Those of us who have been in the aquarium hobby for multiple decades probably remember the first local fish store (LFS) they visited. I actually don’t because I was still in a crib. My dad was breeding Siamese Fighting fish in the mid 1950’s, before I was born. However, looking back some of my best memories are of when we would go the LFS and get new fish or plants. Over the years I have been in many a LFS!
Let me share my view of the ideal LFS. The store is big, but not too big. It needs a homey welcome feeling. They specialize in aquaria and cover all the bases of their specialty. Meaning they have tanks, fish, plants, supplies, and a few unique items to set them apart from other stores. Display tanks are a must, not too many and only in the front or back of the store. The focus is on the fish and plants, or if saltwater, fish and corals. As I said the store should focus on an aspect of the hobby and do it better than anyone else. Some examples would be nano fish, monster fish, cichlids, beginner fish, planted tanks, saltwater fish, corals, etc. It’s okay to do more than one specialty, but few stores do all areas justice.
The ideal LFS carries quality products and offers them at competitive prices. In today’s marketplace with big box stores and online shopping this can be difficult. This is why, the LFS must step above and beyond the ordinary. The products are in their own area as are the fish. Having some organizational design to the store is a must. Keeping the saltwater and freshwater areas separate helps the shopper find what they need in a timely manner. If the store is really big, they can create spaces for all one needs in the same area, saltwater, freshwater, or specialty area. This is the only way it makes sense to mix the products with the livestock.
Display tanks serve the purpose of inspiring the customer to buy more. Whatever is in the display should also be available on the shelves of the store. By making the LFS a destination, the foot traffic is increased thereby increasing sales. Displays are often expensive so a balance must be reached, and it is perfectly fine to start small with only one tank and over the years build it up as business allows. The specialty of the store is the most important destination factor though and should always come first. Having the best nano fish selection or coral selection, etc. makes the store a destination in itself.
Education is important and many LFS’s approach this in different ways. To me the most important thing is to have knowledgeable staff who at least understand the basics. Experience is the best teacher so rotate the staff around so they can learn about all areas of the store. When I visit a LFS, I expect the person waiting on me to have the answers I need or at least know where to find them. Last, but not least the LFS should be just that, Local. The store needs to be easy to get to and open more than a few days a week.
What makes a LFS ideal for you? Comment here
Sequoia Elisabeth
Opmerkingen