Chains Or Smaller Shops

[Amavi]

So as the title reads, which do you prefer?

For me, I have been to so many local stores to me including one main UK chain. I can honestly say I prefer the cramped small store down the road for the advice and the time they spend with me than I do for the chain stores. Although the big stores have training programs and invest money into their staff and have got better over the years, I just don't particularly rate their suppliers. The store near me has nice looking fish particularly the guppies and I do like reading the little cards above each tank but I seem to pity buy, last time I went in I bought two very heavily pregnant female mollies which are absolutely thriving now and have homes all lined up for the babies.

My local small store is brilliant its so tiny but has so much stock, the advice I get and the choice of fish is great. I have requested them to put a sign on the door to pre-warn people of how addicted this hobby is. As a horse owner this is far worse in spending money for

 

[CezzaXV]

I much prefer the smaller stores for the reasons you said. I also like to think the money I'm spending is making a difference to someone.

 

[mattyeatsmatts]

My local MA is a great store, clerks are informative as well....but the general thing with big chains(Pets At Home) is that the employees follow a protocol to just try and get a sale.

I know MA is another big chain but they do actually hire staff which know about fishkeeping.
(Well from my local)

 

[Man of fish]

I said small stores, but I've only been to one and I've only been there twice. they seemed more knowledgeable (one of my chains said angels need a ph of 8.5+ and temperature at 84* Bad advice I think.) my LFS is a 30 minute drive but it's well worth it. Much better stock and bigger variety. Sadly though I will end up at the chains to buy all my fish unless it's something more than an average cichlid or Oscar or livebearer or tetra.