DAYTON, Ohio -- Hundreds and thousands of people lined up early Friday morning to get in on the great shopping deals at local retailers.

Shoppers braved the cold overnight temperatures in anticipation of saving a lot of money. Some people were lined up at Best Buy for more than 24 hours.

People put up tents and brought in portable heaters to help keep them warm.

Experts said with this tough economy, shoppers will be taking advantage of the sales, especially those early-bird door busters.

Layaway has also made a comeback and many shoppers are paying gradually for a special item.

Experts also said watch for coupons and check internet sales, which are sometimes better than the sales in the stores.

News Center 7 found people lined up at the Kohl’s in Sugarcreek Township on Wilmington Pile, looking for great deals. And, there were hundreds lined up at the Target store in Miami Township who braved the cold and gave up their sleep.

In Miami Township, shoppers lined up 12 hours in advance at Toys R Us on Route 725.

Misty Collins said, “I’ve had an house of sleep in the last two days.”

In Jeffersonville, shoppers began lining up at 6 p.m. Thursday waiting for the doors to open. The stores opened at midnight Thursday and stayed open all through the night.

There were also a lot of people in the pajamas because the first 500 that showed up wearing pajamas got free gift bags.

Officers were called to help keep the crowds under control.

Even though there were hundreds of people waiting to shop early, the economy was still on their minds.

Kristen Early said, “I think people are going to be shopping at outlets more this year.”

There was free parking at the outlet mall and shuttle service to help ease the parking congestion.

Gabrielle Enright Reports: Early Shoppers At Toys R Us