Chicago’s North Shore has long been home to passionate pond enthusiasts, but few realize they have access to what many consider the region’s best-kept secret. Koi & More Pond Shop in Highland Park, Illinois, represents the perfect blend of traditional pond-keeping wisdom and modern business innovation, serving both the seasoned ponder and educating today’s new hobbyists. Under new ownership, Koi & More is proud to continue to support, supply and provide services to the Chicagoland area.
The Acquisition Journey
Three years ago, with 20 years of experience in landscaping, construction and business operations under their belts belts, the new owners discovered a true diamond in the rough when they acquired Koi & More Pond Shop. What drew them to this Highland Park treasure wasn’t just its potential, but the foundation of knowledge and community trust that had been built over the years.
The business came with decades of accumulated pond-keeping wisdom—understanding fish behavior, water chemistry fundamentals and the delicate art of pond ecosystem balance. We recognized that this wasn’t simply a retail acquisition; we were becoming stewards of a legacy that connected us to generations of pond enthusiasts who understood that successful water gardening requires both expertise and genuine passion for aquatic life.
Transforming the Brick-and-Mortar Experience
The first priority was polishing and expanding the physical offerings to create a destination that would excite both veteran pond keepers and newcomers to the hobby. The new owners invested heavily in upgrading livestock capabilities, bringing in premium large koi that serve as centerpieces for serious collectors and hobbyists seeking statement fish for their water gardens.
The product inventory expanded significantly to include comprehensive water treatments, advanced filtration systems, premium fish foods and professional-grade equipment. Recognizing that plants are the living artwork of any water feature, we cultivated relationships with quality growers to offer an extensive selection of both tropical and hardy aquatic plants throughout the growing season.
Perhaps most importantly, Koi & More Pond Shop expanded beyond retail to offer comprehensive pond services, including new construction, repairs, maintenance and specialized koi health consultations. This transformation positioned the company as a complete pond solution provider rather than just another supply shop.
Expanding Into Digital Education and Sales
While honoring traditional pond-keeping methods, Koi & More Pond Shop recognizes the opportunity to share knowledge and serve customers far beyond our local market through strategic online integration. A digital expansion allows the company to connect with pond enthusiasts nationwide, offering them access to the same quality products and expertise that our local customers have come to trust.
We’ve begun developing online resources and are continuously building our digital presence to better serve customers who need guidance on product selection and pond management decisions. This growing online platform enables us to extend our personalized service approach to customers across the country, sharing our hands-on experience and carefully curated product selection with those who may never visit our Highland Park location but still want to benefit from our expertise.
Looking Forward
As the company continues to grow, its mission remains clear: preserving the foundational principles of pond keeping while adapting to serve the next generation of water garden enthusiasts. Whether customers visit our Highland Park location to hand-select their perfect koi or connect with us online for expert guidance on their latest project, they experience the same commitment to quality, knowledge and genuine care for their aquatic success.
Koi & More Pond shop is proud to carry on the tradition of excellent pond keeping while building bridges to new technologies, markets and methods that will sustain this wonderful hobby for years to come.
