Interview: Two Socks.
"We just want you to stay 5 minutes longer," Susanne Simonsen, Two Socks, and that feeling perfectly captures the essence of Two Socks. Two Socks is not just a gin bar – it’s an experience for the senses. The atmosphere is cozy, the music is soft, and the pace is relaxed. It’s designed for a mature crowd looking for a true gourmet experience, where taste, scent, and sight are all indulged.
Two Socks is about more than just serving gin. It’s a place where you can gain deep knowledge about gin and experience a unique approach to flavor. Susanne explains that they work with the gin's DNA, ensuring each flavor element is highlighted correctly. For example, a gin with orange as a key note will never be served with lime – only with orange peel, so the flavors harmonize perfectly.
In May 2020, Two Socks opened a new gin bar in Odense. Despite the limitations brought by the pandemic, their plans remain clear: Copenhagen is next when Denmark reopens. But how do you handle a shutdown when your business relies on in-person experiences?
Susanne and her partner Simon had long considered how to bring the Two Socks experience from the bar to their online customers. The pandemic became the catalyst for their first online gin tasting event, where participants could order tasting boxes and follow along live on Facebook. The first event exceeded all expectations. "We would have been happy if we sold 20 boxes, but the interest was overwhelming," Susanne Simonsen, Two Socks. Customers could choose between sweet and spicy gin varieties, and the event turned out to be a success.
Two Socks' innovative approach caught attention, and TV2 covered their concept early on. This boosted their visibility and spread awareness of their gin tastings, which have since evolved into a flexible concept. Today, customers can play the tastings at their convenience and enjoy one drink at a time.
Demand for online gin tastings surged when many companies had to cancel holiday parties and other social gatherings. Two Socks responded by offering virtual corporate tastings, which became a great success. Susanne is confident they will continue offering these events as long as there is demand.
“The future is digital, but the physical is also important,” Susanne Simonsen, Two Socks. Susanne sees a clear advantage in their new concepts, which have reached customers who wouldn’t have been able to visit their gin bars. The digital initiatives are here to stay.
Susanne is honest about the challenges posed by the COVID crisis, but she remains positive about the future. "When you fight for your business’s survival, you find an extra gear – and it's motivating to see new projects succeed,” Susanne Simonsen, Two Socks.
With Denmark’s reopening on the horizon, Susanne is optimistic about 2021: "We know people are eager to get out and enjoy themselves, and we’re ready to welcome them again," Susanne, Two Socks.
Thank you for the chat, Susanne. We are proud to call you and Two Socks our partners.
We wish you all the best for the future!
Team pensopay
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