Is there a market for a marine only LFS around Parksville?

digital-audiophile · #1 02-25-2009, 06:41 PM

Background:

My wife and I love fish
My parents retired in Qualicum beach and we love it out there!

Question:

We were talking last night about what we really want to do with our lives, and we came to the conclusion that for the most part Calgary is a crummy place to live. I've lived here for most of my life (my wife all of hers) and we do not like it so much anymore. To busy, to arrogant, and most of all too cold.

Would there be a market for a Marine LFS in the area between Comox and Nanaimo? From what I have seen on canreef and some of the other forums there is not much for marine stores outside of Victoria and Duncan.

I know the island population is small but it may be a good business venture.. well we are not even interested in making lots of money, just enough to live a comfortable life and allow our daughter to grow up in a place that has more trees than concrete.

Anyhow.. maybe just a dream right now, but we all have to plan for the future

BlueAbyss · #2 02-25-2009, 06:55 PM

Interesting... I don't even live in BC but if there is a lack of LFS in the area you are speaking about (and a fair number of reefers in said area) I can't see it being a bad venture...

I might start selling fish and aquatic stuff out of my apartment here. There is NO LFS in the area, and I remember as a kid going to buy fish in someone's basement, and also in the back of an apartment... LOL I think you may have solidified this idea in my head.......

don.ald · #3 02-25-2009, 07:06 PM

Age of Aquariums new in Nanaimo this year also. that said, there are a number of SW hobbiests on the surronding smaller islands that would benefit from your venture!

Chaloupa · #4 02-25-2009, 07:15 PM

there are a couple shops that have marine fish and supplies;
2 shops in Campbell River plus a home based business
1 shop in Courtenay just opened but has several tanks and gets in stuff regularly
and then Age of Aquarium in Nanaimo which is quite large and gets in new product very often!

Hard to say whether or not it would fly.....you never know until you make that leap! There are quite a few of us on the island...

Lance · #5 02-25-2009, 07:23 PM

There are only a few S/W LFS on the Island. Population is over 700,000. IMO a well-run S/W store could do quite well. Aside from the new one in Nanaimo, there is a pretty fair store in Duncan and I believe a couple in Victoria.

Lance · #6 02-25-2009, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaloupa

there are a couple shops that have marine fish and supplies;
2 shops in Campbell River plus a home based business
1 shop in Courtenay just opened but has several tanks and gets in stuff regularly
and then Age of Aquarium in Nanaimo which is quite large and gets in new product very often!

Hard to say whether or not it would fly.....you never know until you make that leap! There are quite a few of us on the island...

Oh yeah, I forgot the new one in Courtenay, and the second one in C.R. is new to me. What's it like Sarah?

Delphinus · #7 02-25-2009, 07:55 PM

Greg, I think your business venture is doomed to certain failure unless you had a very keen partner.

Chaloupa · #8 02-25-2009, 08:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance

Oh yeah, I forgot the new one in Courtenay, and the second one in C.R. is new to me. What's it like Sarah?

PM sent on that...

Treebeard · #9 02-25-2009, 08:26 PM

Either that, or a few very keen customers! Deep pockets would also be nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Delphinus

Greg, I think your business venture is doomed to certain failure unless you had a very keen partner.

digital-audiophile · #10 02-25-2009, 08:39 PM

I have oil money burning a hole in my pocket