Local pet store vs. big chains

[hermieluv1]

I usually shop at the 2 big chain stores here (Petsmart and Petco), but last week my elderly father reminded me about a small, family owned store right downtown. Although I hate the parking, I stopped in a few days ago, and was amazed, not only at how big the place is (you wouldn't know it since it is a typical small storefront), running front to back for what seems like half a block! But they have a good selection of used tanks (I snagged a good 55 gallon), a much better crab set up, and better supplies.

If I was into fish, I would have been in HEAVEN! I have never seen so many different kinds and sizes!

Anyway, just wanted to remind people to check out smaller, privately owned stores, too!

[singlemomwithcrab]

Promoting locally owned businesses is always a good idea.

As members are comfortable, posting business locations and if possible websites would be great!

[Hermit-Yote]

Heck yeah!
I frequent http://thepetshopaz.com/ because they actually care about their animals! They ordered a bunch of Straws for me, and still carry them. So if you're in AZ, check um out and tell um Seth sent ya!

[megmaholm]

That's awesome!! My town really doesn't have any local pet stores, unfortunately. There are a decent amount about an hour's drive away, but I hate going to a bigger city since I hate driving.

[aussieJJDude]

I personally believe that local stores are most willing to listen to their buyers advise compared to chains, so they make a great place to change a crabs life. Plus they often willing to help out anyone in a timely and helpful manner! Like hermieluv1 said, they have great deals too!

Luckily, I never seen a nationwide store, every store that I been across is privately owned so i can't really compare the two.

[CallaLily]

Big chains came in here (well....20-30 minutes from here) and pushed the only local pet shop out (well, they moved and downsized a lot). Unfortunately, their crab conditions were rarely good anyway. Now that they're smaller and in a different location (flea market), most of their animal care has taken a huge turn for the worse. They aren't to keen on advice either.

The Petco that came in has ok crab care most of the time. The manager there is pretty nice and seems pretty willing to listen. The other chain pet store does not sell animals, just supplies. The closest PETsMARTs - one usually has an ok crabitat (this is one that myself and another fellow crabber talked a little sense into a while back - I hope they're still where they were with conditions), the other not so much and refused to hear anything. These are around an hour away so I don't frequent them too often. There's also of course the local beach shops. Those are a nightmare.

So I think it really comes down to individual stores, chain or not. I don't purchase hermit crabs anymore but I do go to that Petco for a lot of my pet supplies. Sometimes the other one that only carries supplies but they're pretty pricey.

[KellyCrabbieLove]

That's awesome!! My town really doesn't have any local pet stores, unfortunately. There are a decent amount about an hour's drive away, but I hate going to a bigger city since I hate driving.

Our hole in the wall shop has great hermies though.

[hermieluv1]

This small pet store is Aquatic Gardens, in Beaver Falls, Pa. I know there a couple of crabbers on the board here who are local, so I thought they might want to visit some time!