-a-vis the internet? It would be interesting to know how the larger on-line sites are doing? Also, once a person is "equipped" with winemaking needs, there is little to no follow up purchasing of equipment and one needs only ingredients. I often questioned the business model used in opening a store. It always seemed to me that one would need significant sales to cover expenses.

 

[jswordy]

I was unable to read the article (they wanted me to join something and I am not a "joiner" unless I have a specific interest) but could this be another manifestation of the decline of "brick and mortar" vis-a-vis the internet? It would be interesting to know how the larger on-line sites are doing? Also, once a person is "equipped" with winemaking needs, there is little to no follow up purchasing of equipment and one needs only ingredients. I often questioned the business model used in opening a store. It always seemed to me that one would need significant sales to cover expenses.

It's part of a larger decline in alcohol consumption, as well as a steeper decline in craft and homebrew. Homebrew guys are aging out, and the younger set isn't stepping up.

The Washington Post is by subscription.

 

[ratflinger]

I've noticed this for a while, even before George died he was talking about closing his shop, and this was in Dallas. San Antonio is now down to one poor shop and they have very little winemaker support. Looks like Austin Homebrew is still going and they they now stock RJS as well as WE, but folks in Austin are a little more tuned in to make their own brew. I'm happy as long as Label Peelers stays active. I'm surprised that with prices being what they are that there's not a resurgence of interest. Guess there's too much dope to smoke.

 

[jswordy]

I've noticed this for a while, even Before George died he was talking about closing his shop, and this was in Dallas. San Antonio is now down to one poor shop and they have very little winemaker support. Looks Austin Homebrew is till going and they they now stock RJS as well as WE, but folks in Austin are a little more tuned in to make their own brew. I'm happy as long as Label Peelers stays active. I'm surprised that with prices being what they are that there's not a resurgence of interest. Guess there's too much dope to smoke.

It blew me away in the article that NYC's last homebrew shop has closed!

 

[ibglowin]

We still have 2 in ABQ. One has been around since the 70's and is pretty old but the other is shiny sparkly and seems to be booming still with the home brew beer makers in ABQ. The LHBS in Santa fe closed about 5 years ago and nobody has filled that void to this date.

 

[JBP]

I've noticed this for a while, even Before George died he was talking about closing his shop, and this was in Dallas. San Antonio is now down to one poor shop and they have very little winemaker support. Looks Austin Homebrew is till going and they they now stock RJS as well as WE, but folks in Austin are a little more tuned in to make their own brew. I'm happy as long as Label Peelers stays active. I'm surprised that with prices being what they are that there's not a resurgence of interest. Guess there's too much dope to smoke.

I think Austin Homebrew is online only -they closed their storefront a couple of years ago.

 

[Christopher Anderson]

IMHO: It is easier to buy ANYTHING online. and cheaper.

 

[ratflinger]

I think Austin Homebrew is online only -they closed their storefront a couple of years ago.

I had not noticed that, but looks like you are correct JBP. It too bad, they had a nice store, with lots of stock. Always a lot of customers there. Probably near the end for them too.

 

[ratflinger]

IMHO: It is easier to buy ANYTHING online. and cheaper.

Not always, I always compare prices online to those in a store. I need some electrical cable, looked at Amazon, Lowes, HD, and McCoy's. Lowes was cheaper by far, going over there on Friday to purchase what I need.

 

[Christopher Anderson]

Not always, I always compare prices online to those in a store. I need some electrical cable, looked at Amazon, Lowes, HD, and McCoy's. Lowes was cheaper by far, going over there on Friday to purchase what I need.

I do also, and Amazon is not cheaper. Lowes and HD will usually match many prices if you ask. I also look at Walmart marketplace.
HD had an item in stock to ship to me by Friday that was cheaper than Amazon, the manufacturer, and other online stores.

 

[AFW]

I spread my purchases out to two homebrew shops one local and one in a city where I grew up. I’d rather support my local homebrew shops.

 

[ratflinger]

I spread my purchases out to two homebrew shops one local and one in a city where I grew up. I’d rather support my local homebrew shops.

Assume you are referring to Ohio Homebrew in Sandusky. I've bought from them before but the shipping is slower to south Texas

 

[Rice_Guy]

The look from Wisconsin is that beer is doing better than wine or cider. We lost northern brewer in Milwaukee and cannery has cut inventory in madison. But it still is possible to stop at other places from Oshkosh to Racine to Madison (Wine and Hops) to LaCrosse. Yes, , , Wis Vinters has discussions about bringing in more young folks,

Special stuff is always hard, as I ordered 200ul pipette tips tonight through WallyWorld. Took a couple of weeks with their last order. ,,, I make a point of checking Great Fermentations when visiting grand kids, I don’t know what all the toys are as a YAN kit for the Vinmetrica.

 

[AFW]

Ratflinger, I’m down North of Cincinnati. Usually go to HYOB south of Dayton Oh. Really nice stocked store always has what I came for. The Hometown is Louisville KY and go to Winemakers & Beermakers another well stocked store close to family so easy to get stuff when visiting.