Popular Pet Sales Propel Local Store Through COVID, Supply Chain Crises

As we opened the store door we left behind the dark and dreary weather and stepped into another world, an indoor aquatic realm. Bright ocean colors, many species of fish and plants in huge aquariums surrounded us as at Norridge's Coral Reef Pet Center, a longtime local business facing and overcoming post pandemic and supply chain issues as demand continues to grow.

The hundreds of fish of all colors competed for our attention by fluttering, opening their mouths, shaking their fins, and smiling-a fish hobbyists dream. However, that dream has been stymied by supply chain issues delaying the delivery and allocation of fish and equipment.

"It hasn't been too bad for us. Just over the weekend we sold one-third of our fish," said Mario Giacobbe. Giacobbe has been in the fish hobbyist business for more than 27 years. "People are interested in everything. We have seen a surge in demand during the pandemic and it continues today. Yes, some fish prices are going up and there's a delay in getting our large aquariums (55-gallon to larger) for many reasons. This is mainly due to a glass and labor shortage, getting manufacturers up and running after the COVID shutdown, and shipment costs. Glass is expensive."

Giacobbe said they are revamping the store following a recent change in ownership. They are located at 7723 W. Lawrence Avenue. The former owners operated this popular pet store for more than 35 years.

"Not only are we going to build a breeding area for fish in the basement," Giacobbe said. "But this July we will be host to a tour and learn event for kids from the Norridge Park District to show and teach them how to take care of fish. We'll also be host to young children throughout the community for different learning events and classes through the schools and other organizations."

"As for equipment we are still waiting for some pumps and filters for our fresh and saltwater fish to set up the basement and to upgrade here on the first floor," Giacobbe said. "The hobby is growing in popularity. For instance, we find a lot of veterans enjoy keeping fish because it's very therapeutic and relaxes them. We have a steady number of customers coming it to see what's new and get tips on how to care for their fish. A lot of teenagers come in. I'd say most people that come in are true fish hobbyists."

As Coral Reef employees Connor Folan and Alfonso Guzman, both of Chicago, helped a steady stream of customers, Giacobbe told us they carry all types of tropical fish (Cichlids) from everywhere including Africa, South America and south and central Asia. These include tetras, clown fish, blowfish, and larger body predators such as piranhas and much more. They also sell aquarium kits, food and plants and other types of small pets, such as birds and bunnies, and supplies at the store.

Currently there are some restrictions around the world that prohibit catching and selling fish for commercial use. Hawaii recently disallowed that practice.

"We are seeing import and export rules for fish worldwide being relaxed. Following the pandemic and the disruption it caused in the industry these restrictions have been reduced to help pet centers (and other places like city aquariums) get back to pre-COVID business," Giacobbe said. "At the same time, we agree with those decisions in those areas of the world reducing access to fish to sustain their environment. It's not good to lose fish in the world."

Giacobbe said due to the pandemic and supply chain issues prices have gone up and that folks will see this at every pet store. For instance, a yellow Tang fish can now cost up to $500.

"But prices are leveling off," Giacobbe noted. "We're looking forward to breeding fish in the basement. It will be new. We'll breed both saltwater and freshwater fish and have some oddball fishes like octopus and seahorses."

For those thinking about buying fish and don't know what to feed them or how to house them, the Coral Reef team has the answers. Giacobbe, Folan and Guzman continued to answer customer questions while we left with our new clown fish.