Agency Store Program a Success

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation's agency store program is a success, according to a new report.

The study, conducted by a consultant from Unisys Canada, found that the program has improved service to NSLC customers in remote areas of the province while becoming financially sustainable for participating agents.

Agency stores are retail operations -- usually convenience stores

• in areas of the province not served by regular liquor store outlets, which have special licences to carry a selection of the corporation's products. The agency store program was introduced in 2001.

It concluded that the agency program provided a small, incremental increase in total liquor sales and remained profitable for the corporation. The study found that concerns about the corporation's ability to meet its social responsibility commitments were largely unsubstantiated. Finally, it recommended that the corporation develop a strategic framework for the future of the agency program.

The study makes several recommendations regarding the ongoing operation of agency stores. The corporation's staff and board are developing a plan for review in early 2003 that will more fully address future development of the program.

Copies of the study are available from the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation by calling Jane Sheppard at 902-450-5936.