Although I did not know the store; I am always saddened to see any small, or large, independently owned and operated business fold. There are too many problems with the fish business to address in a single post but I will offer a few tidbits of possible suggestions from the depths of my sick and twisted mind.
Adopt a store - I have:
(1) befriend the owner and gain their trust - not always easy.
(2) encourage them to have a website.
(3) introduce them to the concept of clubs, forums, and "Club Quality Fish".
(4) look at their hardware, chemical, and food stocks: assess for quality, completeness, and available information - make occasional and casual suggestions. Give samples from your own stock.
(5) If you breed to sell, as I do, offer a few fish that they don't have and will attract attention - on consignment if needed.
(6) Maintain a consistent presence - not obsessive (don't stalk) - and be ready to help if asked. This means let the owner you are available if needed/wanted and stop in to chat on a regular basis: RESPECT the domain of the owner and realize that most small business owners are swamped - don't add to the problem.
I now have a 75 in the store of an owner I can call "friend" that houses my angels exclusively. People now leave the owner lists of which types of my angels they want - and as they reach sale size - out they go. My Bolivian Ram stock is now such that they will soon be added to the tank. The point, expressed well by a repeat buyer, "You can't find these fish anywhere else". (yes, I realize that 'anywhere' is a Big place) - but that's not the point. This owner is developing a fish niche in the area that will encourage growth into different and more interesting fish. So what is a small neighborhood pet store has a growing following of fish people that are increasing in sophistication. The process is slow - but worth the effort.
More on this topic later - "The Internet Is Not The Boggyman".
Paul.
