Feb. 28, 2023

Ocean Outfitters, a local fish and aquarium shop, has moved into a storefront at Southeastern Avenue and Marson Drive and will open later this week.

Owners Jon and Robyn Johnson recently moved to Sioux Falls from Colorado and were operating the business out of their home when they saw an opportunity to open a more permanent space.

“We got lucky,” Jon Johnson said.

They’ve been building up a client base in the year or so they’ve lived here, and they said their goal is to educate, entertain and encourage people to consider aquariums as a hobby.

“What do you do in the winter,” Robyn Johnson said. “You dream of the beach – and now the beach can be in your home.”

Ocean Outfitters will have a soft opening from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday.

The shop, 3622 S. Southeastern Ave., will be open from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will be closed Mondays and open by appointment Tuesdays.

It will sell fresh and saltwater fish, coral and plants – anything that supports your aquarium, as well as tanks.

“If we don’t have it, we’ll get it for you,” Jon Johnson said.

“We have a ton of stuff in here that is a good example of what you could have, so you can get a feel of what kind of tank you’d like. We’re hoping you just let your imagination go.”

He encourages people to come ask questions and learn more.

“We have a room full of tanks – we don’t mind if you come geek out with us,” he said. “A lot of this stuff, people have never seen before. It’s OK to be curious.”

Plus, he loves talking about it.

“There’s just so much to learn, so it never ends,” he said. “A saltwater aquarium isn’t as daunting as it used to be. And we can help you.”

Jon isn’t the only one living out his business dream – Robyn will operate her photography business out of the back, where there is space for a studio. She shoots lifestyle photos – anything from senior portraits to family photos to shots of your pets.

“If you have an idea, I’d love to be able to capture it,” she said.

Colorado family grows aquarium business with move to Sioux Falls