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| All The Way Around, Circle Pet Makes Sense By Ofelia Saenz, Signal Tribune staff writer
Whether it's a Red-Eye Tree Frog or a Green Tree Python, if it's hard to find (and legal), Circle Pet has it or they'll get it for you, often at less than most competitors' prices. "We have such a niche in our expertise in reef aquariums and high-end reptiles," says store manager Kris Gragson. Besides specializing in fish and reptiles, Circle Pet also carries a full line of dog, cat, bird and small animal food supplies. The store specializes in salt-water fish such as Tangs and Clown fish (think Nemo), fresh-water fish and exotic reptiles. They were the first in Long Beach to carry salt-water-fish reef tanks. Because of their longevity and reputation, the store is able to keep a wide selection of reptiles, corals and fish in stock at all times. "We deal in a lot of volume," says Gragson, "and we've been in the industry for so long and we buy regularly." Gragson, whose extensive training in large aquariums includes a year-long internship at the Long Beach Aquarium, points to the knowledgeable staff as another source of the store's success. "We're willing to work with people because we really do care about the benefit of the animal," he said. All of Circle Pet's salt-water fish and reefs are bought from Marine Aquarium Council (MAC) certified distributors, which ensures that the fish are 100 percent hand caught. In addition to being MAC certified, the fish are then handpicked by an experienced store employee, with the requisite "trained eye" to be able to pick only the best from the distributor's selection of quality specimens. Circle Pet does enough business that they're not interested in the quick sale at the expense of the fish. "Business sense," explains Gragson. "It makes more sense to walk you through your aquarium stages, help you out, introduce fish to the tank so that everything lives, and in the long run, you'll keep coming back and buying from us." To ensure that customers are not introducing fish to a tank too soon, they can bring in water samples from their aquarium to be tested. "There's nothing worse than seeing someone spend a bunch of money on a tank, then everything dies and the next thing you know the tank is on E-Bay and they've lost a bunch of money." Gragson's philosophy is simple. "Dead fish, mad customers-definitely not the way to go." Experience, customer service, selection and competitive pricing, Circle Pet has it all. "You're getting good advice, plus good prices," says Gragson. "It's win-win." Every Wednesday and Friday the store gives 15 percent off on fish and corals. They also give discounts to police officers, firemen, military personnel and teachers. Circle Pet and Tropical Fish Center is located at 1940 Ximeno Avenue in Long Beach. For more information call (562) 597-0619 or visit their website at www.circlepet.com. |
Circle Pet is the oldest-running family-owned pet store in Long Beach. The store has been competently serving the needs of seasoned, as well as amateur, hobbyists since husband and wife team Mike and Marian Hile opened the store in 1972.