LFS Reviews. => Name and Shame => Topic started by: Mikikal on September 09, 2012, 10:40:53 am
Title: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: Mikikal on September 09, 2012, 10:40:53 am
Glovers Aquatics Online
247-251 City Road, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2PX
Specialising in aquatics, tropical and freshwater fish and aquarium plants
Rating out of 10 = 6
Comments
My parents have talked about getting their fish and supplies from Glovers for many years and as a child I had fond memories of the place. With this is mind I decided to go there to get supplies for my first ever tropical tank.
From the offset I got the impression that everyone was far too busy to spend any time helping me. Now that does seem like a sign of a succesful business but when your having to wait 20 minutes JUST to ask someone a few questions it becomes less endearing and more annoying.
When I finally got to ask some questions they had never heard of my tank make/model said they had no way of looking it up and had no idea if they stocked any parts for it.
At this point I decided just to buy my substrate and air pump from them and leave it at that. Loaded it into the car and went to look at their fish supply. I was shocked at the amount of dead fish in the tanks either just floating around on the surface or on the bottom being fed on by other fish. It did NOT encourage me. The other thing was also the lack of choice. They had many different types of the same fish but no big or exctigin variation.
All in all not a very good experience and having spoke to some other customers we all decided we will NOT being going back there.
On one happy note... they have one of the largest iguanas I have ever seen in my life and was one and a half times as long as I am tall :O
Title: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: Magoo on September 09, 2012, 06:56:43 pm
I too was disappointed when I visited Glovers and also I had heard good things so I was surprised too. I felt that it was a chore for the person I asked if I could get some plants and the selection was a little disappointing but I didn't want a wasted journey. I too found the selection of fish to be allot of the same kind lots and lots of platies. I asked if they ever got certain types of fish I was after in and the response was no we just get the ones we usually get.
I agree about the iguana too it was very impressive
I have not been back and now have three LFS' that I use and am impressed with all of them every time I go :)
Title: Re: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: Gp73 on September 11, 2012, 02:46:02 pm
Fully agree with the above.
I am sure they used to have a better selection years ago.
The last 3 times I have been (and it is my nearest lfs) I have left disappointed and empty handed. Cleanliness of the tanks is average and dead fish are not uncommon. Variety and staff helpfulness/knowledge again is very mediocre.
Fully agree with original poster, years ago it was the place to go, times have now changed.
I will only be using Rare Aquatics in crewe now, despite it being a 30 mile round trip. Times change & unfortunately Glovers now seem to be living in the past!
Title: Re: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: Mikikal on September 11, 2012, 03:23:41 pm
Well next time you fancy a trip to crewe maybe me you and magoo can make it a joint affair. I don't mind driving and it means we can split the petrol costs three ways! Certainly cheaper and would be good to go with other fish nuts :) Nuts in a good way of course!
Title: Re: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: vess on November 07, 2012, 01:05:27 pm
Unfortunately Glovers is living on past glory and has been for some time. :(
Title: Re: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: Gp73 on February 07, 2013, 10:25:43 am
I had a tube split on one of my trickle filters, so out of convenience I popped in to see if they had anything suitable. The stock (didnt look at the fish so cannot comment on them) levels/shelves seemed very low compared to my last visit. Not sure if thats a sign of times or if they are closing down, but not good!
Title: Re: Glovers Aquatics Fenton Stoke-on-Trent
Post by: LindaP on February 26, 2013, 12:28:43 am
Although I do agree with a lot of the things been written on this thread, I do still like glovers. I think the customer service I've received from Glovers has always been quite good, they've had unwanted fish off me when I've brought second-hand tanks and when I've surplus fry they have no qualms in having them off me. I do agree it's not as good as it once was, but at the moment they are re-fitting the fish house so things can only improve. So once they've finished, why not give them another chance. We need to keep our LFS's.