Calgary store reviews

[globaldesigns]

Originally Posted by kien

It's better on our wallets this way.

I was going to do it, but didn't feel the economy and population in Calgary could handle another store.

Drives me crazy that I have to drive such distances for supplies... Oh well, that is why I have gone back to buying many things online. Cheaper when you consider free shipping, I save on my time and gas.

[kien]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I was going to do it, but didn't feel the economy and population in Calgary could handle another store.

Apparently it can :-)

[asylumdown]

Originally Posted by globaldesigns

I was going to do it, but didn't feel the economy and population in Calgary could handle another store.

Drives me crazy that I have to drive such distances for supplies... Oh well, that is why I have gone back to buying many things online. Cheaper when you consider free shipping, I save on my time and gas.

Calgary has carried 7 salt water stores in the past, so it's possible. I think if you're strategic about where you locate yourself, how big your store is, and how much overhead you allow yourself to carry you can be profitable in a competitive market.

And where are you finding all this free shipping? I'm getting fleeced on shipping! I have actually found myself wishing the US won the war of 1812 a few times when I'm paying 30% of the price of the item in shipping fees, often 100% of the item if it's coming from the US.

And it could be worse, you could live in Foremost and have a salt water tank. 8 hour round trip for salt.

[MitchM]

I think Ian's review was fairly balanced. I appreciate him posting it.

Us hobbyists aren't the only ones that keep salt water tanks, I think there's a large commercial demand (office setups) and we just had some major flooding where offices were without power for long enough to wipe out their setups.
I'll bet there's a pretty good demand for all things saltwater right now.
Hopefully that translates into an increase in inventory all around.
The maintenance companies are probably pretty busy and LFS location doesn't matter to them. Service and supply does.
When I make a trip into Calgary (1 1/2 hour drive one way) I don't have enough time to visit all the stores, so if someone has something in stock, I'll buy it if I need it. I'll go to places where I think there's a good chance they'll have something in stock.
Some online places won't ship to a PO box and a trip to the airport to pick up something live is a major deal for me.
I wonder how many maintenance companies there are in Calgary?

[Simons]

Riverfront is another source. Though, their marine section is limited and some of their tanks do not look very healthy. Last Sat of each month all Marine stock is 30% off, and a good source for blood worms, shrimp etc.

[asylumdown]

I didn't realize Riverfront was still open. I haven't been in there since right after they moved. I should check it out again.

[hfp75]

Originally Posted by Simons

Riverfront is another source. Though, their marine section is limited and some of their tanks do not look very healthy. Last Sat of each month all Marine stock is 30% off, and a good source for blood worms, shrimp etc.

prob cause its all sick & dying.... their tanks look terrible.

[SoloSK71]

Originally Posted by asylumdown

And where are you finding all this free shipping? I'm getting fleeced on shipping! I have actually found myself wishing the US won the war of 1812 a few times when I'm paying 30% of the price of the item in shipping fees, often 100% of the item if it's coming from the US.

J&L ships for free on hardware orders over $100, and with prices 60% (or less) of what the big box stores sell for is a much better choice. $30 on livestock over $300 and not heard of them having any more issues than buying from the big box stores with sick or dead/dying livestock.

Charles