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NOVI — Wild Birds Unlimited is dedicated to elevating customers’ bird-watching experience with superior products, expert guidance and community events that attract bird lovers of all skill levels. Last year, Ben Ihde and his wife took ownership of the Novi location, marking their second venture into the franchise.
“As avid nature lovers, we were already fans and customers of the Strongsville, Ohio, location,” Ben said. “We enjoyed it so much that three years ago we decided to get into the franchise and purchased our first location in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. After two years, when the Novi location became available, we saw it as a perfect opportunity to expand. It’s close enough to manage, being only a few hours from our home. We’re thrilled to be part of Novi’s vibrant community and we appreciate the local chamber of commerce and the opportunity to meet new people.”
The Ihdes see the Novi location as more than a store. It’s a community hub for nature enthusiasts.
“We’re a boutique brick-and-mortar retail store that offers a high-energy, customer-intensive experience,” Ben emphasized. “Everyone who works here is a certified bird feeding expert and many are lifelong birders and animal advocates as well. We provide top-quality, fresh bird food similar to premium pet food because birds need proper nutrition as much as pets do.” Unlike big-box stores, their products are expertly curated and frequently restocked to ensure freshness.
The store also differentiates itself with its focus on education, including in-store presentations and get-togethers in local parks where bird enthusiasts can learn about native plants and soil and water conservation.
“At least once a month, we hold bird walks where our customers can go out with a bird expert and a pair of binoculars to learn about native birds,” he said. “It’s about enriching our customers’ experience with nature. Our experts also offer practical solutions to common challenges, like stopping squirrels from eating bird food—just come in and we’ll help you tackle the problem.”
Regular promotions, updates and the shopping cart website can be found via the store’s main website: novi.wbu.com. “Our website is an all-in-one stop for everything from learning about birds to discovering the latest store activities and events,” Ben explained.
Wild Birds Unlimited is located at located at 47760 Grand River Ave. in Novi. For more information, call (248) 374-4000. Find “Wild Birds Unlimited (Novi, MI)” on Facebook and follow @wbunovi on Instagram.
