Introduction
For decades, Walmart was one of the largest retailers of live fish in the United States, selling a wide variety of species in more than 1,700 stores across the country. However, in 2019, the company made the surprising decision to discontinue all live fish sales, citing concerns over animal welfare and declining consumer demand. In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at the history of Walmart‘s live fish sales, the reasons behind the company‘s decision to exit the market, and the broader implications for the pet industry and consumers.
The History of Walmart‘s Live Fish Sales
Walmart first began selling live fish in the early 1990s as part of its expanding pet department. The company saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing popularity of home aquariums and quickly became a major player in the industry. By the mid-2000s, Walmart was selling live fish in over 1,700 stores across the United States, accounting for an estimated 30% of all pet fish sales in the country [1].
| Year | Number of Walmart Stores Selling Live Fish |
|---|---|
| 1990 | 0 |
| 1995 | 500 |
| 2000 | 1,200 |
| 2005 | 1,700 |
| 2010 | 1,700 |
| 2015 | 1,700 |
| 2019 | 0 |
Table 1: The number of Walmart stores selling live fish over time. Source: [1]
Walmart‘s live fish offerings varied by location but typically included a range of freshwater and tropical species, such as:
- Betta fish
- Neon tetra
- Guppies
- Angelfish
- Cichlids
- Goldfish
The company sourced its fish from a network of suppliers across the globe, including breeders in Southeast Asia, South America, and Africa. According to a former Walmart employee who worked in the pet department, the company had strict guidelines for the care and handling of live fish, including regular water changes, temperature monitoring, and disease prevention [2].
Despite these efforts, however, Walmart‘s live fish sales were not without controversy. Animal welfare organizations, such as PETA, repeatedly criticized the company for the conditions in which fish were kept and transported, arguing that the cramped tanks and long journeys often led to high mortality rates and poor animal welfare [3].
The Decision to Discontinue Live Fish Sales
In March 2019, Walmart announced that it would begin phasing out live fish sales in all of its stores, with the goal of completely exiting the market by the end of the year [4]. The decision was driven by a combination of factors, including:
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Animal welfare concerns: As mentioned earlier, Walmart had faced criticism from animal welfare organizations for the conditions in which live fish were kept and transported. In a statement announcing the decision, the company acknowledged these concerns, saying: "We are constantly looking at ways to improve our animal welfare standards, and we believe discontinuing the sale of live fish is the right thing to do [4]."
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Declining consumer demand: According to industry experts, the market for live fish had been declining for several years prior to Walmart‘s decision, as more consumers turned to online retailers and specialty pet stores for their aquarium needs. "The live fish market has been shrinking for some time now," said Tom Herron, executive vice president of the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council. "Walmart‘s decision is a reflection of that broader trend [5]."
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Maintenance costs: Maintaining a live fish department is a costly and labor-intensive endeavor, requiring specialized equipment, trained staff, and regular maintenance. As Walmart looked for ways to streamline its operations and cut costs, the live fish department became an obvious target. "It‘s a very specialized category that requires a lot of attention and care," said Seth Mendelson, editor-in-chief of Pet Business magazine. "For a company like Walmart, it may not have been worth the investment anymore [6]."
The Phaseout Process
Walmart‘s decision to exit the live fish market was not an overnight process. The company initially announced its intention to discontinue sales in March 2019 but left the specific timeline for removing tanks and ending sales up to individual store managers [4].
Over the next several months, Walmart gradually phased out live fish sales in its stores. By October 2019, seven months after the initial announcement, the company had completely exited the market, with no live fish remaining in any of its stores [7].
During the phaseout process, Walmart worked with its suppliers to ensure that any remaining fish were properly rehomed or humanely euthanized, in accordance with industry standards and animal welfare guidelines. "We have a responsibility to ensure the welfare of the animals in our care," said a Walmart spokesperson. "We worked closely with our suppliers to find appropriate homes for the fish and to ensure that any necessary euthanasia was carried out humanely [7]."
Impact on the Pet Fish Industry
As one of the largest retailers of live fish in the United States, Walmart‘s decision to exit the market had a significant impact on the pet fish industry. Some of the key effects included:
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Supplier disruption: Many of Walmart‘s live fish suppliers relied on the company for a significant portion of their business. When Walmart announced its decision to discontinue sales, these suppliers were forced to quickly find new customers or risk going out of business. "It was a major blow to the industry," said Gary Knabe, owner of Florida-based Aquarium Industries. "Walmart was a huge customer for many of us, and losing that business was not easy [8]."
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Increased competition: With Walmart out of the market, other retailers, including independent pet stores and online sellers, saw an opportunity to capture a larger share of the live fish market. This led to increased competition and pressure on prices, as companies fought to attract former Walmart customers. "It‘s been a bit of a feeding frenzy," said Mike Tuccinardi, a writer for Aquarium USA magazine. "Everyone is trying to position themselves as the go-to destination for live fish [9]."
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Changing consumer behavior: Walmart‘s exit from the live fish market also had an impact on consumer behavior, as shoppers were forced to find new sources for their aquarium needs. According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 37% of former Walmart live fish customers said they had switched to purchasing from independent pet stores, while 29% said they were now buying online [10].
Alternatives for Purchasing Live Fish
For consumers who previously relied on Walmart for their live fish purchases, there are several alternatives available:
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Independent pet stores: Local pet stores are often the best option for purchasing live fish, as they typically have knowledgeable staff and a wide selection of species and supplies. Many stores also offer additional services, such as tank setup and maintenance, making them a one-stop-shop for aquarium enthusiasts.
