Antigonish NSLC sees $17.1 million in net sales

HALIFAX: Year-end financial results indicate the Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation (NSLC) is reporting a 6.0 per cent increase in earnings to $284.7 million. Total sales for the year were $860.7 million, with beverage sales hitting $749.5 million, while cannabis sales increased to $111.1 million.

Antigonish remains as one of the province’s top performing locations, with combined net sales of $17,131,489.69, the Church Street brick-and-mortar is more than double than any other location within the Strait Area.

“I’m very proud of our team for continuing to deliver on our mandate while maintaining high customer service standards and contributing to our local communities,” NSLC President and CEO Greg Hughes said. “Our 92 per cent customer satisfaction rate tells us our customers are pleased with the shopping experience we provide.”

Of the 11 new cannabis stores added into the NSLC network, Guysborough, Eskasoni, Inverness and North Sydney offer something for the Cape Breton local. Additionally, a new NSLC storefront was opened in Eskasoni, which complemented several other store renovations.

Beverage alcohol sales increased by 4.3 per cent and cannabis sales grew by 9.3 per cent. Local beverage alcohol continues to perform well with a 7.8 per cent increase to $91.2 million.

The NSLC’s commitment to combatting illicit cannabis sales continued with the introduction of the 11 additional locations – bringing the total to 48 stores. Currently, 77 per cent of Nova Scotians live within 10 kilometres of a safe supply of cannabis.

Cannabis transactions increased by 12.7 per cent with the average basket size of $38.40, partly reflective of a 2.8 per cent reduction in the average price per gram of $6.19.

“We continue to look for ways to compete with the illicit cannabis market and offer Nova Scotians an accessible and safe supply of cannabis,” Hughes said. “This includes finding ways to partner with local cannabis producers and help them bring their products to market.”

The most notable sales statistic across all NSLC channels was a 52.4 per cent increase in sales to licensees – bars, pubs and restaurants – driven by good weather, increased tourism and the desire to enjoy social occasions out of home.

A total of $5.4 million was invested in key initiatives, which included upgrading point-of-sale hardware and other IT systems to support retail operations.

Through their community investment program, and together with their teams, partners and customers, the NSLC invested $1.27 million in more than 100 charities and causes across the province; keeping true to their long history of giving back to their communities by making meaningful social and economic contributions.

More than $175,000 was donated to Feed Nova Scotia, which is equivalent to 263,849 meals; more than $500,000 was donated to the IWK Foundation supporting the critical care of women and children; contributed more than $45,000 to the Make A Wish Heroes Challenge and awarded $140,000 to 13 Nova Scotia based organizations who support community wellbeing, the environment and responsibility stewardship through their Good of our Community Fund.

“It’s incredible how our team, customers and business partners came together to support our communities through various fundraising and community efforts throughout the year,” Hughes said. “I’m extremely proud of what we accomplished together while executing on our strategic priorities.”

Strait Area NSLC – Net Sales 2023