Observations

[Seriak]

When I first got into the hobby I know Calgary locals stores had horrendous pricing on hardware. I didn't know about / trust mail order enough to save more than 50% off my local store prices.

But price is determined by the market. We offer a 20 clown fish today simply because there are more prevalent on the distributors list because of more suppliers. (Wild caught or captive) or demand was lowered so price followed suit. Simple Economics. I would definitely say that competition has definitely had an impact on the retails stores profit margins, but that just goes back to supply and demand.

I know hardware prices continually get lower due to technological improvements, efficiencies in the manufacturing process, etc. Also China is now able to sell direct to our market, so I am expecting prices to come down even lower to match closer to the Jebao line of products etc.