PLATFORM FOR THE FUTURE

THE NEW FACE OF OHLQ: A POWERFUL PLATFORM FOR OHIOANS TO EXPLORE THE WORLD OF SPIRITS

Whether they’re looking for a new hobby or a way to entertain friends from the comfort of home, many Ohioans are increasingly turning to the art of cocktail making.

To provide consumers with a go-to resource for all things spirits, OHLQ recently revealed major upgrades to its website, creating a future-proof platform with enhanced digital capabilities and more robust resources, from product information and store details to recipes and information on mindful consumption.

“We’re pleased to present a more intuitive, user-friendly, content-focused web experience for Ohio consumers,” said Jim Canepa, Division of Liquor Control Superintendent. “Through OHLQ’s close collaboration with our suppliers and liquor store owners and a healthy dose of customer feedback, OHLQ.com creates a powerful platform through enhanced digital capabilities, more robust product data, and information on high-proof liquor inventory throughout the state. The site also offers exclusive opportunities such as bottle releases and product selections that are only available in Ohio.”

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN ONLINE AND IN-STORE

Focused on bridging the gap between the online and instore experiences with the ability for users to create and share shopping lists among many features, the upgraded functionality positions OHLQ to meet the needs of e-commerce and home delivery in the future.

In addition to the shopping list, the updated site comes with a number of new features that users will notice immediately: • A more intuitive user interface and easier navigation to find new products and new recipes. Using insights from browsing history, the site will also recommend other products for consumers to discover. • Near real-time inventory data that shows product availability at OHLQ locations within a 15-minute window (a feature that will be rolled out across all stores by the end of 2021).

With more robust product, inventory, and location features, OHLQ.com is positioned to help meet the needs of Ohio spirits consumers, both now and in the future.

• A prominent focus on responsible consumption and social responsibility throughout the site, along with articles as well as resources dedicated to education and substance abuse prevention. • The go-to place for bottle lotteries that give Ohio residents of legal drinking age an equitable chance to purchase a bottle of a limited-supply product. Users can also easily view “OHLQ Exclusives” and “Last Call” products available across the state. • Finally, the site opens the opportunity for suppliers to list more robust information on their products, with the ability to add tasting notes, imagery, and brand information to expand the product pages and give consumers the best information available.

“OHLQ.com is an incredible resource for consumers to engage with the spirits industry. It allows a new layer of engagement for the consumer to explore categories, recipes, and local events and activity,” said Jaclyn Poltorak, Diageo’s Ohio Sales Director.

Poltorak also said the new website allows transparent access to product availability, which she said is very important as consumer convenience dominates shopping behavior.

Ohio has managed to create a website that allows consumers to educate themselves and create their shopping list before entering a store.“

-Jaclyn Poltorak Diageo’s Ohio Sales Director

EDUCATION AND RESPONSIBILITY

In addition to improved functionality and product information, OHLQ.com will now host educational and inspirational features that highlight Ohio’s spirits businesses and individuals who make this industry hum, from cocktail and mocktail recipes to features on local distilleries and behind-thescenes looks at OHLQ.

As part of its core values, OHLQ is committed to reinforcing the importance of responsible consumption. OHLQ.com will continually feature new mocktail recipes, responsible consumption tips and content, along with the resources and content dedicated to education and prevention.

“From offering mocktail alternatives, mindful consumption information, and addiction recovery resources, we are steadfast in our obligation to balance our purpose — the sale of liquor — while caring for and supporting Ohioans who choose to enjoy our products responsibly,” said Lorraine Terry, Managing Director of JOBS Ohio. “OHLQ is here to serve all Ohioans of legal drinking age, whether they decide to drink, abstain, moderate, or just find a healthier balance. We are proud to infuse every aspect of OHLQ.com to be a reflection of this mission.”

There’s been a renewed interest in spirits ... well, everywhere. And we all like to share a good story when we sit around the fire and enjoy a nice bourbon or whiskey. The updated OHLQ.com contains a wealth of knowledge that can be digested and remembered to share with your friends and family over a spirit.