The search for bargains and door-busting deals resulted in many shoppers leaving the comforts of their homes Friday morning in search of that special deal.

From the early morning hours of 4 a.m., customers braved the winter temperatures to possibly get that bargain.

Throughout the nation, retailers look at the Friday after Thanksgiving, referred to as Black Friday, as the traditional start of the holiday shopping season. Most retailers offer expanded hours and deep discounts on everything from toys to televisions in hopes of getting consumers, many of whom have slashed spending to focus on basics amid high unemployment and tight credit, to open their wallets.

Local retailers hope this holiday season spending will be a boost to the local economy.

“We opened at 4 a.m. today and there were crowds at the doors,” said Eric Bass, store manager of Belk located in the Sawmill Square Mall. “Things have been going good today. The customers are smiling and friendly.”

Melanie Wedgeworth, training supervisor at J.C. Penney located in the Sawmill Square Mall, noted that the store’s door-busters resulted in crowds waiting at their doors also.

“Sales seemed to have started off slower than previous years, but they fastly picked up,” she recalled. “We did have people waiting at the door and it’s been steady all day.”

Tiffany Husband, a cashier at J.C. Penney, agreed.

“It’s been busy, busy, busy,” Husband said. “This is my first season working here for the holidays, but I know the crowd has been constant.”

Annie Jackson of Heidelberg said she got up early so she would be able to make her rounds to the various stores.

“I went to Wal-Mart first and started from there. Now, I’m in J.C. Penney,” Jackson said. “It’s been a day, but I got some good deals.”

Seven-year-old Mo’Dasia Magee and her grandmother, Faye Rogers, also visited several stores in their quest for bargains.

“We’re looking for all the good sales,” Rogers said. “We’ve been to Wal-mart and now here. We are trying to catch some good deals here at Wal-mart and J.C. Penney.”

Bobbie Holt of Bay Springs said the hopes of capturing the great bargains also resulted in her coming out early on Friday morning.

“I came out because of all the Christmas shopping I needed to do,” Holt said. “I also came out looking for some savings.”