Despite the rain, bargain hunters started shopping as early as 4 a.m. at Northpark Mall in Ridgeland. But they did not have to get up with the chickens to find deep discounts. Fox 40 News found Henretta Richardson of Yazoo City leaving Circuit City around 11 a.m. She says it took her less than 30 minutes to find great prices on digital cameras, an Mp3 player and accessories. Some were 50 percent off their normal prices.

"I found this Olympus camera. The normal price was $149, and I got it for $89, and I thought that was a great bargain," said Richardson. " I did find out they said it was a six-hour sale, but they are extending it all day."

At Northpark Mall, Dillard's store manager Robby David said sales were way ahead of last year's. A sale on men's and children's Ralph Lauren Polo merchandise attracted a lot of attention. Customers got an extra 50 percent off items that were already marked down. A $100 crew neck sweater sold for $35.   

"We've been excited and pleased," said Davis. "We were supposed to open at 8 o'clock. There were so many people waiting we opened the doors a littler early, and it's been nonstop since then."

At Perfumania, designer fragances for men, women, and children were available for just $9.99. First you had to buy a bottle or gift set in the $50 to $80 range, then get the second item for $9.99. Manager Renee Ashley was giddy about the amount of sales before noon.

Fox 40 news spotted Jennifer Reed of Richland with a cart full of toys, but she had already been to Target where she found movies for $3.98 for her children and parents. Her day started at 2 a.m. 

Jennifer Jenkins left Carthage around 7 a.m. and headed to Jackson. She found a 22-inch television set with a DVD player for her son.

"He is a Play Station Two fanatic and loves playing "Guitar Hero," and this is his Christmas present this year," said Jenkins. "It's about a 45 minute drive but it was worth coming even in the rain."

Northpark mall is open until 10 p.m. Shoppers can go online or stop at the information booth to get coupons and details about sales at specific stores.