As a life long resident (captive) of Peoria, IL I have always been interested in how we don't have the resources it seems we should based on the population size. I chalk it up to bad leadership combined with apathetic/conservative/narrow minded population. Peoria has an awesome infrastructure with the 1800's warehouse district and the riverfront and look at what it is(not). It is truly messed up, the point being you wouldn't come to Peoria for art or music or food or anything really so don't be surprised when the Petco and Super Pets suck too. The jury is still out on the guy opening a reef store (soon I hope), please God let it be decent. I was just at Super Pets the other day and I swear every other tank had a floater and/or sick fish. They are moving and I hope they take advantage of the opportunity to get there ish together. If they do I will come back on here and revise my statement.
On the other hand, even with healthy stock most die anyway since probably at least 75% of people buying the fish don't bother to learn how to care for them.