Big Al's in Tamarac, Fl. changing hands

Have you ever heard of a company going out of business because they can't compete with themselves? Enter Big Al's. As crazy as it sounds my friend just called me from Big Al's supercenter in Tamarac to tell me they are being bought out by Living Color. They claim that they couldn't compete with Big Al's on line which is located in Canada.

Now let me see if I get this straight..?? Naaa I'm not even going to go there.;D Anyway, for those of you that live here in the Fort Lauderdale area and own a fish tank don't be alarmed because Living Color which is based here built the aquariums you see in Big Al's which are phenomenal to say the least. Only one thing.. it's going to be called Fish Emporium and it's going to cater to dogs and cats also...Duh, next stop the twilight zone known as Petsmart or Pet supermarket and I'm only guessing...

Big Al's gave bonus points when you bought anything and when you reached 1000 as in $1000 you would get a $25 credit. Well being that I have 1400 points I'm heading over there today because who knows if it will be good tomorrow. Which brings me to a sad story. This is just the beginning. If you are wondering why fish stores are closing or new ones are not opening you can look no further than your keyboard. Unfortunetly this is happening in many businesses everywhere as buying on line has taken over. See any camera stores lately? Well I'm not going to take up a whole page on what we already know BUT... you may want to give your local store a break once in a while and buy it from them.

 

Oooo I need to stop buy and see what kinda deals I can get LOL

 

wow thats too bad. thats what i consider my LFS. big al's up here. theres at least 4 within a half hour of me. ive never ordered from al's online . sorry to hear of that lose marlinman

 

Big Al's Online(Canada) and the one in Tamarac has not been owned by the same company for a while. The tanks at the tamarac location are no bueno and always have algae problems.. If they clean the place up maybe I'll give them another chance.

 

Heres a few reasons I'll buy online or at Petco before spending $$ at the local mom & pop...

Prices I looked at just last week

Phosban Reactor 150 $99
QO 4000 $139
Nass Vibex $2.99 ea
Cerith $2.99 ea
Astrae $1.99 ea
50 gal bag of Kents saltmix $32
These are just some examples, the entire store is over priced and frankly I'm suprised they stay in business.
I did buy my sponge from them on that visit but only because the owner knocked $10 bucks off the price. I usually only pop in to say hi and talk tanks. I'd be sad if they were gone though.

 

+2, I understand they have overhead, but such prices are why I go online. Typically no tax, too.

 

This is why I always say pay the few extra bucks it cost at the LFS if you can find one worth keeping in business, otherwise your only options will soon be pets**** or online, and once that happens you will have zero control over the quality of your purchase.

 

I totally understand what you mean but like some others were saying its usually not just a few extra bucks! Most of the LFS in Virginia Beach, which good ones are few and far between, mark up practically 200%! I have heard that a coral store is a multi million dollar business... but only if you have customers! IMO this is a self inflicted problem that should have been forecast a long time ago!!

 

Regarding the Florida store,

The owners of Living Color are the owners of the Big Al's franchise in Florida. They are the same entity!

 

Ok, more on the story and let me just say that this is secondhand information but was told to me by a reliable source and we'll leave it at that. Yes Living Color and Big Al's were in this together, maybe partners but whatever. The new corporation does plan on opening two other stores and incorporating dog and cat supplies. The one in Tamarac supposably will stay as fish only.
Anyway please don't go crazy with the help there. I'm sure that's not what they intended. Pictures of the inside of the store are forthcoming after dinner.