A forecast of wintry weather didn’t keep shoppers in Albert Lea from Black Friday sales.

Dozens of shoppers filed into Shopko when the doors opened at 4 p.m. Thursday.

“It means that I can do this and save money while I’m shopping for my family,” said Albert Lea resident Dawn Toot.

Toot was shopping with relatives Monica and Carissa Nelson.

“I can stretch my dollars,” she said.

According to the National Retail Federation, 135.8 million people will be shopping this weekend, and retailers are expected to hire between 700,000 and 750,000 seasonal workers this holiday season.

The National Retail Federation expects 183.8 million people to shop on Cyber Monday.

Shopko Store Manager Karla Tukua said people began lining up in the parking lot 45 minutes before the store opened.

Shopko advertised $500 savings for 55-inch LED televisions, an $80 32-inch television and deals on smartphones, camera drones, toys, houseware and other items.

Lisa Juntenen said Black Friday gives her a chance to buy gifts and save money.

“I just always like to make people happy,” she said.

Herberger’s opened at 5 p.m.; Walmart, Dunham’s Sports and Verizon Wireless opened at 6 p.m.

Walmart Store Manager Patrick Hanson said crowds began forming at 3 p.m.

Walmart advertised a $269 50-inch high-definition television, tablets for $29 and savings on video games, smartphones, cameras, toys and other items.

Shoppers claimed the long lines were worth it.

“Sometimes it’s worth it, especially if you don’t have anything else going on,” Albert Lea resident Tammy Senholtz said. “Some people think it’s crazy, but they don’t understand how much money they could save.”

Mankato resident Ginger Grunzke said she has been going Black Friday shopping for 18 years. She said she was buying gifts for her family and a toy for her friend’s son.

“No matter what, we’ll come out,” Grunzke said. “It’s more of just tradition now.”