Petsmart

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
petsmart in my area (LaCrosse, WI) is a decent store. being a company owned chain store...even knowledgeable staff isn't allowed to carry the fish they want. the store just gets what it's sent. i got my Venezuelan pike there and it is a really nice fish. it seems every time i go into the store, there is a staff member cleaning tanks, and they seem to keep them in a near spotless condition. i'll also say that about half of the staff is rather knowledgeable. as many have already said, they tend to hire college students, so u can not expect them all to be experts, but the Lacrosse store does well. the staff also seem to try and give attention to other live stock. it isnt uncommon to see a staff member w/ a bird or lizard on their shoulder while they go about their duties in the store.

all that being said, i dont buy a lot at the store. generally just crickets...lol. the LFS near me has high shelf prices, but they do have a price match policy. take a picture of the shelf price any place else in town and thats the price they will sell for.
 
I drive 45 minutes to our nearest Petsmart. I only go to the fish department. I have a few favorite employees that I like to deal with (more knowledge and offer suggestions) their just not trying to sell me something. The best time to go is in the early morning shift since the manager is working and she has several tanks. I have to drive 1.5 hours to a privately owned fs and I don't find the owners friendly at all. After spending $1,400.00 (in one shopping visit) they are a little better when I come shopping.
 
Petsmart: I take the good, ignore the bad and shake my head at the indifferent. The good experiences always surprise me. As far as selection, they are great! and just like Wal-mart, their very liberal with their return policies.
 
MonsterFishKeepers.com