Local "Pet Store" Conditions - Should I be concerned?

[Bogertophis]

Not entirely on topic, but having seen so many animals poorly cared for in pet shops, I've often wondered what I would do if I had a pet shop. The conclusion I came to was that I would focus on selling enclosures, decor and feeders. I imagine live animals are laborious and expensive to maintain, and they age like produce. If you don't sell them quick, you're not selling them at all.

I agree- maybe the best way to promote (& sell) pets is to have a few of your own adult pets on display (maybe on a rotational basis), so people can see what the goal is- then if they really are serious, have contacts to help them order the animal they choose. Except many people can & will find their own online (MM etc) without your involvement. Unfortunately, too many pet stores still rely on buying inexpensive animals (captive-bred surplus from less-stellar sources along with wild caught animals) to mark-up for retail- the "buy low, sell high" notion, making bad experiences for both animals & buyers a near-certainty.