Search Engine Helps C-store Owners Advertise Beer Offerings

HOUSTON -- Beer sales topped $16.7 billion in convenience stores in 2011, according to The Beer Institute, proving once again the category remains an important staple for the industry. Now, SaveOnBrew.com offers a new weapon in the advertising war specifically targeted to the convenience channel.

SaveOnBrew.com is a search engine made specifically for beer. Consumers enter their zip codes to get a listing of the best beer prices and deals in their geographic region. Listings can then be narrowed down by brand, style, store, type of container and quantity. In addition, consumers can use their smartphones to access the mobile version of the site, as well as maps to nearby beer retailers.

According to the company, c-stores can contact the site owners directly to post beer sales and specials, and the search engine is free. Additional ad space is available at affordable "small business" pricing.

The search engine can also be useful to let consumers know which stores sell hard-to-find beer, like some microbrews or limited-run offerings.

"People tend to have this misconception that only places like Consumer's Beverages, Whole Foods, or beer specialty shops carry the microbrews and craft beer they want," explains SaveOnBrew co-founder Mark Davidson. "Our site is a great leveraging tool for c-stores and smaller retailers who want to let people know, 'Hey, we have a great selection of craft beer too.'"