New lfs Coral Reef Imports

[johanasu]

I agree, same with aquatouch. As much as we know they are often more expensive, they cater to the casuals.

 

[xdunaticx]

I work next to odysea, and the butterfly wonderland!

 

[Frick]

The biggest hurdle for any store, is the ability to attract and engage customers that aren't hobbyists. To be able to continually bring new people into the hobby, is where the capacity to pay the bills comes from.

Existing hobbyists, generally speaking, are going to be "cherry pickers". They have limited space to add things, and are very selective about it. The demographic that stores need to focus on, aren't on reef central. They don't use craigslist. And, they wouldn't shop in someone's garage.

It is a tough business, no doubt. As a store owner, or LFS employee, you have to love the animals, and the endeavor, more than money. That is the only thing that will replenish you day to day.

I have only been here in AZ for only 5 years, but I have been in this industry for 15 years now around the US. And this ^^ is a universal truth. A LFS main goal should be making new hobbyist. And these days it's very easy to make that work. I think we will have a few years to go before we see it slow down. But as of now it's a good time to own a reef aquarium.

I say let's just be happy that we live in a country that we have enough of an expendable income to replicate an alien world in our living rooms. :lol2:

 

[Big Hank]

It's sometimes amazing to think that AA has been around for so long. I rolled into the valley in the summer of 1997, and they were already in their present location. I actually think that they were located across the street for a while before that. A model of strength and consistency as so many others have come and gone.

Out of curiosity, for those of you who have been around and been at this for a while.... there used to be a store on Indian School and 36th (or there abouts.) They sold reptiles in addition to saltwater fish and inverts. But wow, for the time (I'm talking like 1997, 1998) they sold some really exotic and rare corals and fish. Does anyone remember what the name of that place was, or what happened to the folks that ran it? Loved that store, but it closed up pretty quickly, from what I recall.

Sigh... memories of my first pom pom xenia!

Hank

 

[brian cummings]

^^ I remember that place, but it don't remember the name. Used to take my little brother there for snake supplies

 

[Big Hank]

It was an awesome store all the way around!

I almost want to say that it was called Land and Sea?

Im turning 40 this week, so clearly memory is becoming an issue!

Hank

 

[brian cummings]

Land and sea sounds right.

 

[azjohnny]

you bring up a lot of good points, and this is an interesting topic (at least to me it is.)

aquarium arts opened when, 2003? there are currently no other east valley stores that are even close to this. and i don't see aa closing any time soon (just a guess, no inside info or anything.)

my question is - how long will the other current east valley stores last? not counting the 'pet shops' that just have a saltwater section. which shops will have actual proven "longevity"? that's obviously a subjective term, but my non-scientific guesses are as follows.....

the aquarius - no
club reef - yes
reef monsters - no
aa - yes
southwest aquaculture - no
shark reef - no
coral reef imports - too soon to tell as it's not open yet.

what do you guys think?

What is the reasoning for the stores you have listed to fail why they will?

 

[MitchF]

Anyone know if this shop sells fish too? Good pricing on corals? Thanks

 

[saintsnsinners]

Anyone know if this shop sells fish too? Good pricing on corals? Thanks

Not even open yet

 

[azjohnny]

When is the opening date?

 

[AntiSatan]

I was there tuesday to meet him to pick up some LRS reef frenzy food. They are behind in opening since his contractor that was doing walls, counter and stuff had a medical issue so now they are looking for some one to finish up the interior work. They do have fish and corals there (where unloading fish and corals from a run to calif at that moment) but didnt really look so see what they had or prices if there where any even listed yet.

 

[MitchF]

OK thanks guys. Hopefully they open soon. Great spot for a shop.

 

[ademster]

I was just there, nice selection of coral just landed.

typically there from lil after 3 to 7 pm. best is to text/call him to confirm he'll be there.

 

[woodwrangler]

Any updates on this? Open for regular business hours yet?

 

[TangingOut]

I was there a few days ago. I called ahead , but got no answer. Decided to go anyways since I was in the area and they were there.

 

[ademster]

for now they are 3pm to 7pm everyday, while they are still finishing up the store.

 

[MitchF]

Finally went by there last week. Awesome shop for high end corals and great guys! Sounds like they are starting to get it rolling.