Best of B Team: Purple Bag Power, Building a Luxury Brand in Northwest Arkansas
Thu Feb 05 2026
A jeweler launching his own Prosecco sounds unexpected, until you hear how celebration sits at the heart of both. We sit down with Ben from Blakeman’s to trace the path from showroom sparkle to $24 bubbles on local shelves, and why that choice wasn’t about chasing prestige but designing for real moments people share. From the first pop to the final sip, he shows how taste, value, and presentation combine into a brand experience that feels premium without feeling out of reach.
We dig into the details that make a difference: thicker, hand‑carved Italian glass that telegraphs quality at a glance, and a simple chill ritual that ensures the pour matches the promise. Ben walks through the distribution map, Bentonville’s Guess Who, Angkor off Pleasant Grove, Liquor World in Fayetteville, plus Bordinos, Pinnacle Country Club, and Ermilio’s, to keep discovery close to where celebrations already happen. The strategy is intentional and local, giving Northwest Arkansas a sparkling option with the right balance of price and pride.
Then comes the masterclass in branding: the purple bag. Instead of leaning into industry blues or neutral black, Blakeman’s chose a distinctive purple palette that turned packaging into anticipation. Families now look for the purple bag under the tree, on birthdays, and during Valentine’s Day, proof that when service, product, and presentation align, a simple color becomes a promise of joy. We share personal stories, a holiday prank with a surprise purple box, and the small traditions that turn customers into communities. If you care about brand building, retail strategy, or the psychology of gifting, you’ll find practical insight and a few smile‑worthy moments all the way through.
Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend who loves great branding and better bubbles, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a quick review so more people can discover the show.
More
A jeweler launching his own Prosecco sounds unexpected, until you hear how celebration sits at the heart of both. We sit down with Ben from Blakeman’s to trace the path from showroom sparkle to $24 bubbles on local shelves, and why that choice wasn’t about chasing prestige but designing for real moments people share. From the first pop to the final sip, he shows how taste, value, and presentation combine into a brand experience that feels premium without feeling out of reach. We dig into the details that make a difference: thicker, hand‑carved Italian glass that telegraphs quality at a glance, and a simple chill ritual that ensures the pour matches the promise. Ben walks through the distribution map, Bentonville’s Guess Who, Angkor off Pleasant Grove, Liquor World in Fayetteville, plus Bordinos, Pinnacle Country Club, and Ermilio’s, to keep discovery close to where celebrations already happen. The strategy is intentional and local, giving Northwest Arkansas a sparkling option with the right balance of price and pride. Then comes the masterclass in branding: the purple bag. Instead of leaning into industry blues or neutral black, Blakeman’s chose a distinctive purple palette that turned packaging into anticipation. Families now look for the purple bag under the tree, on birthdays, and during Valentine’s Day, proof that when service, product, and presentation align, a simple color becomes a promise of joy. We share personal stories, a holiday prank with a surprise purple box, and the small traditions that turn customers into communities. If you care about brand building, retail strategy, or the psychology of gifting, you’ll find practical insight and a few smile‑worthy moments all the way through. Enjoy the conversation, share it with a friend who loves great branding and better bubbles, and don’t forget to follow, rate, and leave a quick review so more people can discover the show.