LFS in St. George!

Hello All!

Just a quick introduction, over the weekend I purchased the LFS for sale in St. George in this thread:
http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=52421&KW=&PID=440294&title=lfs-for-sale-in-st-george#440294

I'm working out all the legal details with the feds/state/city and hope to bring a local resource to the residents in the St. George area, if not before, around the middle of February. (Then I have to try and figure out the moving of the family from northern Utah to southern!)

I'm interested in hearing from the southern Utah locals for input regarding what they're looking for in a LFS! I've established a Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fish-and-Frags/186512684777318
and can also be reached at
[email protected]

Thanks all! this is such a rewarding hobby, I can't wait to help others along!

See you all soon!

I'm glad to see that Tracy and Wendi Evans sold their store.
Would you mind telling us your name, how long you've been in the hobby and if you have previously been a guest or member here?
Best of luck to you.

I guess my advice would be to not try to compete with Sue's Pet Castle, they have been there so long they are an icon, but instead, show off modern reefkeeping Methods, Tips and Techniques with awesome stock at reasonable prices. That's what will differentiate you from Sue's and attract business. Most hobbyists everywhere will visit all the LFS in their area so if you are good you will grow.

Can you put an A-Frame sign out in front of Costco? There's a lot of traffic going in and out of there. Because of Tracy being closed for what seems like 6 months, he lost a lot of business. There was no information that his store was relocating. People had no idea that he had re-opened and some still had no idea of the stores existence. The store was too often closed during normal business hours so some people I know gave up on him.

There was a small LFS that started up and only lasted for a year (because of mismanagement) almost directly across from The Living Aquarium on the North side of the Freeway in a strip mall. It had the advantage of being very visible so some people knew about it but still didn't know about The Living Aquarium.

If you ask, I can give you the list of people I made friends with and started holding Southern Utah WMAS meetings with.

There are several competitive advertising coupon booklets that circulate in St. George. They might help people learn about your existence. Also if it's allowed, a removable A-Frame sign or a person swinging a sign on the street near Sue's could make your existence known.

My last idea - When Shawn Bought Aquatica in Orem 10 years ago, he went the extra mile to make an email signup list where he communicated his store specials mpnthly. The store was already an established LFS, but I never saw an LFS grow so fast as his did in those first years.

I guess I had more to say than I realized.
My wife wanted me to buy Tracy's store so she could return to St George, but right now we are where we need to be. Hope it works out for you. 
Have fun.

Conrats Phil on buying the LFS! Good luck I look forward to hearing your success and seeing your store!

Good luck I wish you the best!  I need to correct Mark on a few things I opened Aquatica after purchasing some equipment from a failing store called Ocean LIfe almost 12 years ago .  Similar situation as yours.  Reinvest all of the capital you bring in, I kept working my full time job for the first year of operation and didn't take home a check.  I actually kept a Customer address list not an E-mail list.  Every month I mailed USPS post cards with certain specials and info that my customers may be interested in.  It really worked well.  My list started from Ocean Life's @ about 230 people, today it is over 8000 (Local)  Work hard, be honest and make sure this is your life long dream...

Most of all  Have Fun!  (after all of the Blood, sweat and tears)

Shawn

No prob Mark, it's been a long time since then...  I barely remember it

Congrats Phil! You're a great guy and I am sure will be VERY successful!
Pam

Thanks for the congrats all, it's nerve-wracking and exciting all at the same time.  I have couple fix-its on the building inspection, then I'll be ready to open up.  planning my first trip to 'fish row' in person end of next week or beginning of the following.. anticipation!

Update?

Hey Mark, we're open but slow. In today's economy, avoid use of credit as much as possible.  Store is open, but only has done a few livestock orders.  We are however special ordering any needs and have had a bit of business with lights, skimmers, pumps etc. 

Exciting but little slow on the growth front.  Ended up using other funds to purchase a home to move the family into. :)

Our standard hours are Tues-Friday 10am-6pm and Saturdays 10am-2pm.  I'm usually here Mondays as well.

Anyone in the area, stop by, say hi!  If you need equipment, let me know, give me a chance to quote you!

rsay4654:  Sorry we posed a bad impression on you and your wife.  I'm not sure if you met me or my son.  Admittedly, we are limited on stock at the moment, however as a new business, it all takes time.  If there is anything we can do to change your impression, I'd sure love the opportunity to correct it.

Mike is a good guy and has some great livestock, I'd definitely recommend anyone in this hobby who positively promotes it, hobbyists and retailers alike.

Respectfully,
Phil Hender - Owner
Fish and Frags.