3 Reasons To Invest in Wild Birds Unlimited in 2021

After 40 years in the game, Wild Birds Unlimited has remained strong in its commitment to connecting people with nature. It’s that kind of dedication that’s helped the brand grow to more than 345 locations across the U.S. and Canada, reaching birdwatchers of all kinds.

The brand’s helped so many turn their love of birds and nature into more than just a hobby, and instead, into an enterprising business opportunity. With solid support backing from the franchise support center, a booming e-commerce and consumers piqued interest in spending time outdoors, there’s no reason 2021 shouldn’t be the year you invest in the leading hobby-driven brand yourself. So, what are you waiting for?

Strong Support From the Wild Birds Unlimited Team

The sign of a good franchise opportunity is the backing of a strong support system from the franchise support center, and Wild Birds Unlimited does not disappoint. The brand is committed to seeing through the success of its franchisees and helping them to navigate any roadblocks that might come their way — especially through the pandemic. In tough times the brand’s support team offered its partners resources on PPP loans, the creation of marketing materials to promote their stores and even a hotline for quick solutions to any concerns.

Paul Pickett, chief development officer for the brand, says that the support system is something Wild Birds Unlimited takes great pride in and is always working to continue to strengthen.

“The main benefit of franchising versus going into business alone is that you have franchisor support during good times and bad times, and that is something the Wild Birds Unlimited leadership team has always taken very seriously,” said Pickett.

And that dedication isn’t going unnoticed. Franchisees with Wild Birds Unlimited are over the moon about the support the brand has given them, and consider it one of the most beneficial parts of their investment.

“The franchise support center has done a great job in really being there for me during the pandemic, and answering all my questions in the process,” said Matt Kosty, a Wild Birds Unlimited franchisee from Fayetteville, New York. “I’d recommend to anyone looking to invest in a franchise to find one that is as supportive as Wild Birds Unlimited. They not only put their customers first, but ensure their franchisees success. We’re different from other brands; that’s the bottom line.”

An E-Commerce Platform that Enables Franchisees to Reach Customers Regardless of Restrictions
 

When the world was forced to go digital, Wild Birds Unlimited went all in on its online store, MyWBU. The recently updated platform has provided the brand’s loyal customers with an easy way to access products, and pique the interest of birdwatchers who are new to the hobby.

According to Patrick Eckhardt, the e-commerce manager at Wild Birds Unlimited, the platform has been key in allowing franchise store owners to continue serving their customers during the pandemic and will only further promote business once it's passed. What’s so unique about the online store is that it connects local stores owners with their regular customers, so franchisees don’t miss out on the revenue they help generate.

“I think [our digital platform] has been essential to keeping our customers tied into our system and shopping with our stores,” said Eckhardt. “We have a store that shut down their showroom completely for a couple of months and they ended up increasing their year over year total sales, surpassing their sales volume from when they had their physical location open. We’re finding that every single one of those [existing] customers either maintained or increased engagement.”

During the pandemic, Manuel Pena, a customer-turned-franchisee with Wild Birds Unlimited said that the platform made up for 95% of his sales. And as a whole, the brand has seen an increase of more than 1000% in online sales over 2019.  This significant increase is due to so many more franchise store owners launching the platform and so many retail customers using it as a way to safely shop for the best backyard bird feeding products on the market.

The Demand for Outdoor Activities at Home Is On the Rise, Putting the Brand in a Better Position To Succeed

At its core,Wild Birds Unlimited is a brand dedicated to helping bird feeders feel connected to their hobby. And while people still stuck at home for the foreseeable future, there’s been an increased interest in outdoor activities — driving the brand further toward success.

With a growing community of birdwatchers and feeders across the country, Wild Birds Unlimited is becoming the go-to source for all things feeders, seed and other hobby products. 

“During times like these, the joy of backyard bird feeding is more important than ever,” said Amy Moore, vice president of retail concepts at Wild Birds Unlimited. “People are spending more time at home right now, so they have more time to enjoy the birds and nature around them. Bird watching and feeding can help people find an escape from the current insanity going on around us.”