Written by Lexi O’Neil, Endicott College Intern
Alexander Weatherup runs The Bottle Shop in Downtown Beverly, joyously sharing the split space with the Que Mas restaurant.
Knowing that a small business takes a lot of energy, Alexander has worked hard to establish a solid foundation for his company to thrive. The shop’s values rely on having a great selection of sustainably made wines and spirits for every occasion. Thankfully, the Que Mas opened just as The Bottle Shop was, so he has met a new crowd of downtown goers and visiting tourists as the year progresses. Alex works hard to ensure the business grows while maintaining a warm, inviting presence. Whether he’s spending his weekends browsing for vintage chairs on Facebook Marketplace or brainstorming new events, he likes to keep the business fresh and new whenever possible.
Alex works hard to maintain both his home life and his creative life. He views his business as an artistic space where he can make quick decisions and ever-evolve as both a brand and artistic endeavor. He values the importance of loving what you do but ensuring that he enjoys the experience just as much as you hope the customer will.
One challenge that The Bottle Shop faces is competing with big box stores. Their ability to bulk order their wine and spirits puts Alex at a disadvantage, as his shop is only 1,000 square feet, and the lack of storage means that bulk ordering at a discount is practically impossible. This does not deter him, as he finds other ways to keep the shop fresh. He prides himself in finding a variety of lesser-known brands, or fan favorites that are difficult to come by. Due to his expansive restaurant experience, he used his current knowledge to reshape the shop’s experiences, offering some of her favorite products, such as Hussong’s Tequila, Johnny Drum Private Stock Bourbon, and See The Elephant Amaro. His favorite part of his orders is when a bottle comes in covered in dust, knowing this one has been sitting and will be hard to find anywhere else.
Alex ensures that the community feels supported and heard while also working and lifting the other business around him. He understands that community is a huge part of cultivating a name—and a fan base. He understands that there is more to a business than just opening the doors and hoping customers will pour in. Alex has also participated in many local and artistic events, thanks to the people at Beverly Main Streets. Some events include Winter Walk, Artfest, and local block parties. He prides himself in working with the other local businesses to help artists showcase their work or help community members fundraise for a great cause. Though his shop is just under a year old, he is hopeful for future endeavors and what their shop’s impact will be on the community. Alex is big on recommending his favorite local haunts when business is slow or when visitors are curious about new places they should consider visiting before departing.
Something unique about The Bottle Shop that customers may not know is the BTL Shop Wine Club, which includes two bottles, a personal touch, and perks you cannot get in-shop. These boxes are a great way to discover something new while factoring in quality-to-price ratios. Their Low To No intervention tastings weekly. Alex helps to discuss wines, showcase wildly expressive or traditional flavors, and profile pairings with their charcuterie boards. The shop also offers a small used poetry bookshop known as Garden City Books. This shop truly takes personal touches and quality time with loved ones to an elevated level.
