Spirited Virginia Q3 2022 - 11

SPOTLIGHT ON SERVICE
SIGNATURE COCKTAIL
KOPE
JOE
This signature cocktail
was created especially for
Virginia ABC.
Sharon Hudson, Store Manager, Store 126, Nellysford
BILLY FELLIN
S
haron Hudson started her professional
career with the Army & Air Force Exchange
Service in Germany, first as a loss prevention
specialist, and then later in retail, including
selling liquor.
In 2019, Hudson began working with Virginia
ABC in Nelson County as a sales associate. In
2020, she was promoted to store manager.
" Joining Virginia ABC is my 'Act II,' " she says,
" as I plan to be making it my second career. "
Hudson's district manager, Chanel Payne,
says, " Sharon's experience in selling spirits
gives her excellent product knowledge. She
is always willing to go the extra mile for her
customers. Her store is always picture-perfect. "
What do you enjoy most about your job?
As a native Nelsonian, this job is truly " coming
home. " I get to see people I grew up with and
catch up on their lives. I enjoy having new
products in the store and introducing them
to customers. I also enjoy being able to fill
my customers' requests for special items.
How do you ensure the best shopping
experience for your customers?
The shopping experience starts in the parking
lot. If you think the first impression starts after
the customer gets inside the store, it's too late.
Entering the store, the customer should be
greeted by three things. 1. Visually, the store
should be well organized and merchandised
according to corporate standards. 2. It should
smell and look clean; pass the nose and eye
test. 3. Before customers are three feet in,
they should be greeted and asked if there
is anything that they need assistance with.
Does your store's location near Nelson
County tourist attractions affect business?
During the ski season, we really ramp up on foot
traffic and licensee orders. In summer, we have
a lot of local events that bring in extra foot traffic.
I track everything by working with my licensees
and following events in our newspaper.
How do you help a customer leave happy if
you don't have the product they came for?
My team and I build relationships with most of
our customers. Our regulars have faith in our
suggestions on products or alternatives when
their regular item is temporarily out of stock.
What makes a quality Virginia ABC store?
Customer service. Even if we don't have what
the customer came in for, we should connect
with them and gain enough information to offer
an alternative that they will be satisfied with.
What are your strategies for helping
customers find their perfect products?
Often a customer knows nothing about liquor
and is getting a gift for a friend or loved one. We
ask a few core questions: What is the occasion?
The gender? Age range? Do they know what
the person already likes to drink? And budget.
The answers give me a good idea of what will
work best for both recipient and purchaser.
How do you apply Virginia ABC's core value
of integrity?
Integrity is key to a successful career within
any organization. I strive for this every day
at work, home, doing my charity work and
in my day-to-day lifestyle. -Annie Tobey
r
e
INGREDIENTS
▷ 1 OZ. KŌLOA KAUAʻI COFFEE RUM
▷ 1 OZ. AMARO NONINO
▷ 1 OZ. FRANGELICO
▷ 1 OZ. COFFEE (EITHER COLD BREW
OR CHILLED COFFEE)
Scan the QR code below to
watch a video on how to prepare
this quarter's cocktail.
Discover cocktail recipes
for any occasion
www.abc.virginia.gov
SPIRITED VIRGINIA | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER 2022 11
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http://www.abc.virginia.gov
Spirited Virginia Q3 2022

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