Outlet liquors grand opening May 1-2

The store, located in the former Salvation Army building on Route 1, is billed as the largest of its kind in the state, and will include a massive selection of wines – 2,000 varieties – beer and spirits.

Alex Pires, part of the group that owns the store, #1 BHOLE Inc., said the store would be designed for and cater to women.

Each section will be divided up simplistically with short aisles, soft colors and nice bathrooms. “It’s not your typical place,” Pires said. “It’s a destination. The idea is that it’s not a place you just run into. It’s a sit down, take your time store.”

Besides the enormous selection, the store will also have a cigar section, large beer coolers and a wine-tasting area. Pires said the store would also be interactive, with TV screens able to provide suggestions about foods that go best with whatever wine a customer selects.

Outlet Liquors was granted its license by the state two weeks ago but the opening was delayed to input the huge selection, 4,000 different wine, beer and spirit varieties, into the store’s computer system.

Outlet Liquors also moved the stock from Ocean Wine and Spirits over to the new store. Outlet Liquors took over Ocean’s liquor license and moved it two doors down.

The grand opening will be Friday, May 1, and Saturday, May 2. Outlet Liquors will be celebrating the opening of the huge store with an even larger celebration. Pires said the opening would include music from a stage set up inside the store, entertainers, clowns, water giveaways, discounts and signups for a VIP card.

Pires said Outlet Liquors is hoping to draw not only visitors to the Rehoboth Beach-Dewey Beach area, but also locals who are more particular about what they drink. “We’re competing for a new and different market,” he said.