Rising Real Estate Costs Are Squeezing Long Island’s Local Fish Shops—Here’s What Aquarium Enthusiasts Need to Know

Long Island’s aquarium enthusiasts are facing a challenging reality as their beloved local fish stores grapple with soaring real estate costs that threaten the very foundation of these specialized businesses. The impact of rising commercial rents across Nassau and Suffolk counties is creating unprecedented pressure on aquarium retailers, forcing many to make difficult decisions about their operations and service offerings.

The Real Estate Crisis Hitting Long Island Fish Stores

Real estate is a critical expense when determining aquarium store startup costs, as it influences overall operational efficiency and customer reach. The primary cost drivers include the size and location of your space, along with the terms outlined in your lease agreement. For aquarium stores on Long Island, this reality has become increasingly harsh as commercial real estate prices continue to climb.

Formerly home to Schmidt’s, a much-loved grocery, deli and catering business, which did not own the building, lost its lease after 43 years in October of 2022 due to rising rent. This example from the East End demonstrates how even long-established businesses with loyal customer bases can fall victim to escalating rental costs—a trend that’s particularly concerning for specialized retailers like aquarium stores.

Launching an aquarium store involves significant investments, with initial startup costs typically ranging from $265,000 to $790,000. Location choice—urban versus suburban—not only affects lease costs but also plays a key role in driving customer foot traffic. These substantial financial requirements make aquarium stores especially vulnerable to real estate market fluctuations.

How Island Fish & Reef Navigates These Challenges

Despite these market pressures, some local aquarium businesses have found ways to thrive. Island Fish & Reef, Long Island’s premier aquarium store long island, exemplifies how a well-established business can weather these challenges through strategic adaptation and exceptional service delivery.

Since 2003, Fish and Reef has been New York’s premier aquarium design, installation, stocking, and maintenance firm. In late 2013, the defining decision to change our name to Island Fish and Reef also changed the direction of our business and focused our talents and efforts solely on our installation and maintenance clients. This strategic pivot from traditional retail to specialized services demonstrates how aquarium businesses can adapt to rising real estate costs.

Based in Bohemia in Suffolk County, we are fully licensed and insured with competitive pricing and contracting plans. Our new facility located at 505 Johnson Avenue, Bohemia, NY, 11716 is now open by appointment only. By transitioning to an appointment-only model, Island Fish & Reef has optimized their real estate usage while maintaining high-quality customer service.

The Impact on Local Aquarium Enthusiasts

These real estate challenges directly affect local aquarium hobbyists and marine life enthusiasts. Several Long Island fish stores have faced closures, with hobbyists noting “I was sad when they closed the one in Patchogue.” The consolidation of local fish stores means fewer options for immediate supplies, emergency equipment needs, and hands-on expert advice.

However, companies like Island Fish & Reef have adapted by expanding their service model. Our fleet of four service vehicles, that operate seven days a week, ensures availability in scheduling and ultimately a stress-free aquarium experience. Currently, Island Fish and Reef proudly operates four maintenance vehicles 7am-7pm 7 days a week, with emergency services always available. This mobile approach helps overcome the limitations imposed by expensive brick-and-mortar locations.

What This Means for Consumers

For Long Island aquarium enthusiasts, these market changes require adjusting expectations and shopping habits. Utilizing our fully equipped quarantine and holding facility, we can assure the highest quality and health of all animals in our care. Quality and responsibility of care are core tenants of the Fish and Reef ethos. While traditional walk-in browsing may become less common, the focus on quality and specialized services can actually benefit serious aquarists.

That is why we currently service over 300 aquariums in the New York area. Significantly, our clients include hospitals, schools, nursing homes, libraries, as well as commercial clients and private residences. This diverse client base demonstrates how successful aquarium businesses are diversifying beyond retail to maintain viability.

Strategies for Supporting Local Fish Stores

Aquarium enthusiasts can help their local stores survive these challenging times by embracing new service models. IFR offers local concierge services where we help you select your new additions, packaging and delivery to your aquarium, acclimation and placement, and a short instructional lesson about how to care for your new addition. Once ready for sale, Island Fish & Reef offers concierge services to help you select new additions, packaging and delivery to your aquarium, acclimation and placement. These personalized services often provide better value than traditional retail browsing.

The key is understanding that while the traditional aquarium store experience may be evolving, the expertise and passion of local businesses remain unchanged. Our goal is to provide each of our clients with an unmatched professional level of care for all aquatic shapes and sizes. Our dedicated team of knowledgeable aquarists strive daily to provide and maintain quality service for your unique aquarium be it at home or at the office.