I disagree, BlackWolf. 
These chain stores are owned by stockholders whose only concern is the money they earn. By avoiding these stores you untimately hurt them.
More importantly, when you shop there, you are not spending your money with the people who do care about animals and fish--the local independently owned shops. It is hard for these little guys to stay in business against such competition and when they go down, the chains rule. These people are the ones who will take their profits and improve their stores so that the animals will have better conditions. Most of them are hobbiests and breeders themselves and have a perspective on the situation just like ours.
Besides, they will go to extra trouble to help a newbie learn the hobby, get a hard to find fish for you, research info you need and special order a piece of equipment you want. Where else could you shop (for anything--not just fish) where you would get better service?
That is why I always advocate supporting an independant retailer over a chain store even if it is harder to get to or far away. In the long run, it is worth it.
These chain stores are owned by stockholders whose only concern is the money they earn. By avoiding these stores you untimately hurt them.
More importantly, when you shop there, you are not spending your money with the people who do care about animals and fish--the local independently owned shops. It is hard for these little guys to stay in business against such competition and when they go down, the chains rule. These people are the ones who will take their profits and improve their stores so that the animals will have better conditions. Most of them are hobbiests and breeders themselves and have a perspective on the situation just like ours.
Besides, they will go to extra trouble to help a newbie learn the hobby, get a hard to find fish for you, research info you need and special order a piece of equipment you want. Where else could you shop (for anything--not just fish) where you would get better service?
That is why I always advocate supporting an independant retailer over a chain store even if it is harder to get to or far away. In the long run, it is worth it.
