Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board  

Go Back   Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board > Regional Forums > Alberta > Calgary

 
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Prev Previous Post   Next Post Next
  #32  
Old 10-08-2019, 04:02 AM
Layottb Layottb is offline
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Brooks
Posts: 10
Layottb is on a distinguished road
Default My latest experience with Calgary fish shops.

I realize the last post in this thread was from 2017. My apologies for resurrecting it, if maybe I shouldn't have?.
After being out of the fish-keeping hobby for several years, I'm getting the urge to get back into it. I've been to a couple shops in Calgary, and I wanted to tell my experience, and get some insight, or recommendations from you all that know much more than I do.
A couple years ago, I went to check out GOLD AQUARIUMS. I went on one of my days off, during the week. It appears I showed up on a shipment day, as I walked in, and was told they were actually closed that day. I won't say I was told rudely, or anything. Just that they weren't open that day. I was disappointed, but I understand. I haven't actually been there since.
Last week I went to Calgary and intended on checking out a couple shops. First I went to OCEAN CREATION, and sure enough..they were closed that day. Again, disappointment. I then went across the street to WAI'S and was(and still am) impressed by his HUGE Puffer! I looked around a bit, thought it was..ok. I can't remember if the customer he was talking to when I left was there when I walked in but..he never acknowledged my presence at all. So..whatever. After reading this thread, I'm not interested in giving him any business.
Next, I went to CONCEPT AQUARIUMS. When I got there, there was a little note on the door that they'd be back at 2:05pm(about 15-20 minutes from when I got there. So, I hung out and went back at that time. I waited around the door(cause they hadn't opened yet), until someone came out and asked if there was anything they could do for me. I read online that they didn't have livestock, and such anymore, but were just building aquariums. I was under the assumption that a person could still walk in and check out different builds and stuff. I was told, 'nope' and that to email them with any questions. From there I went to my last stop..PISCES PET EMPORIUM. Of course, they're a huge store so..of course they'd have tons of stock. I like how they have different aquarium kits to get back into the hobby. I started talked to one of the staff there, and she was very friendly, and helpful. I easily spent over an hour chatting with her, and asking questions. After I let her go back to working with the Betta's, I walked around a little more. I came up with a couple other questions, and asked one of the guy's. He was really cool and helpful, as well. I WILL say that I wasn't approached when I was by myself for several minutes. I walked past several employees and no one batted an eyelash at me. I would say that was a negative mark against them(in my eyes), however, Once I talked to the two people that I talked to..I wasn't VERY peeved. In saying that, I work retail and know how it goes. So, rather than judge them very negatively because of that, I just feel kind of indifferent. It's always nice to be approached, and feel welcomed but, I don't have a problem approaching a staff member and asking questions. I suppose it depends on the day. At this time..it's not worth me getting upset over. I have enough things to worry about. That being said, I feel confident that if I bought from them, they'd be reasonable and be able to help me with advice and questions(what I don't find on the internet, anyway). I'm under no illusion in that they want my $$$, I know that..but from what I've experienced at shops so far, in Calgary, Pisces seems like the place to go(at least that's what I think).
After reading all of that, does anyone have any thoughts or advice? Maybe I'm missing something, or there's a store, or dealer that I don't know about? YEARS ago, I remember going to Big Als, and thought that was pretty ok. I see that they no longer have a location in Calgary. That seems surprising to me. The other one I remember from years ago was Riverfront(?), but I know they're gone, as well.
Anyway, thanks for reading! I hope to hear from you reefers with experience with the Calgary stores!
Take care, all!!

Kennan
Reply With Quote
 


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump


All times are GMT. The time now is 04:45 PM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.3
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.