For Sale: Chain of Aquarium and Nature Centers

Perhaps the neatest teaser I've seen in awhile.

This teaser tied the record for the most times people sent one to me that I featured in this newsletter.

Located inside shopping malls, this is a chain of 13 conservation-centric nature and aquarium centers for sale/investment.

Where else can you swim with a stingray and then pet a porcupine? Well, these people have figured it out. Here’s a note from the broker:

They’re smartly associating their brand with conservation. Not only does this help with marketing, but that kind of thing also attracts mission-oriented staff.

As I’ve been exposed to more amusement center businesses like these, I’ve been surprised by how profitable they are. When they’re a hit, these things print money with low marginal costs:

Of course, that means things can go bad the other way — fast.

Lose visitors or get hit by a pandemic and you can’t exactly lay off 50% of your shark population. :-)

They appear to be pretty bullish on the space. I’d be worried about the health of malls (where they’re located) and landlords wanting to capture more value in the face of declining revenue.

Overall, a fun deal to look at!

Michael