I have slowly watched the decline of SEA lately, I know they planned on opening a 2nd store, did this cause them to spread themselves to thin? I heard Quan moved to NY and I never see Mike, this is not a good sign since these guys are the life blood of this store. I really liked shopping at this store but I am starting to get frustrated with lack of stock and unfortunately selection has been limited. Lets hope they turn it around soon, I am sick of driving to PHX and want to support our local LFS.
What's going on with SEA
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danfeig
.Registered Member
I wouldn't be the slightest bit worried. They had a few surprises with some employees leaving that left them shorthanded and running thin. Cuong is spending time with work back east for a while - but on a temporary basis. He is coming back and forth to Tucson as his family is still here and he is committed to the operation of SEA.
I have been communicating with Michael on a regular basis as he still helps me with my build. The reason why you haven't been seeing him in the store is that he has been busy doing several new installations and tank builds.
I agree, there is no excuse for not having the basics in stock. I believe it is more of a case of being short handed and not having enough time in the day.
The good news... They are hiring. They have been out interviewing and looking for new help for both stores. It is tough bringing in quality livestock in the summer months (the heat), but I know that they are planning some very big orders. I have been repeatedly told that if I am looking for any "particular livestock," let them know soon (call or email), as they will be ordering from several different distributors.
I will be see Cuong at MACNA over the weekend and will let him know about the concerns you are having.
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AZRippster
Diver & Reef Aquarium Nut
I would have to agree, even the fish tanks are very poor. My wife and I quit even going in. Around May my wife had them order her a Flame. By August we gave up and went elsewhere. The last few corals we got from them took a good long time to recover as well. Too bad, I really enjoyed going in there.
Jmnazari
Hangin' w/ Rome from SWR
They are hiring again? I was so close to securing a job with them; interview was good, some light training and helping out in store, but was told they couldn't hire because of money :/ i would've glad volunteered my time there, but I'm not sure if anybody was able to communicate this back to Mike. Looks like SEA had another hiccough. Think I should put another application in?
its pretty lame that Danfeig is allowed to comment on here. he owns the building the second sea store is trying to open in. of course it is doing "great". I think we all agree the store has seriously gone downhill. no livestock. no dry goods. the store smells bad. i hope they step up their game.
brettinteriors
New member
What would Dan owning the second building have anything to do with him letting you know what's going on with sea?
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brettinteriors
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brettinteriors
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victornator333
New member
So owning something means you cant have an opinion about it???
danfeig
.Registered Member
Hi TucsonRat. I am not sure what the issue would be here on me commenting on SEA. I am not an owner of SEA or a partner. I am a customer and a very large customer. I just spent tens of thousands of dollars with them on my new build. I talk to Michael several times each week. I know these guys from different perspectives than the average customer.
Yes, they are going to be Tenant in one of my buildings, full disclosure, I thought most people knew. I have over 100 Tenants though, they are just one. I don't just Lease space to anyone. They have to qualify. They need to have financial strength, money in the bank, a strong guarantee. Corporate and personal. I own a center across the street from GQ. I have offered to lease Nathan space when his lease expires and to use vacant spaces as storage when needed. Why? It's good for the hobby. I talked to Rob about retail stores when he owned SW Saltwater. I would lease space to any hobbyist that wanted to open up a new store, if I had the location and they met the financial requirements.
I did see Cuong at MACNA and he confirmed to me everything that I was being told and more. I shared with him the concerns that were posted and he was very much aware. They were being addressed immediately and changes would be noticed immediately.
I am not defending Michael or Cuong. I agree, they haven't had much in the way of livestock and product and the place has NOT been clean. But, I saw first hand today Cuong discussing and negotiating deals with different vendors and wholesalers at MACNA and it was pretty darn exciting. Cuong tells me that he and Michael are determined to bringing things back up to the high standards he set when they opened the business and to watch what the next few weeks bring.
Newsalth2o
New member
New product would be awesome. I think they have a few more root problems than that. I've been on a waiting list for 2 months on a basic shrimp. The wholesalers are out.... I found Nathan at gqfish and it came in the same week. Simple things like flake food are non existent. Shelves are bare. Tanks empty. And they change staff more than their water. My money will go to Nathan. He is super friendly. Store doesn't stink of dead fish. And has product in stock. Just my .02
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