Long-time customer becomes new owner of The Bird Store and More

Alex Houser Vukoder

The Bird Store and More has called 117 Merz Blvd. home for 28 years. Sue Wright and her late husband Paul purchased it 24 years ago, and this month Wright is passing the baton to new owner, Tammie Kerst. Wright sent out an email to her customers earlier this year to let them know of her plans to sell and Kerst, who had been a loyal customer for several years reached out.

“Tammie is going to be fantastic. One of the great things about our customers is they truly love birds. To have another bird lover own the store is more than I could have asked for,” said Wright.

Birds have been a hobby of Kerst’s for many years. She has turned her backyard into a relaxing, peaceful place for birds and other critters. She also spends a lot of time in the national parks and is always on the lookout for birds, especially her favorites: cardinals, chickadees and herons.

“I have always had a passion for nature and wildlife. When I started frequenting The Bird Store, I knew this was a special place. People come here because they want to take care of nature and are happy to help,” said Kerst.

Kerst grew up in Northeast Ohio and moved back to the area about 10 years ago after living in Colorado, where she worked on legislation to protect the wildlife.

“I know firsthand how important appreciating and protecting nature is. I am honored to carry on Sue’s legacy of ensuring that bird feeders, bird watchers and bird lovers have what they need to pursue this rewarding hobby,” said Kerst. “I am also excited that I get to continue to learn from her.”

When Wright returns from taking her first vacation in more than two years, she will offer her expertise to bird lovers at the shop a couple of days a week as well as spend time with Rae, a blue-fronted Amazon parrot who will carry on as the store mascot.

“I love the store, all of the people I work with, and our customers. It’s truly been an amazing experience, meeting wonderful people and helping them get just what they need to turn their backyards into mini nature centers,” said Wright.

Under Kerst’s ownership, The Bird Store and More will continue to be the place for all the things you need to take care of your backyard birds as well as bring some new ideas and gift offerings. They also plan to continue to have sidewalk sales, host events with the Medina Raptor Center and more.

According to the company website, The Bird Store and More specializes in helping people turn their yards into a haven for birds. They carry a wide array of birdseed, feeders, houses, baths and binoculars in addition to unique nature-inspired gift items. ∞