I want to open up my own LFS

Sounds like a good idea; it should be fun too, if you're not stressed out by entrepreneurship.

Since I've never started an LFS, I don't have a lot of advice, except that you shouldn't lose hope if business is slow in the beginning, it always is.

Also, don't supply cleaner wrasses! Those fish should be boycotted. And don't stock with fish that grow too big for even large aquariums, like unicornfish - my LFS has a vlamingi that has been stuck in its tiny show tank for more than six months. Zhu

Hao (Good Luck) !

From what I've seen, and this applies especially for the marine aspect, you're going to need a well developed business plan. Try to pick up some software thats designed for it. Also, before jumping in, try and get and idea of what the demand is, and who you are going to get the fish from, etc.

Good luck, and may you succeed in your endeavour!

I've seen a whole lot of stores go out of business and a very few succeed! The one's that die are over priced and understocked, no variety etc.
Birds are a big thing, reptiles tend to be as well, fish only tend to do ok IF they are extremely knowledgeable and VERY willing to take the time to spend time with people that know nothing, over and over and over again. Stores that are dirty do badly, tanks aren't clean stock is unhealthy AND on sale, people tend to walk. Starting small and building up is failure waiting for a time. Stores that are cluttered tend to do poorly as well, make sure you have a good layout design, a maze of tanks starting here and ending here that are easy to see, nothing over 5' height as people can't see them and tend to ignore those items, nothing below 3', same reason. It's a real pain to have to sit on the floor to see the stock and 99% of us won't bother! Pet stores are a tough business and I wish you luck. Just go into it 100% honest and prepaired and you should do well! I ran a horse rescue for 7 years, I still have people comming to me wanting me to help them, because they know I'm 100% honest and will steer them right in all directions.

I would go for an all-around pet store that stocks fish, cat+dog food, small pets, birds, and even dogs.