Apparently, Domaine of Chicago is taking over the business, with Acker Merrall Condit becoming a customer rather than owner
of the storage facility.
Any other information? Thanks.
Here is the email notification:
To our valued clients:
We are excited to announce that LLK is now a part of the Domaine Wine Storage network, which includes facilities in Chicago, St. Louis and Washington D.C. As a part of the agreement, Domaine has been assigned and is assuming our obligations under your Wine Storage Locker Contract.
We understand that wine storage is a business based on trust and can assure you that their team shares our primary goal of safeguarding your collection. Over the years, we have found Domaine’s team to be knowledgeable and professional, with a reputation that is second to none. Our confidence in Domaine is also seconded by Acker Merrall & Condit, which utilizes Domaine’s storage and logistics services in the Chicago market, and has also entered into a referral arrangement with Domaine for wine storage. Domaine will continue to grow and improve the business but has promised that any changes will be gradual. They are eager to hear what you have to say, study feedback and act accordingly.
Since LLK’s inception, we have strived to provide you with exemplary storage and service. As we built the business, we always envisioned that LLK would become part of a larger wine storage and logistics network. Domaine is building that network, and we see the transition as an opportunity for each of you to benefit from their growth, including additional markets, allowing you greater logistical access and opportunities.
I will continue to manage the facility during a transition period, after which the warehouse and delivery staff will remain in place. Our hope is that the transition will be so smooth that you will not notice any difference.
From the bottom of our hearts (and glasses), we thank you for the years of support in our efforts to provide you with first-class wine storage. We and Domaine will be grateful for your continued support beyond this transition.
We look forward to hosting a meet and greet event in early 2012, where we hope to introduce you to the Domaine team and share some great wine together.
Best Regards,
How has Domaine been in terms of service, security, and cost, for your existing customers?
PM responses would be fine. Thanks.
Domaine is fantastic. I moved most of my business to them, when I moved from SF to STL (I still have some at Adventures). I am not sure what the NJ facility will be like, but the STL facility is great. There is a nice tasting room with a huge table, lots of glassware, friendly employees, and good pricing. They are open reasonably late during the week (6pm) and have a couple hours for a window on Saturdays. They also offer lots of services, like insurance, cellar organization which I have not hit them up for. I do have them bring in my wines from Europe for me.
Disclosure is that I now consider Marc a friend.
Ah if Marc Lazar is taking over then I would think everyone should be very excited about that. When I saw the midwest branches this is what came to mind. Lots of positive feedback about him on the board, and ERP.
I consider Marc a friend, and we have done lots of business together over the past 8 years. Congrats to him and his team!
As long as there is still a way to get a NY shipping address, sounds like it should be fine. Only been using LLK for a few months but so far a satisfied customer.
I’m using them in Chicago and have been really happy. Great facilities and they are extremely helpful in shipping. In fact I rarely use Fedex or UPS at all anymore. Can’t say enough.
The NY Shipping address aspect is huge. I have been a happy LLK customer, but the number of times that wineries reject NJ is not insignificant and having the Acker store as a backup is important.
Washington, DC? When did that open?
Hasn’t yet, but will definitely be looking into the facility asap…website says Spring 2012.
Been to the LLK storage facility in Edison, NJ, not much more than an office with a large warehouse. Used to go there for my auction pick-ups from Acker.
I have been told NY shipping still will be available. Phew.
Marc & Co. are great people. They’ll do a great job.
Glad to hear the high opinions of the new guys. I got worried when I got the email because LLK has been great for me.
Thank you all for the kind words and enthusiastic emails, etc. We are honored to be a custodian of so many treasured bottles. There are many new services and features coming soon and I welcome any of you to contact me directly with questions, ideas, concerns, etc.
marc@cellaradvisors.com
Thanks,
Marc
Mark,
Hi. Should I be contacting you directly now and not Mark gray? Need to get some holiday bottles
Mark Gray is still on site for a few months.