Full parking lots and long lines at the register. It's all a part of the traditional big shopping day known as Black Friday. And many Columbus stores were chock full of people looking for good buys this morning.

Several stores opened unusually early; many were open while people were still nestled in their beds.

JC Penney was one of the stores to open its doors before dawn's early light today. Store Manager Mike Law said they opened at 4 a.m.

"We opened at this same time last year, and decided to do it again," Law said. "We had a good start to the day, and we have had more to come in as the morning progresses."

Shoppers were greeted by cooler than normal temperatures this morning, but Law said that can be a plus.

"I think the colder weather has something to do with more people being out. It puts them in the mood to shop," he said.

Scores of people from the surrounding area made their way to JC Penney and other stores in Columbus to find the gifts they want to put underneath the Christmas tree, including Rosia Geeter of Louisville.

"This is my first time to come to Columbus on a Black Friday, and I have been pleased with what I found here," said Greeter. "I have been able to find a lot of great deals on gifts, and I hope to find more at other places."

Geeter arrived at JC Penney at about 7 this morning, along with friend, Mae Hannah, also from Louisville.

"It has been great shopping so far. I have some more I plan to do before I go home. I found a lot of things I wanted," she said.

Wal-Mart was more congested than usual this morning, as shoppers prepared for associates to unveil special deals beginning at 5 a.m.

The parking lot was so full, patrons parked at neighboring businesses and walked to the store.

And dozens lined up outside of Belk department store before they opened at 3:45 a.m., offering gift cards to the first 50 customers through the door.

"We ran out of gift cards within five minutes," said Perky Richard, manager of the store.

Belk was scheduled to open at 4 but opened its doors early because of the crowd. And, Richard said, it hasn't slowed down since.

"We've been doing great," she said. "It's been very busy. ... It's been consistent every hour since we've opened."