Black Friday deals you wouldn't expect

• Where: 275 stores nationwide
• Website: www.wbu.com

Who knew that Black Friday would brings out the bird lovers?

Jim Carpenter, CEO of Wild Birds Unlimited, was shocked that by offering special deals last year, sales systemwide on Black Friday jumped more than 60% compared to the prior two years.

"For years I pushed back against doing any promotions for Black Friday," said Carpenter, whose franchises sell bird-related products, such as food, feeders, birdhouses, and birdbaths. "Then for the first time, our franchisees decided to offer Black Friday promotions last year. They did very well. The lesson for me in that was to listen more to my franchisees."

Wild Birds' most popular deal was the "Fill a Bag Promotion." Shoppers filled a bag with products and, depending on the store, scored a 20% to 25% discount off the price of the items they selected.

Carpenter said stores are planning to offer the same promotion again this year. They'll also be open longer this year, opening at 7 or 8 a.m. on Black Friday and closing as late as 8 p.m.

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