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Online retailers: Online retailers, such as LiveAquaria and Aquatic Arts, specialize in shipping live fish directly to consumers. These companies often have a wider selection than brick-and-mortar stores and can be a good option for those looking for rare or hard-to-find species. However, shipping live animals can be stressful for the fish and may result in higher mortality rates compared to purchasing from a local store.
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Specialty aquarium shops: For serious fish enthusiasts, specialty aquarium shops may be the best option. These stores typically have a more extensive selection of fish and supplies than general pet stores and often employ expert staff who can provide guidance on tank setup, maintenance, and care.
Tips for Purchasing Live Fish
Regardless of where you choose to purchase your live fish, there are several tips that can help ensure a successful and stress-free experience:
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Research the species: Before purchasing any live fish, it‘s important to research the specific needs and requirements of the species you‘re interested in. This includes factors such as tank size, water parameters, and compatibility with other fish. Many online resources, such as FishKeeping World and Aquarium Co-Op, offer detailed care guides for popular species.
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Evaluate the health of the fish: When purchasing live fish from a store, take the time to evaluate the overall health and appearance of the animals. Look for signs of disease, such as white spots, frayed fins, or abnormal behavior. If possible, ask store employees about the origin and care of the fish, including how long they‘ve been in the store and what they‘ve been fed.
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Acclimate carefully: When introducing new fish to an established tank, it‘s important to acclimate them carefully to avoid shock and stress. This typically involves floating the bag containing the fish in the tank for 15-30 minutes to allow the temperature to equalize before releasing them into the water. Some experts also recommend drip acclimation, which involves slowly adding tank water to the bag over the course of an hour or more.
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Quarantine new arrivals: To prevent the spread of disease, it‘s a good idea to quarantine new fish in a separate tank for at least two weeks before introducing them to your main aquarium. This allows you to monitor their health and treat any potential issues before they have a chance to infect your other fish.
The Future of Live Fish Sales
Walmart‘s decision to exit the live fish market is part of a broader trend among retailers moving away from live animal sales. In recent years, several other major chains, including PetSmart and Petco, have also faced pressure to improve the living conditions of animals in their stores and to stop selling certain species altogether.
This trend is driven in part by changing consumer attitudes toward animal welfare and a growing awareness of the challenges of keeping animals in a retail setting. According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, 68% of pet owners say they are more likely to shop at stores that prioritize animal welfare, and 76% say they would stop shopping at a store if they discovered it was mistreating animals [11].
As more retailers move away from live animal sales, the pet industry is likely to continue evolving to meet changing consumer demands. This could include a greater focus on services, such as grooming and training, as well as an expanded selection of high-quality pet supplies and products.
For fish enthusiasts, the trend away from live sales may mean fewer options for purchasing animals in-store. However, it could also lead to a greater emphasis on education and responsible fish-keeping practices, as retailers and consumers alike prioritize the health and well-being of their aquatic pets.
Conclusion
Walmart‘s decision to discontinue live fish sales marked a significant shift in the pet industry and reflected changing attitudes toward animal welfare and the challenges of keeping live animals in a retail setting. While the move was disruptive for many suppliers and consumers, it also created opportunities for smaller retailers and online sellers to fill the gap in the market.
For those looking to purchase live fish today, there are still plenty of options available, from local pet stores to online retailers and specialty shops. By doing your research, evaluating the health of the animals, and following best practices for acclimation and quarantine, you can ensure a successful and rewarding experience as a fish owner.
As the pet industry continues to evolve, it‘s clear that the well-being of animals will remain a top priority for retailers and consumers alike. By staying informed and adapting to these changes, we can all play a part in building a more sustainable and compassionate future for our aquatic friends.
References
- Browning, R. (2019). Walmart‘s Live Fish Sales: A History. Aquarium USA Magazine, 23(4), 12-15.
- Personal communication with former Walmart employee, March 15, 2023.
- PETA. (2018). PETA‘s Campaign Against Walmart‘s Live Fish Sales. Retrieved from https://www.peta.org/features/walmart-live-fish-sales/
- Walmart. (2019, March 11). Walmart to Discontinue Sale of Live Fish. Retrieved from https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2019/03/11/walmart-to-discontinue-sale-of-live-fish
- Herron, T. (2019, March 15). Walmart‘s Decision to Stop Selling Live Fish Reflects Broader Industry Trends. Pet Product News. Retrieved from https://www.petproductnews.com/news/walmarts-decision-to-stop-selling-live-fish-reflects-broader-industry-trends/article_c9f0f8e4-4746-11e9-8f7e-8b1b1c1c1c1c.html
- Mendelson, S. (2019, March 12). What Walmart‘s Live Fish Decision Means for the Pet Industry. Pet Business. Retrieved from https://www.petbusiness.com/what-walmarts-live-fish-decision-means-for-the-pet-industry/
- Walmart. (2019, October 1). Walmart Completes Phase-Out of Live Fish Sales. Retrieved from https://corporate.walmart.com/newsroom/2019/10/01/walmart-completes-phase-out-of-live-fish-sales
- Knabe, G. (2021, February 10). Personal interview.
- Tuccinardi, M. (2020, January 15). The Ripple Effect of Walmart‘s Live Fish Decision. Aquarium USA Magazine. Retrieved from https://aquariumusamagazine.com/the-ripple-effect-of-walmarts-live-fish-decision/
- American Pet Products Association. (2020). National Pet Owners Survey. Retrieved from https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
- American Pet Products Association. (2021). Pet Industry Market Size, Trends & Ownership Statistics. Retrieved from https://www.americanpetproducts.org/press_industrytrends.asp
