CLS closing, just fyi

[tdwyatt]

I received the following email from Champion Lighting, no comment here, just a FYI note,

Champion lighting posted in an email to tdwyatt:
CUSTOM SEA LIFE- GOING OUT OF BUSINESS


Effective immediately, Custom Sea Life (CSL) is going out of business. They are closing their doors, not because of bankruptcy or business problems, but due to a personal decision made by the owner.

Through an arrangement with CSL, Champion Lighting will honor all CSL warranties on items purchased by Champion's wholesale, service, public aquarium and retail customers. This warranty will apply to all CSL products purchased in the past and for all current inventory, including refurbished items.

As always, Champion will continue to inventory replacement parts for virtually all CSL products. This includes CSL PC ballasts, metal halide ballasts, fans, sockets, UV's, chillers, and lamps for both the Power Compact and Metal Halide fixtures.

We will continue to distribute and warrantee Velocity pumps.

In the near future we will also be carrying replacement product lines for the PC Moon-Lite, Smart Lite, Power Compact line, Power Coolers, and UV sterilizers under the "Currents USA" brand name. We will continue to carry comparable metal halide hoods, retrofit kits, ballasts, etc.

Be assured that your Custom Sea Life fixtures, hoods, ballasts, chillers, etc. are not orphans. Customers that have purchased or are planning to purchase CSL products will be accommodated by Champion Lighting in every way. Feel free to contact us with parts needs or any concerns with CSL products.

Champion Lighting and Supply Co.
www.championlighting.com
800-673-7822

[reefcam]

Wow... That's a shock. They have always had the best customer service and I use many of their products.

And I like their moonlight too. Have 3 on my tank.

Jim

[tdwyatt]

yeah, a surprise to say the least. Evidently Champion will be stnding behind the product with support.

[JennM]

Wow That came out of NOWHERE. I have sold tons of their stuff, and YES they do have the best customer service.

Guess it's Coralife now.... major bummer.

Jenn

[Stang69]

In another twist


From what I am hearing Central Pet is buying out Kent Marine. Jack is staying on for an additional 3 years to make sure the juncture goes well

Jeff

[JennM]

Heh that is old news What I have been told is that we will not notice any changes in staff/service/products etc.

My Kent rep is da bomb.

Jenn

[Stang69]

Ok Jenn I had just heard that today so I thought it was new news hehehhe


Then again I have been outa the dist. Loop fer a while



Jeff

[JennM]

Addendum to the Custom Sealife discussion..

I emailed my distributor to ask her what was up... here's the reply I got:

Actually, they haven't closed, they were sold. I'm going to send you an email from our buyer - the new company will be BETTER, more & new items added - it is going to be great!

JB

I haven't received the other correspondence she mentioned, but I feel better already.

Jenn

[tdwyatt]

Yes, although I don't know the previous owner, the company HAS to have some intrinsic valkue, and regardless of why the business closed, I would want the previous owner to get something for all he/she has put into the business. I could not believe that they would just close up and leave all that business floating around, after all, SOMEBODY should be willing to carry on the business in the manner we've come to expect...

[Heyoo]

Originally posted by JennM

My Kent rep is da bomb.

Jenn

Geeez. I hope he doesn't have to fly much. Seems like he'd have a hell of a time in airport security... hehehe.

[JennM]

Smartypants.... ;funny:

Yeah he's in Wisconsin right now... talked to him yesterday. Before that he was in Ohio...

He's very positive about the Kent/Central deal. Says it means bigger and better things for Kent - I'm glad he's positive about it, so, so am I!

Jenn