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| - Southern Spirits wins 4 stars ("Yay! I'm a fan.") from me for a few reasons: 1 - I can go to SS, purchase alcohol, and be back in my nice suburban home consuming it in under 10 minutes. 2 - There's a fireworks store in the parking lot, and if that doesn't scream South Carolina brilliance/insanity then nothing else does. 3 - Their prices are pretty good, with discounts for cash, and I can find everything I want there, and more. Finally, if you want Hawaiian-style shave ice, or classic Carolina barbecued pork butt and/or ribs, you can get it in the parking lot of Southern Spirits. (The "Tropical Sno" is available every day throughout the summer, and Gilb's barbecue is there on the weekends.)
There are some negatives, that cause me to dock them at least one star. First, at least on the beer side, the cashiers can be surly. I've been going there at least once a week for about five years now, and it's still hit or miss if the cashier woman, who has seen me at least 100 times, will smile at me or grimace and not even give me a second glance.
Second, their hours suck. They close at 7PM during the week and on Saturdays. Half the time I usually know we'll need another bottle or a six pack for some folks dropping by after the time at which they have closed. And they aren't open on Sundays - stupid, ridiculous, stinking blue laws... which frankly shoot the state in the foot when it comes to revenue.
Frankly, I don't care much if they're surly, I'll still return to Southern Spirits for the convenience. I keep my expectations low, which make days like today a great surprise! Apparently they were stocked up to the gills for the Labor Day weekend - no sooner had I pulled my 12-pack from the fridge, a young man was behind me asking me if he could carry it to the register. And when I checked out, I had a more senior (she's the manager, I think) woman who rang me up for $10.25 and when I plopped $11 on the counter, she whipped out a quarter from her own pocket and gave me my dollar back.
Regardless of the attitude you (might) get, they're down home folks, and you're supporting local business (rather than the Wal-Mart) so I will always keep going to Southern Spirits!
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