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May 16, 2008 - KITTERY, MAINE: In a new report released recently by Franchise Business Review, owner satisfaction among retail franchises was found to be weaker relative to other franchise sectors. However, in an industry that is niche-oriented and yet very competitive, franchisees are satisfied with significant components of franchise ownership – training and support, franchise system, franchisee/franchisor relations and financial opportunity.

Franchise Business Review surveys thousands of franchisees each year to determine their levels of satisfaction with their business. The firm publishes a Franchisee Satisfaction Index (FSI) to measure, track and compare franchisee satisfaction for individual companies and industry sectors. The Retail Services sector had an overall FSI of 60.9%.The average FSI across all industry sectors in franchising is 68.9%.

“Retailing often means long hours and little pay to most people, but the franchisees who work for those firms we surveyed are fairly satisfied,” states Franchise Business Review President Eric Stites. “The economy is driven by consumer spending and shopping will always be a great American pastime, so successful franchises are always poised to do well.”

“Whether you are looking for a Bible, batteries or bathroom tile – retail franchises are in every niche all across the country. On any Main Street or in any mall, you will see top franchises like Parable Christian Bookstores, Learning Express toy store or Interstate All Battery Center offering consumers what they want and need. While no industry is recession proof, an economic downturn might actually be a good time to invest in a franchise. Choosing a system with good franchisee satisfaction is one step to success.”

Jim Carpenter, CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, the first and largest franchise system of retail stores catering to the backyard bird feeding hobbyist says “At Wild Birds Unlimited, we care about our franchisees and the survey results through Franchise Business Review have validated their satisfaction with the franchise system and their relationship with us. The franchisee satisfaction research provided by Franchise Business Review allows Wild Birds Unlimited to connect with the best prospective franchise buyers looking to invest in a specialty retail franchise.”

Despite the recent tough times in the retail industry, these retail franchises had the highest franchisee satisfaction and were presented the 2008 Franchisee Satisfaction Award earlier this year by Franchise Business Review – Aaron’s Sale & Lease Ownership, Wild Birds Unlimited, Learning Express, Interstate All Battery Center, CLIX, Parable Christian Stores, FAST-FIX Jewelry Repair, Cartridge Depot and Tile Outlet.

The 2008 Retail Franchises Report as well as many other company and sector reports are available for free download on the Franchise Business Review company website at http://www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com.

About Franchise Business Review

Franchise Business Review is a national franchise market research firm that performs independent research of franchisee satisfaction and franchise buyer experiences. Franchise Business Review is based in Kittery, Maine and can be reached at 866-397-6680 or by visiting their company websites at www.FranchiseBusinessReview.com or www.FBR50.com.

About Wild Birds Unlimited

Wild Birds Unlimited is the first and largest franchise system of retail stores catering to the backyard bird feeding hobbyist. Headquartered in Carmel, IN Wild Birds Unlimited opened their first store in 1981 and now have more than 300 stores throughout North America.

Media Relations Contact:

Cynthia Adams

Franchise Business Review

Kittery, Maine

866-397-6680

View Company Website: http://www.franchisebusinessreview.com