Why I don't frequent local (or chain) fish stores

[RD.]

Thanks for the explanation Vet. I see what you're saying now, and agree.

 

[tiger15]

We had a couple of LFS like that. They went out of business. One after about 6 years. The other after about 25 years. And this is in the DC area, which has been hit much less hard than most of the country by the recession.

The numbers just don't add up for a brick and mortal LFS.

Matt

I know which ones you were talking about. I used to tour 4 to 5 LFSs when I came down to DC, one in Shady Grove, one in Wheaton behind the Outback steak house, the huge Aquarium Center in Randaltown, and another one in Howard County. All gone with only House of Tropical left in Baltimore that is still worth visiting.

Same thing happened in SNJ / Philly area. Many long-time LFSs are gone with only one store in Blackwood in SNJ and a couple stores in Philly still worth visiting.

LFSs are going out of biz because hobbyists are not supporting them but buying on line, attending auctions and bashing LFSs.

 

[Pole]

I know which ones you were talking about. I used to tour 4 to 5 LFSs when I came down to DC, one in Shady Grove, one in Wheaton behind the Outback steak house, the huge Aquarium Center in Randaltown, and another one in Howard County. All gone with only House of Tropical left in Baltimore that is still worth visiting.

Same thing happened in SNJ / Philly area. Many long-time LFSs are gone with only one store in Blackwood in SNJ and a couple stores in Philly still worth visiting.

LFSs are going out of biz because hobbyists are not supporting them but buying on line, attending auctions and bashing LFSs.

sadly that's the reality. no one wants to pay more so someone can carry on a business


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[xraycer]

I absolutely HATE it when people make this argument. It is great that fish tanks are un natural! you know why? because nature is cruel! Fish tanks provide a safe environment with a constant supply of food. In the wild, thousands upon thousands of fish die due to either starvation or predation. Humans live in houses, is that natural? NO but its a whole lot better than living our 'natural' habitat.

These are similar to explanations from slave owners/dealers in America in defense of slavery. That they were doing a huge favor for native Africans by removing them from the dangerous jungle of the Dark Continent and rehoming them to a "safer" enivornment. LOL

Sorry for being off-topic

 

[cali~budfish]

These are similar to explanations from slave owners/dealers in America in defense of slavery. That they were doing a huge favor for native Africans by removing them from the dangerous jungle of the Dark Continent and rehoming them to a "safer" enivornment. LOL

Sorry for being off-topic

Love that comparison you just made although a little extreme lol. I don't belive there is a black and white line between what is natural and what isn't. Adaptation and evolution continue to shape nature and what once seemed unatural becomes everyday life for some animals and other organisms. Kinda like invasive species, do you think they care that them being in the wrong location is unnatural? Oh and I love my l.f.s.'s. Where else can I look at fish I will never buy because my tanks are crammed to the gilles as is. Plus you get to shoot the sheet about fish and what not with the owner and workers.

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[xraycer]

I support lfs/chains and shop online. Lfs supplies are expensive, but I know there'll probably be a day when a piece of equipment(s) or meds or something I need right away cannot wait to be shipped to me in a day or 2.

 

[slippery slimecoat]

I think everyone is missing my point, i do not mean arbitrally pay triple for something, that is ludicrous. But what you can buy local buy local. Strollo has been out at LFS with me and he knows i negotiate on everything. If it is a small mom and pop store talk to them , tell them what something costs online, give them a chance to compete at that price or at least close... if they dont want to then screw them, but at least they had a chance at your dollars

I have actually begun to do just this. I try to be loyal to a certain lfs, but they're are certain items like Massivore and dechlorinator that I can get cheaper. I told the owner flat out what I pay elsewhere and if they can come close to those prices I will buy from her. With the massivore as an example, she told me she could get it for me at that price but she wouldn't be making much. She can choose to match prices and make a small profit or no profit at all. Her choice.

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