I think after todays experience I'm goign to have to disagree that chain stores are bad. The important thing to keep in mind is that all stores are owned and operated by individuals and therefore any store is only as good as its manager.

todays experience: I've been working to set up a new tank for my BP which is on the brink of outgrowing his current home. Last week I stepped in and bought a new tank that was 3.5ft X 1.5ft, the manager herself helped me to find the best deal (one that was slightly smaller was mroe expensive) however the lid dint fit sunggly so they said they would order a better lid for me and it would be in this tuesday and that I could have it. Today I go in to buy 2 heat pads, a ceramic lamp for bulbs, and a new hide and they give me 10% off no problem. They know how to take care of their animals, and usually don't put animals together when its a problem (the worse Ive seen is maybe 2 BPs together or maybe 2-3 emperor scorpions (which usually isnt a problem if there are enough hides anyway); given that space is always limited this is easily forgivable. Bottom line dont live soley on the believ that all chains are bad, they are definatly worth exploring. On a side note our local small pet store fails epically and smells like dog poos