What experiences have you had with Canal’s Bottlestop in Marlton, NJ? I just saw some attractive sale prices for Italian wines and am considering an order. Despite the store being less than an hour away, I have never been there and know nothing of its reputation.
Back when I was living in Philly, I made a purchase from them for pick up. They seem to have their stuff together. No hassles.
I buy from them often mainly Italian wines and Malbec since they often have the best prices. This is the email I received this AM from them.
Mr. xxxxx,
Your 3 bottles of the xxxxx Barolo will depart our store tomorrow afternoon.
You can track them using the UPS Ground xxxxx
The total came to $xxxx
Please enjoy the wonderful wine, and thank you for being such a great customer to us.
-Chris
Store Manager
Never received anything like this before 
I dont believe it is the same since Charlie Beatty left a few years back, Charlie’s now at Wine Works
WineWorks
319 West Route 70
Marlton, NJ 08053
Phone: (856) 596-3330 , 08053
Fax: (856) 596-4451
MT
I have always had good experiences, whether shopping in store or ordering on web for pickup.
Always satisfied with my purchases and their CS is top notch. Have been buying from them online for over 5 years.
Very good, with and without Charlie. Highly recommended
+1- buy with confidence. IMHO, much better than wine works. Ask for Chris, who is very knowledgable
This is actually a horrible e-mail for them to send you. They redacted all of the critical information!
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This is actually a horrible e-mail for them to send you. They redacted all of the critical information![/quote]
I removed it, wanted to protect my info.
I asked about them a couple of years ago – they had some things that had plainly been in inventory for a while – and someone responded that they didn’t think the storage conditions were great. Anyone know anything about that?
Both bought from and sold to them.
They don’t cool the store to cellar temps and don’t have a huge cool room like some stores do. The result is that if you buy wine that’s been there for a few years, it may have experienced some temp fluctuations. However, during the summer, the store is cooled for the customers and employees, so you won’t have 95 degrees inside. It’s no worse and no better than 99 percent of the stores in the country. Very few of them store wine at 55 degrees until the customer buys it.
If that all matters, then buy the most recent releases. Prices can be pretty good.
Have bought from them several times with no issues. Usually newer releases, though, so can’t vouch for stuff that’s been sitting around for a while.
Thanks for the input! I put in an order for 2007 and 2008 Italians.
<Full disclosure, I am the Chris being referenced in this thread.>
It’s humbling and refreshing to hear so many people say they’ve had great experiences with my store. I’ve only been in charge for about a year but have made it my mission to stress customer service and accountability with our online business and employees. The previous regime had issues with treating every customer fairly and equally, plus a tendency to make mistakes with shipments. Whether you’re buying multiple cases of Insignia each vintage or stop in once a month to look for interesting new arrivals under $20, the same level of respect and attention should be and is given.
I wanted to address the question of temperature control in the store. We have 3 separate temperature controlled rooms where the bulk of our inventory is stored. We keep them each between 55-60 degrees depending on the season. The interior retail space is kept as close to 70 degrees as possible. In July I’ve seen it reach 72 degrees on the worst days and right now we’re holding at a cool 67. We try not to display any of our premium wines in the upright position as well. I thankfully can’t remember the last time we had a returned bottle because of unsatisfactory storage conditions.
I completely understand Mr. Twelftree’s comment about Charlie, seeing as they are good friends and have traveled together extensively. (Love your wines btw, wish our distributor had them in stock more). The vast increase in online sales the past year has more than quantifiably made up for the loss of him and his cronies. Our buying power & allocations are stronger than ever.
I welcome anyone posting in/or reading this thread to reference your inclusion on these boards the next time you place an online order. I will do my best to handle your order personally and discount accordingly. If local, stop by and say hello. There’s so much I would love to show you.
-My first and definitely not last post.
Welcome Chris. Nice to see some more ITBer’s here. Not that you can tell, but my wife Carrie and I have referred several of our right coast friends and customers to your shop for wines we don’t have, can’t get or so much cheaper there when shipping is considered. We normally find you on Wine-Searcher, so if you are paying into them, its working.
I picked up my order today. Great personal service from Chris. Will definitely be returning to the store.
I, also, can testify as to Chris’ helpfulness and knowledge as we’ve had many conversations when I stop by the store to pick up my online orders.
I frequent Canal’s Bottlestop. I’ve also stopped in the Wineworks a few times. Wine selections are not as eclectic or robust as the Bottlestop, but the spirits selection is quite good. FWIW, the Bottlestop has a tremendous selection of German Rieslings and Spanish wines – better than most places in area.