Welcome to our site and thanks for taking the time to learn about us. We have been in the pet business since the summer of 1985 and seen lots of changes, innovations and even some not so pleasant happenings. After all has been said and done, the core belief we have always had remains true to this day. The desire to give top quality service, products, and information at a fair price. This is not service or products in the "megamart" sense of the word, but old fashioned, hometown, informative, caring service. 

    In 1983, I was given a 10 gallon aquarium by my wife for Christmas. Six months and another $100 later, I finally had some success. Then I proceeded to get a saltwater aquarium, and the same thing occurred. Every time I went into a store, I was "sold" something to fix my problem. Most of the time, it did not help. The reason was not that the products were of poor quality, it was that I did not really need them. Instead what I really needed was some education, and someone to tell me the truth.  The most disheartening thing was that my wife was experiencing the same problem with her cockatiel, that of not getting honest answers, just being  "sold" products. 

    I had spent many years in the auto parts business and had come away with the knowledge that an informed customer was a repeat customer. If he could trust you, he would continue as a customer as long as your prices remained competitive. I wondered why no one in the Charleston area was doing that in the pet industry. I talked to other people, manufacturers of pet products, distributors. Some said " Yea that's right" but some gave real insight. If done properly, yes a quality, honest operation would survive and even thrive.

    In July of 1985, we decided to try it. Pet Emporium was created. I would do the best I could. Be honest, fair, trustworthy. My wife would help, yes it would be hard, but we were dedicated to providing a quality shopping experience. 

    That was almost 25 years ago. We have seen lots of places come and go. Lots of new products come and go. Superstores come, discounters come and go, even the bloom of the internet pet store come and some go. There will always be someone cheaper. Always someone newer. Always bigger. We do not want to be everything to everyone. We will never attempt to carry "everything you need". We won't try to be "cheaper" or have "stacks-o-stuff" that change from week to week.  But if  honest service, caring, quality products are important to you and your pets, maybe we are the store for you .If you are looking for the next new fad in pet supplies, sorry, don't do that. A company that wants to be sold in our store must prove their quality, service, integrity and dependability. I have seen too many "Hot" new items come and go., missed a few, but caution when it comes to my pets, takes priority over fads.

    Feel free to call or come by. If you live in the Summerville area, try our free delivery service. If it works out, we will offer it to the greater Charleston area. If you live outside of the Charleston SC market, please feel free to call or e-mail us. We will try to answer your questions. Maybe there is a store in your area that feels like we do, try them out. Ask questions , visit them. There options to the "super-mega-find-it-yourself-don't bother me-I'm-busy-but-we-are-$.10-cheaper-store".

   If you would like to hear more about us or why we do or do not we carry certain products or manufacturers, click here.

Thank you and may God Bless and keep you.

Bud

Pet Emporium