Profits were down at both NB Liquor and Cannabis NB during the first quarter.
NB Liquor (ANBL) saw its net income drop by more than $3 million, or 6.4 per cent, to $46.2 million.
But officials at the Crown corporation said that was still slightly more than they had budgeted for.
“To ensure ANBL can continue to deliver significant value for the people of New Brunswick we are currently investing in our technology, and as a result, we are seeing net income for the quarter reduced year over year,” Lori Stickles, president and CEO, said in a news release.
“This investment will ensure ANBL can continue to deliver on our purpose of ‘Giving back to New Brunswickers by responsibly enhancing occasions.'”
Product sales were down by 1.4 per cent to $138 million amid softer in-store traffic.
However, the average amount of money each customer spent increased to $41.30.
An increase in coolers, cider and spirit sales partially offset a drop in beer and wine sales.
Meanwhile, net income at Cannabis NB dropped by $200,000, or 2.9 per cent, to $5.7 million.
That is despite a five per cent increase in sales, which closed out the quarter at $25.9 million.
Cannabis NB opened two new corporate stores during the quarter — one at 147 McAllister Drive in east Saint John, the other at 824 Mountain Road in Moncton.
