HOUSTON -- Shoppers were out in force early Friday, hoping to take advantage of big sales on the day known as "Black Friday" -- traditionally the first official day of the Christmas shopping season, KPRC Local 2 reported.

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Parking lots filled up quickly at many Houston-area malls.

Some shoppers got up before dawn to be there when the stores opened, some as early as 4 a.m.

Lines were common before stores opened.

"Well, (Friday) morning, we opened at 6 a.m. and we had a line that was wrapped around the building. It actually took 20 minutes for the guests to fully come into the store," said Kenan Hale, with the Sugar Land Target.

"You tend to find some of the best deals in town -- definitely looking for some stocking stuffers," shopper Chris Lewis said.

"I've seen in the stores 50 percent off, then 30 percent on top of that, so the deals are good," another shopper said.

"My husband was off work for a long time after the storm. He just went back now, so now we're on a tight budget and looking for good deals," shopper Rose Benton said.

Electronics were a very popular item, especially computers and televisions.

Retailers are hoping deep discounts will bring in the customers and help increase their sales during a time when many are concerned about spending.

"(I) looked around a little bit. Prices seem to be down a little from what they've been in the past. Appear to be bargains on a few items. You just have to shop carefully," shopper Dan Maddox said. "I think everyone's being a little bit careful. I think most of these retailers have 60-day guarantees. So, if they put things on sale, you'll have an opportunity to enjoy the better price."

U.S. News and World Report stated that according to TNS Retail Forward, this holiday season could be the weakest in terms of spending since 1991.

Old Navy, Gap and Banana Republic got an even earlier start to the season, opening selected stores at midnight Thanksgiving night.

According to U.S. News and World Report, the stores also offered bonus gifts to early shoppers. At Gap, customers got a reusable tote if they spent more than $50, and at Old Navy the first customers received a Samsung Pebble MP3 player if they spent $20 or more.

Toys "R" Us opened its doors at 5 a.m. The toy store chain offered discounts of 33 to 80 percent off selected items, including Thomas & Friends train sets. Toys "R" Us also offered discounts on Lego items, Annabell Dolls, G.I. Joe action figures and flash cards and other educational items.

Target opened its doors at 6 a.m. Some of the items on sale included video camcorders, digital cameras and DVDs. Numerous discounts were also available on selected jewelry and cooking items.

Wal-Mart also offered discounts throughout its stores, including on selected iPods. The store also offered "door buster" deals to early shoppers that included extended discounts on various items, including clothing, electronics and DVDs.

Best Buy opened at 5 a.m. Some of the electronics stores' sales included discounts on digital camcorders, digital cameras and flat-panel HDTVs.

For those who don't want to deal with holiday shoppers on Black Friday, they can also find deals on the Internet.

According to U.S. News and World Report, some stores -- including Wal-Mart and Best Buy -- were expected to offer online deals that weren't available in stores. Target is also offering free shipping on numerous products ordered on its Web site.

Get a look at all the Black Friday ads at bfads.net.

Black Friday Shopping Hours

Stores:

Best Buy, opens at 5 a.m.
Kohl's, opens at 4 a.m.
Macy's 5 a.m.-11 p.m.
Nordstrom, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
JC Penney, 4 a.m.-11 p.m.
Dillard's, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.
Target, opens at 6 a.m.
Toys "R" Us", opens at 5 a.m.
Wal-Mart, opens at 5 a.m.

Shopping Malls:

Almeda Mall, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Baybrook Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Deerbrook Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
First Colony Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Galleria Mall, 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
Greenspoint Mall, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Katy Mills Mall, 12 a.m.-10 p.m.
Mall of the Mainland, 8 a.m.-10 p.m.
Memorial City Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Northwest Mall, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pasadena Town Square, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
San Jacinto Mall, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
Sharpstown Center, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.
West Oaks Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Willowbrook Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.
Woodlands Mall, 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

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