Page 43 - PET worldwide issue 04/2021

asts now be inspired and how way to give customers the feel-
is their interest in fishkeeping to ing that their pet product retailer
be maintained in the long term? of choice is competent and has
A lot depends on the perfor- time for them, which is the opti-
mance of pet stores in an advi- mum basis for a long and happy
sory capacity. If customers are business relationship. Many
left to grapple alone with aquar- retailers offer their customers
ium care and technology, they training courses and webinars,
will become frustrated as soon too, to give them a grounding in
as the first problems arise and aquatics and increase their en-
will quickly abandon their new thusiasm for the hobby. Social
hobby. That would be a shame, networks also offer a good op-
because those who become portunity to maintain contact
disenchanted will be hard to win with customers on a lasting ba-
back as customers. To stop this sis. Interesting and varied con-
from happening in the first place, tent published on Facebook, In-
some pet stores go the extra mile stagram etc. is a prerequisite for
in terms of customer service. this, however. Many pet product
One speciality retailer says that retailers would expect more sup-
wanted an aquarium for years, in his business, communication port from the industry in this re-
but had not yet found the time with marine aquarium custom- gard.
to get more involved and ful- ers is even conducted via Whats-
fil their desire. There is another App to address any set-up prob- Problems with fish imports
category, people who have had lems and resolve technical diffi- Despite or perhaps precisely
fish for years and got into marine culties speedily. It is the perfect because of the increased cus-
aquariums during the coronavi-
rus outbreak because they were
looking for a new challenge.
Other hobbyists want to extend
their interest and explore new de-
sign possibilities by converting
and adding to their existing fish
tanks. Something heard repeat-
edly in pet stores is that plant
aquariums are in growing de-
mand, with many people delight-
ing in attractively planted under-
water gardens. Aquascaping is
still trendy, too, even if it remains
a niche interest.

Role of the pet stores
How can the host of new and
returning aquarium enthusi-

Tom & Co. is a popular destination
for ornamental fish enthusiasts
in Belgium and France.

PET worldwide 4|2021 43

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