There are nearly 100 Wild Bird Centers serving
communities across the United States and Canada. Our full service
stores carry a complete line of birding products such as seed,
suet, feeders, baths, houses, books, hardware, and garden
accessories. We also promote nature conservation through Cornell
University's Laboratory of Ornithology and local programs in
schools, garden clubs and churches as well as forming alliances
with local nature-oriented institutions such as park districts,
nature centers, and birding clubs.
Where it all Began
Founded by George Petrides Sr., the Wild Bird
Center retail concept started in 1985 with a single store in Cabin
John, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C. Now a leading national
retail franchise, headquartered in Glen Echo, Md. and just one mile
from the original store, our franchise system has grown to nearly
100 Wild Bird Center and Wild Bird Crossing stores serving
communities and the birding hobby throughout the United States and
Canada.
The Best of Business and
Nature
With a franchise from the Wild Bird Centers of
America, Inc., you will make a positive difference in your
community, doing work you find meaningful and satisfying. You'll be
your own boss and enjoy mixing business with your passion for birds
and nature.
Whether you're a backyard birdwatcher or an
experienced naturalist, you'll enjoy the rewards of teaching others
more about the environment that surrounds us. We are here to help
you take a professional, business-like approach to making your
dream a reality.
Love What You do and Share it with
Others
In addition to sharing your birding hobby with
others, our stores are also excellent resources to educate your
community about nature. At any Wild Bird Center store, customers
can learn about local habitat, birding and many aspects of nature's
wonders. Additionally, our company's recent corporate partnership
with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has opened unprecedented access
to the leading birding research for all of our stores.
Check out these feather-raising
facts:
- A 2001 survey by the Department of Interior, the
"National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated
Recreation", confirmed that watching and feeding wild birds is one
of the most popular hobbies in North America.
- Over 54 million Americans annually
spend:
- $3,100,000,000 for feeding wild birds and other
wildlife
- $732,000,000 for houses, feeders, nest boxes and
baths
- $507,000,000 for optics, including binoculars
and spotting scopes
- $331,000,000 for wildlife-related books and
magazines
We offer a Great Support
System
Our unique combination of loyalty-building
products, information and inspiration establishes each store
franchise as a resource embraced by the community it serves. Our
stores achieve outstanding levels of repeat business, customer
referrals and mediaattention.
Wild Bird Centers are supported by an experienced
Home Office team that provides financial, retail, marketing and
business advice as required. These services assist our stores to be
more likely to succeed in a competitive market. We have an
established trade dress and other store standards, making our
stores consistently attractive and a popular, relaxing place for
customers to shop.
