The Readers’ Poll returned for 2023, and now we can proudly reveal the stores that you voted as the top shops for the year.
WE’VE REACHED THAT time again, just as the winter months are scratching at our doors, to reveal this
year’s winners of the Practical Fishkeeping Readers’ Poll. This year a veritable legion of voters took part, giving us one of our busiest periods to date in sorting through them all. By why does it matter?
Historically, the Readers’ Poll has been a badge of honour for the nation’s aquatic retailers. It provides a chance for customers to reward their favourite stores with the formal recognition they deserve. There’s a certain pride that comes with being told you’re the best of the best.
It should come as no surprise that this year we’ve once again seen a few new faces join the ranks of the UK’s elite, but there’s also been a degree of consistency — many former winners can once again claim to be the top in their specialist genres, as voted for by you, the paying public.
WINNERS BY CATEGORY
RETAILER OF THE YEAR
•Winner: When it comes to Maidenhead Aquatics, bigger really is better, and this year saw a mountain of votes for what is once again the nation’s favourite aquatic chain store. With over 150 branches, it’s clearly doing something right!
•Runner-up: In a repeat of last year’s outcome, Aquahome Aquatic Centre takes second place for this highly coveted category, and adds to a long string of regional and category wins for this impressive, Leyland based store.
ONLINE RETAILER OF THE YEAR
•Winner: Charterhouse Aquatics looks like it’s not ready to relinquish the position, taking first place for yet another year. From the off, we at PFK were impressed at how progressive this business was, and it looks like we weren’t the only ones.
•Runner-up: In another repeat of last year’s outcome, we find Complete Aquatics. With many prior runner-up positions, this store has set the bar high for what constitutes a great online retailer.
INDEPENDENT RETAILER OF THE YEAR
•Winner: A brand new face sweeps into its first Readers’ Poll win in spectacular style in the form of Premier Aquatics. With a strong social media presence and adoring customer base, a category win was inevitable for this Runcorn based store.
•Runner-up: Taking a respectable place amongst the Top 40 stores in last year’s poll, Little Fish Aquatics in Kings Lynn has pulled all the stops out for even more recognition this time around, rompi
