Dry Supply opened as the first retail store in Saskatoon dedicated exclusively to non-alcoholic beverages on July 1, 2024 [1].

The launch marks a shift in local retail trends as more consumers seek alcohol-free alternatives for health and lifestyle reasons. By providing a centralized location for these products, the store addresses a specific demand within the "sober-curious" movement, a growing demographic of people who choose to reduce or eliminate alcohol from their diets.

Co-owners James Kramer and Harrison Hall established the business on Broadway Avenue to offer a diverse selection of drinks. The store aims to provide a curated experience that removes the difficulty of finding specialty non-alcoholic options in traditional grocery stores.

"We wanted to create a space where people can enjoy great drinks without alcohol," Kramer said.

The business model focuses on inclusivity and accessibility for those avoiding alcohol for any reason. Hall said that the goal is to support the sober-curious movement and provide more options for customers.

Local reporting indicates that the store fills a specific void in the Saskatoon market. A CTV News reporter said that Dry Supply is the first store of its kind in the city, filling a clear gap in the market.

While many retailers carry a few non-alcoholic options, Dry Supply focuses its entire inventory on this niche. This allows the owners to source a wider variety of global and local brands that might not typically find shelf space in larger supermarkets.

“Dry Supply is the first store of its kind in Saskatoon, filling a clear gap in the market.”

The opening of a dedicated non-alcoholic retail space suggests a maturing market for the 'sober-curious' movement in Western Canada. As consumer preferences shift away from traditional alcohol consumption, specialized retail models are emerging to treat non-alcoholic beverages as a premium category rather than a secondary alternative.