SueAndHerZoo
Active member
For those of you who may not have heard yet, there will soon be a new pet store at the old Realm of Pets site. It will be called All Pets Club. 
Sue
Sue
New Pet Store in Southington
- Thread starter SueAndHerZoo
- Start date
Useful_Idiot
Artificially Intelligent
Aw, I got all excited for a minute. actually alittle longer the server was slow opening the thread. That's too bad its not reopening as realm. Thanks for the heads up anyways.
SueAndHerZoo
Active member
When I was told about it I was asked not to say anything but tonight I saw that All Pets announced it on Facebook so I guess it's OK to share the info now.
Sue
I don't understand why All Pets Club would want the old Realm of Pets location.
It's at least 10 times smaller than their Wallingford and Branford stores, and Petco is 1/2 mile up the road from it. They just won't be able to stock a variety of pet supplies and offer much of a selection there unless it's an aquarium-only store. I guess we'll see how their strategy plays out.
It's at least 10 times smaller than their Wallingford and Branford stores, and Petco is 1/2 mile up the road from it. They just won't be able to stock a variety of pet supplies and offer much of a selection there unless it's an aquarium-only store. I guess we'll see how their strategy plays out.
Tautog
New member
Why not have another one with 18 year olds running the show handing out poor advice? I hate seeing small businesses disappear, especially good people that care about what they are doing. Never been to the Realm or met the owners but from what I've read it sounds like they were good people that helped many of you.
IDrawFish
New member
( Not another one... they took over another private pet store out in North Windham a year or two ago that was a cool little place, now it's just sky high with product and has literally one of the worst fish depts I've ever seen. I was really hoping an actual new store would be opening. Big bummer
muppet
Misanthrope
I'm not a fan of All Pets because they mark up the price on a lot of stuff like tanks and lights to above retail and then require you to have their paid membership card in order to pay what I'd consider a normal retail price.
That said, I got a really good price on a blue mandarin from them, and their prices for frozen food aren't bad. I've never been a fan of paid memberships at stores because it's gambling, in my opinion. Maybe you make back the membership fee, maybe not, on a year to year basis. Why can't the price just be the price? I've never understood the business model but it obviously works for BJs, Costco, Sam's...
That said, I got a really good price on a blue mandarin from them, and their prices for frozen food aren't bad. I've never been a fan of paid memberships at stores because it's gambling, in my opinion. Maybe you make back the membership fee, maybe not, on a year to year basis. Why can't the price just be the price? I've never understood the business model but it obviously works for BJs, Costco, Sam's...
SueAndHerZoo
Active member
I have had nothing but great experiences with All Pets but maybe it's because I am in there about twice a week. I know everyone there and they all know me.... they've joked about getting me my own reserved parking spot, and I am very well taken care of. I wasn't crazy about the membership card when it first came out but I now LOVE it. I have saved a FORTUNE on items.... their corals and fish are reasonably priced and then taking up to 25% off really adds up fast. Of course, I beat them up and negotiate on large purchases and they are always willing to work with me.
I can understand some of the negative comments, though. Yes, there have been a few "newbie" employees who didn't quite know their stuff yet but there have been more times than I can count that the staff tells me NOT to buy certain things and have refused to sell me some corals or fish if they think they might be unhealthy. They have also always given me credit or refund for items that haven't worked out.
I guess it's pretty much the same as with any LFS.... if you are a regular and get to know them (and let them get to know you) the relationship is great, but if you are a casual stranger then your experience might not be as good. Their Wallingford store is very convenient for me so it's become my second home.
Last I heard they're going to keep the huge tank that Realm had set up and also keep the coral tables. But my first question to them, like some of you have mentioned, was: "isn't that place too small for you guys?!?!??!" Guess we'll see in about 2 months.
Sue
I can understand some of the negative comments, though. Yes, there have been a few "newbie" employees who didn't quite know their stuff yet but there have been more times than I can count that the staff tells me NOT to buy certain things and have refused to sell me some corals or fish if they think they might be unhealthy. They have also always given me credit or refund for items that haven't worked out.
I guess it's pretty much the same as with any LFS.... if you are a regular and get to know them (and let them get to know you) the relationship is great, but if you are a casual stranger then your experience might not be as good. Their Wallingford store is very convenient for me so it's become my second home.
Last I heard they're going to keep the huge tank that Realm had set up and also keep the coral tables. But my first question to them, like some of you have mentioned, was: "isn't that place too small for you guys?!?!??!" Guess we'll see in about 2 months.
Sue
Gswb90
New member
Well said! Muppet is just negative all the time
IMM3DOORSDOWN
New member
in my opinion its great to see another petstore there!!!! if you dont like the price your not forced to get it.go online and pay the price of a fish or a coral that is a gamble you cant see in person how the condition is.then pay a shipping fee.Then risk it getting shipped with stress.
Im happy to see another petstore there regardless who it is.its better then some nail salon!!!!!!
Im happy to see another petstore there regardless who it is.its better then some nail salon!!!!!!
muppet
Misanthrope
I'm glad there will be a salt water store there, no doubt. My ONLY gripe with All Pets is the club card. Like I said, their livestock prices are fine and their food prices are fine, and that's what I'd be buying 99% of the time.
Just because I don't like a certain favorite store on this board doesn't make me a terrorist. Calm down guys.
Just because I don't like a certain favorite store on this board doesn't make me a terrorist. Calm down guys.
IMM3DOORSDOWN
New member
I'm glad there will be a salt water store there, no doubt. My ONLY gripe with All Pets is the club card. Like I said, their livestock prices are fine and their food prices are fine, and that's what I'd be buying 99% of the time.
Just because I don't like a certain favorite store on this board doesn't make me a terrorist. Calm down guys.
lol. a terrorist. muppet thats a good one now i cant stop laughing.
i hope you didnt take my original post badly.it wasnt intended to kick you while you were down.i have been to all pets club before and my opinion it was pretty good but did see thing that were over priced and some great deals.to tell you the truth i didnt even know they had a membership card.i dont go there as often as i would like because i live in waterbury.im just glad another saltwater store is going at the realm.its another petstore that is somewhat local for me.
rjmurd
New member
Easy solution- but live stock there but get your other supplies elsewhere.
I personally also dont like the membership idea, but thats their right as a business.
The great thing for us is the internet gives you lots of options with a variety of prices.
Bad things for LFS, is the internet- gives them lots of competion.
Its tough to be a LFS now.
I personally also dont like the membership idea, but thats their right as a business.
The great thing for us is the internet gives you lots of options with a variety of prices.
Bad things for LFS, is the internet- gives them lots of competion.
Its tough to be a LFS now.
