In fact, Thomas Herzig (39) was looking for a few supplies in the industrial area to set up a private kindergarten. The man from Lucerne came across old wine crates in a bowl. They were so well received in his private life that his kindergarten teacher decided to open a wine box business as a part-time job.
Demand was great. Two camp movements followed, which he succeeded with the help of hardworking friends and acquaintances. What started out as a small business on online platforms has grown into a thriving small business within four years.
Upcycling Enjoyment
Besides wine lovers, do-it-yourselfers make up a large part of their customers. Wine boxes are sturdy and wide. They can be used for many things: for example shelves, rolling storage boxes or garden beds. “During the pandemic, while many customers had time and free time for projects at home, the demand for boxes and individual boards was virtually unmanageable,” says Herzig. During this time its shares were sold three times.
More time to China
The assortment includes cases from all the major wine nations of the old and new world. Only the promising wine country of China is missing, because packaging in wine crates is not common there.
In the future, Herzig wants to offer more boxes from Armenia and Georgia. Bestsellers are boxes of super Tuscans with famous names like Sassicaia or Ornellaia. Vintage boxes and boards are also in demand.
Second life for goods
Herzig prides itself on being able to fulfill every customer request to date. But what is more important to him than profit is giving a second life to goods and carrying out a meaningful activity with his business.
“I want to leave the world better than I found it,” says Herzig. That’s why he also works with a workshop for people with disabilities and uses untreated Swiss wood for accessories.
The store is open to customers twice a week. The wine case business will continue to be a lucrative side business, even if a lot of heart and soul is put into it and Herzig’s ideas for new business areas never run out. As the proud father of a girl, working as a kindergarten teacher alongside her family is a priority.