The Beer Store

For some reason I wasn’t aware this store was here as it blends in with the businesses next to it. The friendly & helpful clerk said it opened two years ago. There was space inside to sort returns, and a few parking spots in the lot in front. Less grungy than some of the older beer stores and seemed efficiently run.

I don't go the Beer Store very often, and this was my first visit during COVID-19. I chose this particular store for a couple of reasons: 1. Location and 2. the reviews are riddled with positive, they go above and beyond type comments.Unfortunately, this was not my experience.1. Sorting bottles -- I learned that sorting cannot take place by your car, but rather must be done in a specific location (where the table is) just outside the store. Apparently, someone got hit sorting bottles by their car so that is no longer allowed.I had about 25 wine bottles so I needed to transfer from my container to their plastic container, and one, in tact, case of beer bottles (15).2. Parking - I parked in two spots - I knew I had done that (backing up) but I didn't think it was that big a deal because at 10:45am there was only one other car in the complete parking lot. I figured I'd be done in 8 minutes.The manager (at least that's who he said he was) YELLED at me for sorting the bottles by my car, and told me I wouldn't get served unless I moved the vehicle.I couldn't believe he was YELLING at me - talk about shocking. That was completely unacceptable. I will never, and I mean never go back to that store.I was so offended that I took the money for my returns, and went out of my way to make my purchase from another location. There was no way 400 Eastern Avenue would be getting credit for that purchase.I should mention the person who processed my return was super amazing!

Good location without too many people lined up but when you return empty bottles, watch out people with thousand bottles/cans. You have to wait long when lining up after him/her.

I happened to come across this gem by accident. I usually go to Barker but for service this is by far better. The employees come outside and ask for our orders when there is an little line up so when we get inside we pay. No waiting. Barker doesnt do that and the lineup gets pretty long.The girls who do the empties are firm but awesome. They stand in this heat and do a great job.They do run out of beer but the people will definitely give you choices for a similar beer. Check it out if you can.

Most Beer Stores I've encountered are dingy dumps, with little incentive to improve nor innovate, let alone to even keep the place clean, that it should make anyone wonder why we put up with it all. Like even the black tubs they make you place bottle returns in looks like they have not been cleaned since the last ice age--who knows what new diseases are born at the bottom of those tubs.This Eastern Ave location is fairly new, and small, and yet quickly has descended to the same level of unsanitary and uninspiring conditions of most other Beer Stores.This location really stands out for the condescending and rude service experienced from all their pathetic staff. Upon trying to enter the store, at the time they were limiting how many customers can be inside at one time, with no signs or anything to indicate how anything works, I first started out being told that there was one other guy (a guy at the other end of the parking lot still sorting out his empties scavenger haul) who apparently was ahead in line and that I must wait. As if I'm supposed to know or who could tell there was even a line or anything??! Then I was yelled at for placing empties in the wrong places, and lectured with minimal condensing effort on what I must do, as if I'm supposed to know how everything works in this store and I should know better. This type of bottle go here, this is what this is for, etc. And when it comes to purchasing a case of beer they just plopped it hard on the floor for ya!This store is poorly organized and it seems like you need to read minds to do anything. Certainly wasn't treated with any respect by the the minimally-wage-paid-for-minimal-brains stocky bro workers. Worst of the worst location! Never going back here, would rather travel 100 miles out of town. Not that The Beer Store in general cares about how lousy they are as a retailer nor what customers really think as they sit comfortably enjoying their business monopoly.

Poor beer selection, mediocre service. The focus seems to be on collecting recycling.I'd be surprised if this location stays open for much longer.

This is the worst beer store location I have ever visited. Incosistent policies with bringing in cans in clear bags. Although this is a fairly large location they only allow one customer indoors to do returns at a time, and you need to organize bottles inside, so one guy organizing a bunch of bottles puts a total freeze on the return line. I think the guys here are getting high on the job or something.

This is the best beer store I have ever been in!!!! The staff are amazing all super nice and always willing to help out!! Chilu, David, Sarah, Sean, Jesse and the manager Matt runs the store so well... If you happen to find your self in the area stop in and grab a cold one!! Love this store!!!

3 out of 4 staff members were polite and helpful. Heavy set caucasian male gave us attitude and tried to force us out of the store 1.5 hours before closing time. Claimed it was because he needed to mop the floor

Unprofessional, rude, and pushy. This review might not have happened but one of the store clerks made an out loud aggression towards a customer that had been shorted on his returns. The clerk apparently didn't notice that I was in the store as he belittled the person asking for the other 20c (*correction it was 40c*) behind his back. The clerk who took my returns did not say a single word to me, not even the amount that I would be given. Then once making my beer purchase, the beer clerk informed me that they did not have Guiness Draught bottles in stock. I reiterated that it clearly states on the website that they have 9 cases of 6 pack bottles in stock, to which the clerk became angry and impatient citing his credentials as the beer stocker at the store. I then was ordered to stand in a completely nonsensical place (beside the front counter) while I searched online for a different product, because recommending something similar was clearly above this salesperson's ability. I chose a substitute, then was ignored by the clerk that was overwhelmed by the prospect of more than one customer in the store. Finally making the purchase, the clerk continued to play dumb, checking out only one 6 pack after I had given directions for another. It didn't stop there, with him saying out loud everyone is testing me today" as I collected my beer. The younger clerk mentioned previously getting angry over their mistake was particularly problematic continually pushing on me with "sir" advances that he should have kept to himself especially after I ordered him to not give me a dirty look. All in all this beer store is an absolute ****hole of rude ***holes that don't understand the essential service written into the contract of their stupid store will expire in the near future. With such poor staffing policies it's hard to imagine anyone advocating for the continuation of Beer Store's monopoly on bottle returns. I will be also be contacting head office to complain about this location."