NATCHEZ — The early birds will get the worms — and the TVs and the boots — during the busiest shopping day of the year — Black Friday.

Lionel Stepter, store manager at Walmart in Natchez, said the event is the perfect opportunity for customers to benefit from the store’s great deals.

“It’s good to see so many people in the store getting the items they want at great prices,” Stepter said. “That’s what we’re all about.”

Stepter said Walmart early bird specials will be staggered throughout the night at 10 p.m. today, midnight and 8 a.m. Those times also apply for Walmart in Vidalia.

He said the most popular items will be going on sale at midnight, which includes game consoles and television sets.

With a large crowd always expected, Stepter said he wants to remind customers to be safe and arrive early.

“The earlier you get in the better your chances are to get what you’re looking for,” Stepter said. “Because once it’s gone, that’s it.”

Mary Flach, store manager at Belk in Natchez, said she looks forward to this day every year.

“We love having that many people in the store, and we just think it’s awesome,” Flach said. “It’s definitely the biggest day of the retail year.”

Flach said Belk will open at 3 a.m. and that early bird specials will be available until 1 p.m. Those specials will feature deals on 285 products, including boots from $19.99 and fine jewelry up to 65 percent off.

Blaine Davis, store manager at Goody’s in Natchez, said the day is always a bit hectic, but that his experience definitely helps.

“After 20 years of doing it, you kind of get immune,” Davis said. “It doesn’t get easier, you just know what to expect.”

Davis said Goody’s will open at 6 a.m. and that early bird specials will be available until 1 p.m. Those specials will feature deals on more than 100 products, including digital photo frames, projectors and clothing.