Liquor store sales fell substantially between March and July, according to the latest retail sales index figures, but drinks distributor Burrows Lightbourn is doing just fine.

“Business has been very positive for us,” said Frank Amaral, chief executive officer of the firm.

The company is rearranging, expanding and sprucing up for 2024.

“Someone has to become bullish about Bermuda,” Mr Amaral said. “Not a lot of other people seem to be.”

The firm is doubling the floor space of Discovery Wines on the corner of Reid Street and Queen Street in Hamilton.

“That entire street corner will be ours,” Mr Amaral said. “There was a nail salon next to it on Reid Street and we are taking over that space. When we are done, we will definitely be able to sell more stock.”

They have closed down their 127 Front Street space in Hamilton.

“One of the employees resigned a few months ago and the other employee was retiring in the new year,” Mr Amaral said. “After looking at our options we decided to close it down.”

They are also upgrading their 30 Harbour Road, Paget, facility.

“We are doing a major renovation on the inside and the outside of the store,” Mr Amaral said. “The outside is being replastered and the inside will have brand new ceilings, shelving and racking.”

They have always done tastings in this store but want to have more of a dedicated area for them.

“We are not necessarily increasing the footprint of the store but have redone the layout,” he said.

Right now, the store remains open as they focus on the outside of the building.

“That project will be finished when inside work is completed some time in the new year,” he said. “We want to make the space on Harbour Road, the shining star of wine and spirits shops in the west.”

Looking at liquor trends, Mr Amaral said tequila was growing in popularity after having started from a very small base in Bermuda. American bourbon is also doing well.