News

Aquaja is proud to announce that Tom Bootsma, currently director within the company, is joining as co-owner. As of May 1st, 2026, he has acquired 50% of the company shares. With this step, Aquaja consciously chooses an independent future and the further professionalisation of the organisation.

After nearly 15 years within the company, starting as an intern in 2011, Tom has grown into one of the key driving forces behind Aquaja. With his extensive knowledge of the internal organisation, production and project execution, he plays a central role in the company’s daily operations.

Over the past years, Aquaja has developed into an internationally active company within the pet retail and aquatics sector. With projects both within and outside Europe and a strong focus on tailor-made solutions, concept development and complete retail solutions, the company continues to invest in further growth, innovation and professionalisation.

Photo: © Jan-Gerrit Baumann – ZZA-Verlag / used with permission.

Strong Future

With this step, Aquaja makes a clear strategic choice for an independent future and the further professionalisation of the organisation. This decision aligns with Aquaja’s long-term vision to continue growing through its own strength within the international market.

The entry of Tom Bootsma as co-owner reinforces this vision and creates a solid foundation for further growth.

Within the renewed partnership, Danny Janssen will focus even more on external activities such as concept development and international growth. Tom will take responsibility for the internal organisation and operational processes.

Tom Bootsma:

“I am proud of the trust that has been placed in me and I look positively towards the future. There are exciting challenges and opportunities ahead as we continue building the future of Aquaja together.”

Danny Janssen:

“Tom started at Aquaja as an intern in 2011 and has developed over the years into one of the key pillars of the company. He has always remained loyal, even during more challenging periods, and through his dedication, knowledge and commitment, he has made a major contribution to the development and success of Aquaja as it stands today. For me, he has always been the ideal partner within the company, allowing me to focus even more on commerce, strategy and the further growth of the business in the future.”

Aquaja will be exhibiting at Interzoo 2026 in Nuremberg, and we would be pleased to welcome you at our booth.

📅 12–15 May 2026

📍 Hall 4 – Stand 148

Visit us to discover our latest products and innovations and meet our team.

If you are planning to attend Interzoo, feel free to join our LinkedIn event and let us know you are coming.

We are proud to announce a new project currently in development in Hagenow. Together with Renato and René, we are creating the complete animal retail concept for Flosse & Pfote, a new specialist pet store located at Rudolf-Tarnow-Str. 28.

The store is built around a clear vision: bringing back the experience of a true pet shop, where animals remain at the heart of the store and customers can discover, observe and receive personal advice. For this project, Aquaja is responsible for the design and realisation of multiple systems including aquatics, terrariums, bird and small animal habitats, as well as dedicated display areas for plants and livestock.

René, who has been active in the pet retail industry for almost 26 years, is fulfilling a lifelong dream with this project, while Renato brings his passion for animals and entrepreneurship to the concept. As locals, the founders want to strengthen the retail offering in Hagenow and create a modern pet store focused on animal wellbeing, strong assortment and professional advice. The opening is currently planned for mid-May.

𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑆𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑜𝑛. 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦. 𝑁𝑒𝑤 𝑃𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝑒𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡.

With the new season approaching, now is the perfect time to prepare your pond department for success.

Whether you want to refresh your existing setup or create a brand-new pond area, our team is here to guide you every step of the way from first idea to final installation.

𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞’𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐰𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫:

1️⃣ Get in touch with the Aquaja team
2️⃣ We analyse and discuss your current setup
3️⃣ Develop a concept for your new pond department
4️⃣ You receive a custom 3D layout and quotation
5️⃣ Together we plan the execution and installation

Let’s make this season your most successful yet.

When customers walk into your store, the first thing they’ll likely notice (even if subconsciously) is how your animals are housed. A clean, well-designed display says a lot:

✅ It shows you truly care about your animals
✅ It builds trust — healthy, happy animals = store professionalism
✅ It signals high-quality products

And here’s the important part: that trust keeps people in your store longer which often converts into higher sales.

Here’s how Aquaja’s custom shopfitting makes the difference:

🐠 Custom Aquariums:
Bright, organized tanks + optional LED lighting that highlight the fish while keeping energy costs low.

🦎 Professional Terrariums:
Natural, tidy habitats that help customers imagine similar setups at home.

🐹 Small-Animal & Bird Enclosures:
Uniform, low-maintenance units that create a premium, reliable impression.

🌿 Inspiring Display Features:
Themed aquascapes, feature walls, and creative habitats that catch attention and spark curiosity.

When animals look good, customers feel confident they explore, stay longer, and are more likely to buy.