With over 200 locations across Texas and neighboring states, Spec‘s liquor stores are a staple for many shoppers. But does this iconic chain only operate in the Lone Star State? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore Spec’s deep Texas roots along with details on their stores, inventory, services, and continued expansion.
Origins and History of Spec‘s
Spec‘s traces its roots back to 1962 when founder Spec Jackson opened his inaugural store in Houston, Texas. At the time, Texas had restrictive liquor laws, so Spec‘s focused on selection and service to stand out. The company formally incorporated as Spec‘s Liquor Stores in 1978.
Over the following decades, Spec‘s aggressively expanded across Texas to keep up with demand. They opened multiple locations in all major metro areas. Here is a snapshot of Spec‘s growth trajectory:
Today Spec‘s operates over 250 liquor superstores under the Spec’s Family Partners Ltd. banner. Annual revenues now exceed $900 million. The company remains headquartered in Houston and is still owned by Jackson‘s founding family.
Widespread Texas Store Locations and Formats
The core of Spec‘s operations remains in the Lone Star State where they revolutionized the liquor retail landscape. Spec’s stores can now be found in over 40 Texas counties.
Major metro areas like Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin account for a bulk of locations. Spec‘s excels at serving high population centers with massive selection and competitive pricing.
Beyond the urban hubs, Spec‘s has at least one store in the majority of midsize Texas cities from El Paso to Corpus Christi. Spec‘s often occupies prime real estate in high-traffic shopping centers.
The typical Spec’s store ranges from 5,000 to over 30,000 square feet in size. Large locations like the flagship Houston warehouses operate as full-scale liquor superstores.
These massive stores stock tens of thousands of liquor SKUs alongside beer, wine, snacks, glassware, ice, and other supplies for customers. Many Spec‘s also have drive-thru windows that allow quick access to purchase alcohol.
Inventory and Product Selection
Stepping into a Spec‘s, shoppers are met with aisle after aisle of spirits, wine, and beer. The focus remains on depth and variety within the massive selection.
To give you an idea, here’s a sampling of what you can expect to find at Spec‘s:
In addition to everyday selections, Spec‘s prides itself on carrying small-batch and hard-to-find liquor products. They have an entire division devoted to sourcing special releases, limited editions, and allocated items for whiskey and spirits aficionados.
The wine department impresses with Old World classics, domestic favorites, and the latest boutique labels. And Spec‘s substantial craft beer selection satisfies fans of IPAs, stouts, sours and more.
Beyond the alcohol, Spec‘s stocks over 5000 SKUs of snacks, mixers, cigarettes, ice, glassware, barware, and other convenience items for shoppers.
Speciality Services
Beyond brick-and-mortar shopping, Spec‘s offers added convenience through online ordering, delivery, and specialty services.
For delivery, Spec‘s partners with apps like Instacart and DoorDash Drive in Texas metro areas. Customers can browse the full liquor selection online and schedule same-day delivery to their home or office.
Nationwide shipping is available on eligible wine and spirit orders over $150 placed through ReserveBar. Customers can build gift boxes complete with a virtual greeting card message.
The Spec‘s website and mobile app allow shoppers to browse inventory, check prices, view ratings, and reserve products for in-store pickup. Users can easily reference the site when visiting stores.
Inside the stores, Spec‘s staff can educate customers and source special items upon request. For corporate clients, they provide full-service event planning with delivery. Spec‘s also issues gift cards redeemable at all locations.
Regular Promotions and Savings
Spec‘s helps shoppers save through an array of weekly coupons, loyalty perks, and other promotions.
- Birthday Rewards – $5 off coupons for Spec‘s cardholders
- Email Deals – Special coupons sent to subscribers
- Rewards Program – $20 certificate for every $500 spent
- Sales Events – Storewide savings during peak seasons
- Featured Discounts – Category spotlights with lower prices
Spec‘s also keeps prices competitive with major liquor chains. They aim to provide the best value on everything from bottom-shelf liquors to elite creations.
Spec‘s vs. Other Texas Liquor Chains
Two other liquor retail chains share the Texas market with Spec‘s – Total Wine and Twin Liquors. Here‘s how Spec‘s stands apart:
Total Wine – The national big box chain has lower overall pricing through high volume discounts. But Spec‘s counters with substantially more specialty items and hard-to-find finds.
Twin Liquors – Both are Texas-rooted companies, but Spec‘s operates 200+ locations compared to 100 for Twin. Spec‘s selection also goes far deeper into craft liquor and beer.
Spec‘s sustains its edge by combining highly curated inventory with local identity and expertise. Shoppers appreciate the focus on exclusive products not easily found elsewhere.
Expert Tips for Shopping at Spec‘s
With endless offerings on its shelves, Spec‘s can feel overwhelming without some veteran tips:
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Ask store employees for must-try recommendations if you‘re unsure where to start.
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Sign up for email promotions to stay on top of featured sales and online-only deals.
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Price compare expensive bottles and limited editions before purchase – Spec‘s is competitive but still check.
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Look out for special shopping guides placed in sections like bourbon and tequila to locate top brands.
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Check endcaps for newly arrived items and seasonal offerings like holiday gift packs.
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Visit multiple locations when hunting rare products – inventory varies by store.
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Use the Spec‘s app to lookup item availability and pricing while browsing aisles.
The Future and Beyond for Spec‘s
Spec‘s recently crossed the 200 location threshold with ambitious expansion plans ahead. New stores will focus on Texas suburbs and exurbs with spiking population growth.
Areas of out-of-state focus include growing Spec‘s presence along the Gulf Coast in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Arkansas media markets.
Long term, Spec‘s may evaluate new territories like Florida and Georgia where demand for specialty liquor stores keeps increasing. But Texas will always be the priority market and heart of Spec‘s identity.
Satisfying Liquor Needs Across Texas and Beyond
For over 60 years, Spec‘s has served as the top destination for liquor connoisseurs and casual shoppers alike. They offer an unrivaled selection of wine, beer, and spirits perfect for any occasion.
Whether you‘re stocking up for game day, hosting a dinner party, or gifting a rare bottle, Spec‘s has you covered. With knowledgeable staff and excellent service, Spec‘s takes the stress out of alcohol shopping.
As Spec‘s continues thoughtfully growing its footprint, more customers in neighboring states now get to enjoy the famous Spec‘s experience. But the company‘s Texas roots and personalized approach aren‘t going anywhere.
So next time your home bar or liquor cabinet needs restocking, head to Spec‘s. Their shelves provide your shortcut to fantastic finds not easily discovered elsewhere.
