What’s On Your Gift List?

FEATURED PHOTO: Michelle Figel, Spirits Unlimited in Shrewsbury store manager and Frank Helmka, owner, are ready to help you with your holiday list

The gift giving season is here and one sure crowd pleaser is the gift of wine, beer and spirits. There are many stores that sell liquor, but Spirits Unlimited in Shrewsbury (near Trader Joe’s) will make your “shopping life” much easier due to owner, Frank Helmka and store manager, Michelle Figel. Michelle amazes customers with her deep, almost encyclopedic knowledge of the stock.

You may see her flying around the store, pulling wine from all different shelves, to create a custom basket or fill a special order.  She has been in the industry for over twenty years, and a team member with Frank for the last sixteen. She is involved in all aspects of the operation and when asked about her favorite part of the job, her face lit up. “Definitely working with customers. I have a ton of steady customers, all having different tastes and price ranges.”

But whether you are a first time visitor or a repeat client, you are in for a pleasant experience.  Frank mentioned that this is a family undertaking and his goals are to build strong community relationships and to offer unique wines. “In addition to the popular wine labels, we specialize in esoteric wines from smaller cult wine companies. I have personal relationships with the vendors and we meet often to try new, harder to find wines.”

Frank and Michelle also go to wine shows and private wine tastings to constantly learn more. They welcome questions and ideas and constantly fill special orders. Custom gift baskets, beautiful boxes, novelty figurine bottles, or single bottles all make a special gift.  If you can’t decide, then think about tying a gift certificate to the wine accessories available. Are you planning a holiday party? Is your organization contemplating a wine and beer tasting? Spirits Unlimited in Shrewsbury will make it seamless and free delivery is available to help ease the process. Another great reason to visit is the variety of price points. See their advertisement on page 3 of Community Magazine (CM) for many ways to save. Once you use a coupon one time, you are issued a VIP card which never expires. In addition, weekly specials of 20 % off are offered – Medical Monday for doctors and staff, Senior Wednesday (60 and older), Thirsty Thursday for college students, and Teacher Friday. Frank just added a new way to stay informed. Text “winespirits” to 56977 to join the Wine Club and you will receive alerts about hard to find wines and special discounts. Frank, Michelle and the staff look forward to meeting you and helping you find the perfect gift!