So What Now? What The Future Holds For LiveAquaria

by | Nov 20, 2014 | Science | 1 comment

HOME_111814I’m sure you’ve all heard the news by now – an ominous cloud hovers over our beloved industry in light of Petco coming forward to purchase Doctors Foster and Smith. I woke up this morning and prayed it was merely a bad dream, but alas my hopes were crushed and reality set in as I reviewed the confirming evidence. It didn’t sit right with me – Petco has a less than stellar reputation when it comes to the aquarium industry, and I immediately feared the worst. Not wanting to be a Doomsday Dreading Debbie Downer Doll, I decided to take a deep breath and reach out to LiveAquaria’s director, Kevin Kohen. After his response, I’m happy to report we should really not be so afraid here. This could actually be a good thing for the hobby!

I want to stress that while it looks like this will be the ultimate fate of Doctors Foster and Smith, no action has been taken aside from an agreement for Petco to acquire the company, along with LiveAquaria. So how does LA feel about all of this? They’re excited. They feel this could be a very positive merge. Don’t fret – Kevin had some very reassuring words for us.

Dr. Race Foster and Dr. Marty Smith have worked incredibly hard over the last 31 years, to build a very successful business, which revolves around education, pet heath, and responsible pet ownership. The Petco mission is elevating the lives of animals and enhancing the connection people have with their pets, with a commitment to the highest standards of social responsibility, while continually striving to make things better for pets, people and the planet. Understanding each company’s mission and goals are very similar, we feel this partnership and synergy is going to be beneficial to animals, pet owners, and aquarium hobbyists and enthusiasts alike.

I can assure you, my personal mission as the LiveAquaria Director is to take LiveAquaria.com to an even higher level than ever before. The continued expansion of our Aquaculture Coral and Marine Life facility in Rhinelander Wisconsin, home of the LiveAquaria.com Divers Den®, allows us to offer an even greater assortment of quality aquatic life shipped direct to your door.

Dr. Race Foster and I are not going anywhere.  We will continue to operate Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies and LiveAquaria.com as it’s business as usual, right here in Rhinelander Wisconsin.   We are incredibly excited for the future and what lies ahead.

Let’s hope this is nothing but beneficial for all parties involved, and most importantly, promote what we’re all supporting and hoping to accomplish here – Responsible Reefkeeping. Stay tuned!

  • Caitlin Nichole

    I'm a New York Reef Enthusiast and Fish Nerd, amateur photographer, dog lover, beer brewer/drinker, cocktail mixer, semi-seasoned chef, Prosecco Indulging, lightly foul-mouthed, slightly antagonistic, sorta-artistic, wordy bookworm of a girl. Dog mommy of three, an Abyssinian dubbed "Mau", plus one Dwarf Cuttlefish and a few Clarions. I have a tattoo of an Octopus with flowers on my rear. I ride my bike to the beach and sip bourbon with a good (reef) book while watching the waves. I like to think I'm witty and charming - but I'll let you decide.

1 Comment

  1. RalphScheriff

    IMHO, Petco bought Dr. Foster and Smith for their online presence and help Petco gain some much needed ground there…remember Fish Heads, Dr. F & S has a huge Dog, Cat, Reptile, Vet online presence. It will be business as usual for a number of years, so as Kevin stated above, “Dr. Race Foster and I are not going anywhere. We will continue to operate Drs. Foster and Smith Pet Supplies and LiveAquaria.com as it’s business as usual, right here in Rhinelander Wisconsin. We are incredibly excited for the future and what lies ahead.”
    no worries!

    Reply

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