Our Company in Brief
Tropical Store is a successful business with 700 sqm of showroom space, based in Racale, in the province of Lecce.
The products on sale fall into the following categories: pet, fishing, camping, freediving, boating, scuba diving, canoes, inflatables, swimming pool, and military.
With over 26,000 products available online through its private e-commerce platform, Tropical Store reaches customers beyond national borders.
I have been able to build this business over the years by putting myself entirely into it and focusing mainly on two levers: the quality-price ratio and customer service.
A passionate journey that began in 1996 and continues to grow to this day.
Research and development are two fundamental elements for Tropical Store: implemented from the very beginning, they will never stop.
By following this path, I have consistently achieved my goals, allowing my customers to find what they need easily and affordably, along with efficient after-sales support.
I owe a great deal to my sister Chiara, who has tirelessly supported me from the start, and to the team of experts I have trained over time.
5 minutes to tell you how this adventure began and how Tropical Store has evolved over time.
Business Origins and Early Steps of Tropical Store
Tropical Store was founded in September 1996, taking over from the previous management of Acquario Nettuno, located in Racale on Via Principe di Napoli, soon renamed Acquario Tropical. Passion drove this youthful entrepreneurship—perhaps inexperienced, yet active and eager to learn.
The drawer of dreams was opened by recognizing the potential of an old, neglected, and poorly stocked store from the previous management, where I already envisioned what it could become.
Acquario Tropical grew alongside my aspirations, expanding beyond the commercial aspect to include new horizons by incorporating boating, freediving, scuba diving, and canoe sectors.
The leap forward was propelled by great determination and perseverance, so much so that in the early years Acquario Tropical became the reference point for all neighboring towns.
Launching the E-commerce
The inclination toward innovation and the desire to satisfy more people with different needs materialized in 2005 with the launch of our proprietary e-commerce: thus, the platform tropical-store.com was born.
I have always maintained that the driving force behind everything comes not only from persistence but also from the collaborative energy that supports it.
Our business reflects family collaboration, adding value to our achievements, thanks to my sister Chiara, a professional and expert who has continually updated her skills over the years.
First Relocation and Expansion with a New Product Range
Acquario Tropical soon stopped ‘crawling’ and began its journey as a ‘runner,’ expanding operations to marinas, particularly Torre Suda, and the new logistics site on Via Piave 55 in Racale.
Thus, in 2008, I moved from a small commercial space of only 130 sqm to a property of about 600 sqm, selectively organized by sales sectors and focused on providing information for every client need and specific requirement.
Tropical Store was born.
Tropical Store remained steadfast in its decision to continuously renew and expand, not only in existing sectors but also into new areas such as camping, modeling, swimming pools, and militaria.
Formation of a Specialized Team and New Owned Headquarters
The company, born out of a family sentiment, became a team of human resources that confer great professional and responsible collaboration.
Today, Tropical Store’s staff includes:
- Chiara Corvino – General Manager
- Elisabetta Coronese – Secretary
- Priscilla Fasano – Pet Shop Manager
- Antonio Rizzo – Fishing Department Manager
- Dennis Marino – Warehouse Manager
Over the years, my specialized team encouraged me to find a new owned location to provide greater stability for the entire team. After 25 years, the big step happened: Tropical Store moved to its current headquarters at Via Ferrara 15 in Racale, with 700 sqm of showroom space and 1,000 sqm of warehouse.
Products and Services of Tropical Store
Tropical Store offers thousands of products, all available in-store and many online. The product categories include pet, fishing, camping, freediving, boating, scuba diving, canoes, inflatables, swimming pools, and military.
The boating sector has always been a key goal and today is a realized milestone, offering services such as:
- Winter covered storage for small boats
- Sale of new and used boats
- Sale of new and used boat engines
Linked to the diving world, the services also professionally include:
- Recharging and renting air cylinders
- Sale of diving clothing and equipment
All products are available online, with more than 26,000 items ready to meet even the most unexpected requests. Reaching our customers everywhere and being available for every need is our strength. Staff are always on hand to provide information before, during, and after sales.
Customer demand, especially in a maritime region, has also led us to offer diving courses with PADI certification.
The organization of diving excursions has always received meticulous attention, whether from the shore or by boat.
In the near future, Tropical Store is ready to organize fishing charters.
Participation in Fairs and Organization of Tropical Store Events
The soul of Tropical Store is to remain at the forefront. My managers have participated in various boating fairs: from 2008 to 2011 at the Gallipoli Nautical Fair, and from 1996 to 2002 at provincial patron fairs: Garmin, Molix, Tubertini, Daiwa Partnerships.
Dog fairs have always been organized by the Tropical Store staff.
The sea has not only fascinated dreamers but has driven my business.
In 2018, I acquired the historic fishing company “ALPOGA TEAM TROPICAL STORE,” with 48 competitive athletes. Together with a group of friends, driven by passion and a love of fishing, I established under my vice presidency the association “AMICI DEL MARE.” Through this, I organized the “BOLENTINO FISHING COMPETITION” to raise awareness about respect for nature and the surrounding environment.
Tropical Store: Its Unique Features
Pride in perseverance within a highly professional framework gives Tropical Store a human and empathetic edge with each client.
This translates into attentive listening to customer needs and keeping the physical store fully and promptly stocked.
Every product is analyzed for quality-price ratio through a thorough research network on both components and usage.
Informing our customers as best as possible is one of our strengths and guarantees consumer protection. Clients are guided by Tropical Store staff both technically and practically.
Today, Tropical Store is the most renowned retail outlet in Southern Italy, thanks to its vast product assortment, wide range of categories, and post-sale support.
Tropical Store is also an authorized dealer of the Japanese brand TOHATSU, offering high-quality, user-friendly outboard motors.
The Future of Tropical Store
The next goal will focus on onboard electronics through a partnership with Garmin, aiming for highly competitive online sales.
Tropical Store remains a meeting point between passion and professionalism, characterized by attention to customer care, keeping it competitive in every type of market.
Alessandro Corvino
Tropical Store