local fish store closed?

[aquaph8]

I made the trip all the way to the fish store during normal business hours 2 days in a row. Apparently the owner had something better to do than run his business. The door was locked and he didn't even bother to leave a note saying the store would be closed. Maybe I am just over reacting, or should have called ahead. When I drive across town to visit a store I expect it to be open or at least get a good excuse left on the door or something. I try to support local business but its getting harder and harder not to just order my own stuff. Besides its cheaper that way anyway, especially on dry stock items. Sorry about my whining, just had to vent.
aquaph8:mad2:

 

[fishaholic911]

Was it Majestic? If so It probably saved you some money and a flatworm or many other infestations.

 

[aquaph8]

no, stopped going their years ago when nothing I had in my setup was good enough. Not to mention nothing in the store was actually for sale. I'll give you a hint, it wasn't southwest.

 

[fishaholic911]

It was on Oracle right? I had the same problem with that store being closed. I stopped going there years ago for many reasons.

 

[jjk_reef00]

Yes I was there today and they were not open. I was going to buy at least 1 fish also...

 

[dcantucson]

It's very sad when a city of this size has such few choices when it comes to local fish stores. The selection is scarce, the quality poor, the service is something to be desired, and, well you all know! I have tried them all! Majestic, SW Saltwater, Oasis, and ashamed to admitted it, but even Petco and Petland.

Wow, only in Tucson could a business stay open with such poor practices. I no longer even try. I buy online now. Yes I pay shipping but usually the price is cheaper and the quality is better.

These business owners should run their business' as such "a business" not just a hobby they're in. There is a lot of money out there and in Tucson that goes elsewhere. One day I hope someone will come along and truly offer us Tucsonians a decent place to buy our supplies and livestock!!!

Take heed, your days are numbered!

 

[BonesCJ]

Have you checked out Southwest saltwaters new store? (now called southwest aquatics I believe) It is very nice.

 

[fishaholic911]

^ +1

 

[scubabum1983]

I became sick and tired of wasting my time with oasis long ago.

 

[aquaph8]

yeah, Southwest does look nice. I live on cortaro and I-10 though and with the jacked up freeway Its kind of a long journey. I wish someone would open a store on like river or ina

 

[BonesCJ]

that would be nice, I live out there too buy I work in central tucson, so I just hit the store on my way home.

 

[ThomasinKind]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15162462#post15162462 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BonesCJ
Have you checked out Southwest saltwaters new store? (now called southwest aquatics I believe) It is very nice.

same location or did it move too?

 

[fishaholic911]

It moved to Oracle between Prince and miricale mile

 

[dcantucson]

Maybe my standards are just too high! One could not find the basic equipment needed to set-up a new simple tank. How can that be really nice?

 

[Tucson Reef]

Being in retail sales you should you should know that some things are not cost effective to keep on hand. Low mark-up, take up space, too much competition to risk capital. A LFS can keep many items on hand that are slow sellers and raise prices on other merchandise to cover cost. Or a LFS can sell what is in demand at lowest prices and special order in what customer wants that it does not stock, only takes a day or two to get. I would vote for great prices on livestock any day. Besides tanks and such have so many options now, why settle for whats in stock? Wouldn't you rather tell the LFS what your ideal is and have them design a system to meet your needs and works? I worked for a big LFS once and you would be surprised how much junk just sits there waiting.

 

[aquaph8]

maybe it has been a while. Did you say southwest is on oracle now

 

[fishaholic911]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15168129#post15168129 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fishaholic911
It moved to Oracle between Prince and miricale mile

yes

 

[pesco]

Ya I live in Oro Valley and all the stores are terrible. To tell you the truth, i have had better success with petland on wetmore than any other store. I got good quality liverock from there about 2 years ago and they actually have different products like chemi-pure and different salt mix. I just always order online... have to have patience tho.

Well i am 17 and I am really thinking of opening an all reef store. Might take some time but i really want to do it. I love aquatics and all the stores are terrible here. If my store is good it will get me a good chance.
Anyone who has been to Phoenix, AZ Sea Bottom or Aquatouch are 1000X better than any of the Tucson stores.

 

[Fitchguy]

I was just at Aqua Touch Top of the Reef etc. They are not a 1000X better. Here in Tucson, the customer base is just not there to have a Very Successful Reef Specialty store. I mean, look at this forum, no one responds to anything, no trading, no one getting together. When was the last time some livestock was traded or sold? And look at the current posts in this forum. "I buy online, I buy online, I buy online" This does not help the quality or the success of our LFS in this area.

And Sorry, but Fish stores are not normal businesses, with Livestock coming in to the Airports that you have to pick up at a moments notice at all times of the day, you may have to close the doors for a little while. Especially in this economy where it is extremely hard for small businesses to be able to afford employees. So you may have only a few workers including the owner, so one or two are out on maintenance when they get a call to pick up livestock. What do you expect?

 

[Fitchguy]

We as hobbyists and consumers control what the LFS will carry. Bottom Line!! If all we want is cheap stuff, that is what will continue to come in. If everyone wants SPS, that is the majority of what corals will be available. I doubt any LFS would complain about stocking Tunzes, Lamotte Test Kits, SPS, Tropic Marin, etc if that is what the majority of people were buying but that is not the case especially in these times.

Now Southwest Aquatics just moved locations and is setting up for future Success. But as we all know Tanks take time to cycle and mature to be able to supply livestock with the best quality environment for their health. As much as it sucks to wait for more coral selection, it is a must and we all know that.

So time will tell if one of the LFS will step up and be the stand out store in both livestock and service. But we have to support that store then and not just buy online!