A beloved nature-focused small business is looking for a new owner to carry on its mission of connecting the community with the natural world.
Julie Rensink Hanson, owner of the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise in Santa Monica, has announced she is selling the store after more than eight years in operation. Hanson, a 25-year Santa Monica resident, said she is planning to retire but hopes the business will continue under new ownership.
"We bring people and nature together and we do it with excellence," Hanson said. "Customers love to come into our store and watch our live-feed nature cams."
The store, which Hanson opened in 2018, has built a loyal following among both experienced birders and those new to backyard birdfeeding. It serves customers across the greater Los Angeles area, from apartment dwellers to homeowners on larger estates. Hanson said a typical customer might be a retiree discovering a new hobby, someone working from home who sets up a feeder near their desk, or a parent browsing educational books and puzzles for their children.
Wild Birds Unlimited is a national franchise, and any prospective buyer would need approval from the parent company before taking over Hanson's territory. The sale includes current inventory, all equipment, the existing customer list and the franchise territory rights. Hanson said she will disclose full financial details to serious inquirers.
The store has been more than a retail outlet. Over the years, it has hosted talks and workshops on birds, native plants, wildlife photography and birding identification. Hanson also volunteered for three years with the Los Angeles Audubon Society, leading beginner birdwatching walks at Will Rogers State Park. She said the store regularly promotes area Audubon chapter birdwalks and fields daily conversations with customers about birds, squirrels, wildlife and conservation.
All store employees hold certification as Backyard Birdfeeding Specialists, a credential that underscores the shop's commitment to informed, education-driven customer service.
Among the store's more popular attractions are its live-feed nature cameras, including a feed of the widely followed Big Bear eagle cam — where, according to Hanson, one of the eaglets has begun to hatch.
Hanson said she has been preparing for retirement for the past couple of years and made the decision not to renew the store's lease. She emphasized, however, that the store will continue operating as usual until a buyer is found and that customers should expect no changes to service or product quality in the meantime.
"I am a long-time Santa Monica resident who, although planning to retire, would love to see the business continue with a new owner," Hanson said, "connecting people and nature together for years to come."
The store also operates an online shopping platform at mywbu.com/santamonica, giving a new owner an established digital sales presence in addition to the brick-and-mortar location.
Anyone interested in purchasing the store or learning more can contact Hanson at 310-922-8153. Additional information about the Wild Birds Unlimited franchise model is available at wbu.com.