Wild Birds Unlimited Recognized as Top Franchise Opportunity for 2017 by the Industry’s Leading Publications
For almost 35 years, Wild Birds Unlimited has been connecting consumers across the country with birds and nature in a way that no other brand has been able to mimic. Between its line of premium proprietary bird seed and feeding products and its network of supportive franchisees and Franchise Support Center team members, the brand is known for going above and beyond when it comes to setting its local owners up for success. And the franchising industry is taking note.
For the 30th consecutive year, Wild Birds Unlimited has been ranked on Entrepreneur’s annual Franchise 500 List. The brand took the 171st spot on the publication’s annual ranking of 2017’s top franchise opportunities, meaning that its costs and fees, size and growth, support, brand strength and financial strength and stability stand out within the industry. And with nearly 1,000 submissions, making the Franchise is no small feat.
“It’s an honor and incredibly humbling to be named one of the year’s top franchising opportunities. We’re constantly working to make sure that Wild Birds Unlimited supports its franchisees, so it’s great to see that work recognized by major third party validation publications in the industry,” said Paul Pickett, Wild Birds Unlimited’s Chief Development Officer. “We plan to build on of this strong momentum as we continue to expand this year. We’re confident that it’ll be another record breaking year for the brand.”
Entrepreneur is far from the only industry publication recognizing Wild Birds Unlimited’s momentum in 2017. The brand’s franchise opportunity was also included on Franchise Business Review’s annual ranking of the top 200 franchises, in addition to coming in 9th in the Enterprise Class of the publication’s Franchise 50 and earning the top spot in the retail category. Wild Birds Unlimited was also recognized by Franchise Gator as one of the year’s top 100 franchises, taking the 9th spot overall.
It’s rare for a brand to consistently receive such high ratings from the industry’s leading publications. But the awards aren’t coming as a surprise to Wild Birds Unlimited’s network of franchisees.
“You can’t match the level of expertise that Wild Birds Unlimited brings to the table when it comes to backyard bird feeding. We really go the extra mile to make sure that we understand what every individual customer is looking for so that we can create a unique experience that’s perfect for them,” said Carol Harsh, Wild Bird Unlimited’s franchisee in Schererville, Indiana. “That level of dedication and passion is also evident across Wild Birds Unlimited’s entire franchise system. The brand’s Franchise Support Center team has been so supportive as I’ve built my business—there isn’t a question or problem that they don’t know how to handle. And Wild Birds Unlimited is always innovating and looking ahead. I’m confident that as I continue to grow with them, the brand will keep getting better and better.”
With 300-plus locations currently thriving across the country, Wild Birds Unlimited has solidified its position as a rapidly growing franchise concept. And given its affordable initial investment for new franchisees, with start-up costs ranging from $125,978 to $199,172, the brand is expected to continue welcoming new franchisees into its system and opening its doors in new development markets.
“At the end of the day, you’re not going to be successful unless you’re satisfying your customers. And at Wild Birds Unlimited, we look at our franchisees as our primary customers,” said Pickett. “Our main goal as a corporate team is to provide our local owners with the tools and resources that they need to succeed. The strong sense of community that we’ve created is ultimately what continues to fuel our growth, and we’re excited to continue fostering that positive environment going forward in 2017.”
To learn more about franchising opportunities with Wild Birds Unlimited, click here.