With food prices on a constant rise, a trip to the grocery store for the weekly family shopping has developed into a labor intensive, money stretching, coupon using, price comparing, needs versus wants, exhausting endeavor.

Retailers that market sale prices and savings in the easiest and most convenient manner tend to get the majority of my business. I will gladly pay a few cents more for a handful of items if it is made clear to me as a shopper that an extra stop is simply not worth the effort with today’s fuel costs.

It’s one reason why I will seek out retailers working to change their on-shelf liquor pricing to reflect the after-tax total price. I voted and supported the privatization of liquor sales in Washington state and I do not regret that support or that vote even though I am paying more for liquor now. For a whole host of reasons I still think it was the right decision.

It is now up to retailers to decide on how they want to market these products to customers. Retailers who are on the ball will follow the dictates of what their customers want.

Posted pricing is just one of the issues that will require some adjustment over time. Theft is another. I see that some retailers have implemented security control devices and or located their liquor isles in a more visible and easily monitored section of the store. Theft of liquor, especially by minors needs to be taken very seriously. If that means stores need to start locking things up to keep these incidents at a minimum then that means stores need to start locking things up. I don’t have a problem finding sales associates to help me if by doing so keeps adult products out of the hands of minors.

I expect the state to also keep up on a very proactive and hardline approach to their enforcement as well. Right now, it seems like the market is flooded by retailers that meet the requirements to sell liquor. Over time, I see some of these retailers falling off the liquor-selling wagon, as those who are found to be in violation of the selling rules and get their licenses revoked or simply give up and stop selling for other reasons.

It will take time for the wrinkles, stumbles and issues to be worked out. It has only been a little over a month since this new system was opened up.  Consumers need to be clear to retailers about what they want to see in the way of pricing, selection and convenience. Retailers need to be listening to what their customer base is telling them.

Choices are a good thing and customers will go where they are best served.