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Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise ProfileRetail Franchises > Specialty Retail |
How To Open a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise?
To start your journey as a Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee, you'll need to fill out an ownership application and complete the necessary background checks. After that, you'll engage in discussions with the franchise development team. If you align with their criteria, you may be invited to a discovery day, where you can learn more about the brand, meet current franchisees, and explore operational expectations. Once you complete the onboarding process, you will be ready to open your store, which typically spans between 1,200 to 1,700 square feet and focuses on selling bird feeders, birdseed, and nature-related gifts.
What Makes Wild Birds Unlimited an Attractive Franchise?
Before committing to a franchise, it's critical to assess its fit for your business goals. Wild Birds Unlimited serves a dedicated niche of bird feeding enthusiasts, offering a range of products that appeal to nature lovers. The franchise has a proven business model, with a supportive network to guide you through training and operations. Initial investments range from $224,273 to $379,309, which includes an initial franchise fee of about $48,799 to $49,199. Franchisees are also responsible for ongoing fees, including royalties and advertising expenses, which can impact your overall profitability.
Why Consider Becoming a Wild Birds Unlimited Franchisee?
Wild Birds Unlimited emphasizes quality products and a passion for nature, which can resonate with customers who are avid bird watchers. If you enjoy engaging with the community and sharing knowledge about bird feeding, this franchise could be a fulfilling opportunity. The brand offers extensive training and ongoing support, which helps ease the transition into ownership. Additionally, you will benefit from an established supply chain and marketing strategies designed to draw in customers passionate about wildlife.
Is Wild Birds Unlimited the Right Franchise for You?
The franchise has been operating since 1983 and has grown to over 340 locations in the U.S. and Canada. Its focus on bird feeding and nature products positions it uniquely within the retail landscape. However, like any business, success will depend on various factors, including location, market conditions, and your commitment to customer service. Evaluating your financial readiness and aligning it with Wild Birds Unlimited's operational requirements will be essential as you consider this investment opportunity.
Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Financial Requirements
Below, you’ll find an overview of the initial investment needed to launch the business, along with the ongoing fees required by the franchisor to maintain operations over time.
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Wild Birds Unlimited Franchise Unit Growth Summary
A breakdown of corporate, franchised, and total units, with yearly net changes shown in the chart and table.
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Units | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 |
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Total Units | 328 | 331 | 333 |
Net Change YoY | 3 | 2 | |
Franchised Units | 328 | 331 | 333 |
Net Change YoY | 3 | 2 | |
Corporate Units | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Net Change YoY | 0 | 0 |
Company Background
Wild Birds Unlimited is a specialty retail franchise dedicated to providing bird lovers with high-quality bird food, feeders, and accessories. Founded in 1981, the company has grown to over 300 locations across North America. Wild Birds Unlimited focuses on educating customers about backyard birds and promoting environmentally friendly practices to enhance birdwatching experiences. With a commitment to conservation and community engagement, each store serves as a hub for bird enthusiasts to explore their passion for nature.
Franchise Opportunity
Investing in a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise offers a unique opportunity for those passionate about nature and wildlife. As a franchisee, you’ll benefit from a well-established brand with a proven business model, comprehensive training, and ongoing support. The franchise provides you with access to exclusive products and marketing resources, helping you create a successful retail operation in your local community. This franchise is ideal for individuals looking to combine their business ambitions with their love for birds and the outdoors.
Corporate Structure
Wild Birds Unlimited, Inc. operates as a franchise system under the corporate structure established in 1981. Headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, the company has developed a franchise model that emphasizes local ownership and community involvement. Each franchise location is independently owned and operated, allowing franchisees to tailor their offerings while adhering to the company’s standards for quality and customer service.
Royalties
Franchisees of Wild Birds Unlimited are required to pay a royalty fee of 5% of their gross sales. Additionally, there is an advertising contribution of 2% of gross sales, which funds national and regional marketing initiatives. These fees are structured to ensure franchisees benefit from brand recognition and promotional efforts that drive customer traffic to their stores.
Company Mission
The mission of Wild Birds Unlimited is to inspire people to connect with nature through the joy of birdwatching. The company is committed to providing high-quality products that enhance the birdfeeding experience while promoting conservation and environmental stewardship. Wild Birds Unlimited strives to educate customers about the importance of wildlife and inspire them to create welcoming habitats for birds in their own backyards.
Brand Story
Wild Birds Unlimited began its journey in 1981 when founder Jim Carpenter opened the first store in Indianapolis, Indiana. Driven by a love for birds and a desire to share that passion with others, Carpenter created a retail experience focused on quality products and exceptional customer service. Over the decades, the brand has expanded its reach, becoming a trusted leader in the birdfeeding industry. Today, Wild Birds Unlimited is not just a retail franchise; it represents a community of bird enthusiasts dedicated to enjoying and preserving nature.
Frequently Asked Questions
The initial investment to open a Wild Birds Unlimited franchise ranges from approximately $224,273 to $379,309, depending on various factors such as location and existing franchisee status .