Page 11 - Griffin Gazette Issue 3 - 2020

KEYS TO SUCCESS- FUEL FOR BIRDS
Establishing an area of the store dedicated to wild bird can be
as little as a four-foot end cap to as large and complete as a
store. First, the foundation of a solid department is very good
bird food. Most foods that the box stores and discounters sell
are a cheap seed blend at a cheap price. They use a lot of
fillers. There are unique premium seed choices like Coles Wild
Bird Food and Wild Delight that offer packaging that allows the
consumer to see the quality inside. New bird seed products
resist squirrels by use of hot pepper additives which birds don’t
mind, but warm-blooded animals hate. You don’t need a huge
variety of choices, but they should include the common types like
thistle (or Nyjer seed), black oil sunflower seed, and a blended mix
with plenty of sunflower. If you add one specialty food, choose from
a squirrel resistant one or a mixture without seed hulls.
Another favorite among birds, are suet cakes. Heath Outdoor
Products makes a premium suet line up crafted from natural
ingredients, no artificial flavoring, and real fruit and nuts along
with 100% USDA food grade tallow. The packaging is also
important so that the suet doesn’t leak and damage the label.
Hummingbird nectars are sold either in powder form or ready
to use. These are sold in either clear or red nectar. Companies
like Classic Brands and Perky Pet have long been suppliers of
high-quality nectars.

CHOOSING YOUR FEEDERS
This doesn’t have to be complicated as it may seem. Sure, there
are hundreds of feeders out there to choose from, just keep it
simple. Pick your assortment based upon the various types of
feeders along with price points that make the most sense. Did
you know that certain feeders are constructed to feed specific
bird species? Some tube feeders are designed to have a shorter
perch to allow smaller finch and songbirds to feed on the feeder.
The seed ports may have different spacing or port size which
can determine the type of food used. Wood, metal, glass, and
plastic are typical materials used. One important key is to make
sure you have access to clean the feeder regularly according to
the experts.

MERCHANDISING FOR SUCCESS
Store displays can also help guide your customer to make their
purchases. Today, it is recommended to offer sections devoted
to specific birds that you are trying to attract in the yard. These
sections can contain both the feeder and food recommendations
for easy pairing by the customer. If you have additional space,
you can display categories by the manufacturer to show a
dominant assortment. Droll Yankees, now acquired by Classic
Brands, developed a complete “feathered” shop and listed
these category specialists in their dealer locator section of their
web site. If you are not having success with bird food in your
store due to “critters”, consider offering segments of birding like
bird baths, hummingbird, and metal hooks. Become a specialist
in a feeder line up or food brand, if possible. The consumer will
notice the extra choices and dominance of your displays. The
sales growth of the birding category once again will soar.