[Angie]

A few friends of mine are big on Aquatic stuff, and told me about this posting. They were pretty upset about it, and so am I. I found your posting to be extremely ignorant. The shelves are NOT almost bare- you did little more than whine about things that aren't even true to begin with!
I am a frequent customer at Safari and thus am quite familiar with both the store as well as the staff. I have always felt comfortable shopping there, and have never been treated the way that you described. Since you were VISITING from Nanaimo you probably don't know that they are almost ALWAYS insanely busy, and are severely under-staffed as well. I find it hard to believe that you have your own store, but have difficulty aprroaching people in another?! Did you ever think that maybe you and your wife may have walked in after a busy period, and the staff were trying to catch their breath? Or maybe they were watching to prevent theft? You would think, working in retail and all, that these possible factors would have crossed your mind.
I personally despise being jumped on as soon as i walk into a store- in fact, it makes me want to leave. If i need help with something, i will ask. That is what most grown adults would do. Next time i am in Nanaimo, i will come visit your store and we will see how it fares compared to Safari....don't forget, there is a reason that Safari Pets And Aquatics is considered to be the best Pet stores on the Island- because of the staff, and their collective and extensive knowledge. A business is only as successful as the people who run it. You claim to be an expert, but you might want to take some notes.