Shoreline Pet & Aquarium

I came to this pet store a lot when it was Guppies to Puppies and they had a fantastic variety. Not the prettiest place but they always had what I needed. My experience with the store now that it is Shoreline Pets is much different. The store is much nicer looking but they lack variety. On every visit they have never had what I was looking for and most of what they do stock you can get online for way less. The staff also watch and follow you around stalker style. I understand shoplifters were a problem for Guppies to Puppies but a personal chaperone is not something I want while I shop. The staff also struck me as awkward or weird even - I always leave feeling disconcerted. My most recent visit was sorta the final straw and why I felt the need to write a review. I had bought two healthy calico goldfish from Petco 3 months ago and decided I wanted to add two more tankmates. Rather than drive all the way out to the nearest Petco I figured I would stop by the local pet store instead. I had bought fish from the place when it was Guppies to Puppies and I even still have the fish I bought from there. Shoreline only had 4 goldfish in stock that day - 2 black moores (1 had a bad eye and the other was near dead at the bottom) and 2 Gold. The gold ones looked healthy so I bought them. A week later both died unexpectedly while my Petco calicos are still strong and healthy. From now on I am just going to shop at Petco. Shoreline just doesn't have what I need and all my visits there have been unpleasant. ---- In response to the answer left by the Owner: 1.) I was never informed of a return policy nor is one stated anywhere on your website or in store. If there is one then it was located somewhere, where I could not find it easily. Regardless, I buried my 2 fish so I cannot return their bodies to you for a refund. 2.) When I have a bad experience with a place I feel compelled to write about it; less so with good ones. But your right, I should write more reviews for the places I like to help balance things out. 3.) I like to be price savvy and even check my phone to see how the physical store prices compare to online. For example your goldfish were $6-7 each, but Petco only charges $4 a goldfish (and that's without the free Petco members benefit added in) for the same fish. I understand a small store has to make money, but as a consumer I naturally don't want to spend more than necessary. Paying double as much for something may be not be "expensive" to some but it is to me. Unfortunately for me I chose to buy the more "expensive" fish and they went belly up in a week. I have considered bumping the score up, but all my visits to Shoreline since it opened have either been uncomfortable or I was unable to find what I came for. I even stopped by one last time to get something, but Shoreline didn't have the item in stock. All this, coupled with the owner's reprimand below has steered me away from returning. Not surprised the place closed down.
1 8 years ago (29-05-2018)

Honestly the best fish store around. I drive 40 mins each way every week or two to see what they have. I've never seen any sick fish there, and their inventory is always incredibly diverse. I love the store, and it will be a loss to see it leave old saybrook.
5 8 years ago (22-03-2018)

Closed but glad i was able to stop in before the end. Good luck in the future everyone!
5 8 years ago (17-05-2018)

So sad that it is now closed! Please support locally owned small business.
5 8 years ago (07-05-2018)

Saltwater Sundays!!!! Great amazing salt water selections. Awesome prices. See you soon!
5 8 years ago (15-02-2018)