LFS Santa Cruz/Scotts Valley

[treehugger024]

Hey BAR & Friends-

After selling my last aquarium company several years ago to pursue another opportunity, I am looking to get back into the game again locally. I have completed the planning stages for a new store and I am looking for some feedback from local reefers/aquarists.

The store will focus on both saltwater and freshwater aquariums. Livestock will range from in house aquaculture, to high end frags, and affordable colonies. Saltwater and freshwater fish/plants will be available as well. Equipment will be limited but group buys will be encouraged to help make this hobby a bit more affordable for local aquarists.

I would like to create a space where people can meet and talk shop and at the same time find high quality quarantined livestock. As the investment of time and money into this type of projects is considerable, I wanted to get a feel for the needs of the local market.

1. How would you feel about appointment only during the week/open shop on weekends?
2. What products do you go, "dang I wish I could find that locally"?
3. Would you like to see aquarium service offered?
4. What is the most important thing a local store can offer you?
5. Poll - Is there even interest in a store in Santa Cruz?

Thanks in advance and happy reefing!

 

[TylerMoralez]

Would love a store closer to Monterey than having to drive to San Jose for Neptune's Aquatics. Something similar to their setup would be EXCELLENT

 

[Goslugsgo]

I no longer live in SC, but I did want to offer a few thoughts. Take em or leave em:

1. A store here in Denver uses the appointment only on weekdays model and it seems to work well for them. The owner is pretty active with the local clubs, which appears to raise visibility, and is extremely knowledgable.

2. Don't know what is/is not available in your area. Sounds like just about anything if the closest store is Neptune's!

3. I don't need the service, but I would think that there are quite a few well-heeled residents in the area that could support such a service. The store mentioned in 1. above offers maintenance and I'd imagine it helps keep the retail side above water in slow times.

4. Knowledge; a generally helpful and supportive attitude especially when things are going south; low cost, frequently used items like additives and media.

5. I can't answer this one. I would think there would be.

In closing, I believe there would be enough interest. One challenge is getting/affording a high-profile location. If you can't get that, budget boatloads for advertising.

Best wishes on your endeavor. I'll keep an eye out and stop in when I'm in town.

 

[treehugger024]

So things have been moving forward with this project. I found a location in SV however there appears to be some issues over power to the unit. I'm working on getting this resolved but fear I may be back on the hunt for a location again. If anyone out there has 750-1500 sqf of space for rent let me know . I will keep everyone posted as details become available.

 

[toybox22]

I work at Neptune's and we got a lot of people from over the hill/Monterey wishing there was a closer store. Even if it was by appointment because most of those people are coming to our store for a purpose, not so much browsing.

 

[treehugger024]

Hey Everyone-

Sorry for the lack of updates BAR, but here we go. Turns out I got a spot in Santa Cruz over toward Costco (1003a River Street) and not Scotts Valley. I've been crazy busy with the build and getting everything ready. I'm not sure of an opening date yet as there were a couple of delays with some HVAC issues. Here is a quick photo of things starting to take shape. Anything in particular any of you would like to see (fresh or salt)?