suhweetp wrote:

Thanks all for the responses. I'm actually out of Northern California.
The fish is really going to be centered around planted tanks. As far as
the location, would it be better to be in a place with high foot
traffic or car traffic?. I'm sure parking would also be a plus right?
How far would you all be willing to travel to a good fish store?

Where in Northern California are thinking of setting up your store?
My stores were in Los Angeles begore I moved to Southern Oregon and set
up an online business.
If you are in an area such as Redding where there is not a lot of
options for many of the scattered nearby communities, potential
customers are more likely to travel. If you are a more densely
populated area such as Sacramento, customers have more options and are
less likely to travel.
My LFS were in areas of alot nearby factories (City of Industry,
Hacienda Heights) and I got a lot of customers who lived elsewhere, but
liked our store and shopped after work before heading home.
Where I live now (Grants Pass) has no good LFS (at least in my opinion-
its like walking into 1978 in these stores), so I purchase my fish when
I travel to LA to meet with my importers for my online business..
Also keeep in mind if you open in a small town such as where I now
live, potential customers tend to be more resistant to change, and will
be difficult get them to change their habits and patronize your new LFS
(which is why I did not open here after a year of talking and
research).

Carl
http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/