Here's a tip, put the store on the east side. The 2 big boys are on the west already with SC and AT being on the west. Probably a little late for that eh?? That is probably going to give him some competition.
Hours of operation. This comes from me being on the eastside mostly, but I hope he will have descent ours. We have stores in Akron that are open every third Thursday of the month as long as it is a even numbered day. It's like what the hell? Do you want people to shop at your store or not??
The coral tank is great. I am glad to see he is going to have them.
I would also add that prices should be reasonable. I can get a cleaner shrimp online for >$15, but anywhere in town they are $30-$40. Offer frags for corals as a low cost alternative to the bigger versions. Sell only quality equipment, but look for low cost GOOD alternatives. Don't sell Sea Clones, just because they are cheap. Be knowlegeable, honest and freindly. If he does these things he will do quite well.
As for the people who are talking like this is a long shot to be successful-I respectfully disagree. We should all know by now we are eager for a quality, honest LFS with a good selection. I think we would all support it. How many times do you go back to the LFS that are close to you, just to be dissapointed over and over again?? I do. There is a couple I frequent with poor, service, selection and prices-BUT they are close. So I have to check them out. I get dissapointed everytime. There is no doubt in my mind if there was a SC on the eastside or even around 480 and 77, it would be very successful. As it is now many of drive 1-3 hours to go to SC for all of the things I just mentioned. That's my $.30...come on that was worth more than $.02!!!!
) oh..and herps..
