For The Birds Wild Birds Unlimited is something to chirp about.

Sure, I like birds as much as the next guy. I have a feederoutside my office window that attracts a flock of jovial littlesparrows every day. Feeding the birds enriches the food chain and,frankly, as a former game-bird hunter, it feels good to repayMother Nature. Birds are hard workers; in fact, they've beenthe foundation of many successful franchises--think "extracrispy"--but now there's a franchise concept that actuallyis for the birds: Wild Birds Unlimited (WBU).

A WBU retail store is a friendly spot for our fine featheredfriends, featuring private-label bird feed, feeders, habitats andbirdbaths, as well as literature and gifts. Wild Birds UnlimitedInc., founded by Jim Carpenter and based in Carmel, Indiana, nowboasts more than 260 locations, each utilizing anywhere from 1,200to 6,000 square feet of retail space.

As a franchisee, a WBU store would be a nice place to spend yourtime. You'd be greeted by warm and informative displays while achirping bird soundtrack accompanies the soft sound of the drippersin the birdbaths. In essence, a WBU store is an effectivelymerchandised hobby shop and requires active participation fromentrepreneurs in building personal relationships with thehobbyists.