WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED
Wild Birds Unlimited franchises retail stores that sell bird feeders, bird seed, and nature-related gifts, providing customers with advice, top-quality products, and a pleasant shopping experience to enhance their enjoyment of wild birds and nature. The business model involves operating under the WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED system with standardized products, layout, and decor, targeting backyard bird feeding hobbyists, bird watchers, and purchasers of nature-themed gifts. Stores typically range from 1,200 to 1,700 square feet and compete in a mature market with garden stores and similar retailers.
Disclaimer: This information was extracted using AI from public Franchise Disclosure Documents and should be independently verified. This is not financial or legal advice. Always review official FDD filings before making investment decisions.
Overview
Financial Requirements
4% royalty + 1% ad fund + $350/mo technology fee
Franchise Stats
Financial Performance
Item 19 Financial Performance
Data Based On: Data based on 320 franchised stores operating for at least 2 full consecutive years leading up to December 31st, 2024, included in the Same Store Sales Percent Change schedule.
* The provided pages (Item 19, Schedule 1) contain only 'Same Store Sales Percent Change' data, not absolute dollar figures for gross revenue, net income, net profit, or EBITDA. Therefore, these specific financial metrics cannot be extracted or calculated from the given information.
Extracted Item 19 Section
How WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Compares to Other Specialty Retail Franchises
Key Insights
- Top 10 largest franchise system in Specialty Retail
| Franchise | Investment Range | Franchise Fee | Royalty | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED Current | $227K - $379K | $40K | 4.0% | 340 |
| MERLE NORMAN COSMETICS | $48K - $260K | N/A | N/A | 797 |
| CORNWELL | $80K - $324K | N/A | N/A | 793 |
| BATTERIES PLUS | $263K - $497K | $45K | 5.0% | 604 |
| PET SUPPLIES PLUS | $537K - $2.0M | $50K | 3.0% | 502 |
| YOUR CBD STORE | $96K - $151K | $20K | 2.0% | 275 |
Specialty Retail Average 46 franchises | $285K - $708K | $38K | 5.0% | - |
* Comparison based on latest FDD filings. Investment ranges from Item 7, fees from Item 5. Showing top 5 of 46 Specialty Retail franchises by location count.
Locations & Growth
Outlet Growth Over Time
Total outlets at end of each year
Geographic Distribution (2024)
Outlets by state across the United States
+29 more states
SBA Loan History
Historical SBA 7(a) loan data for WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchisees (2010 - 2025)
Loans by Year
* Data sourced from SBA 7(a) FOIA loan records. Default rate calculated from charged-off loans.
Franchisee Contacts
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Due Diligence
Litigation (Item 3)
No litigation involving franchisees reported in the FDD.
Bankruptcy (Item 4)
No bankruptcy history reported in the FDD.
System Health (Item 20)
Franchise system changes reported in the most recent fiscal year
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to open a WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchise?
The total initial investment to open a WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchise ranges from $226,601 to $378,977. This includes a franchise fee of $40,000. Ongoing royalty fees are 4.0% of gross sales.
How many WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchise locations are there?
As of the 2025 FDD, WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED has 340 franchise locations. The company has been franchising since 1983.
Can you get an SBA loan for a WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchise?
Yes, SBA loans are available for WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchises. Historical data shows 91 SBA 7(a) loans have been approved for WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED franchisees, with an average loan amount of $296,121. The historical default rate is 1.1%.
Is WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED a good franchise to buy?
WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED shows several positive indicators: established brand with 340+ locations, transparent financial performance data (Item 19), low SBA loan default rate. However, franchise success depends on many factors including location, local market conditions, and owner involvement. We recommend speaking with existing franchisees and consulting with a franchise attorney before making a decision.
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