AUBURN — Despite sleet and snow, shoppers were out before daylight Friday buying everything from flat-screen TV sets to motorized Barbie Jeeps – and bags and bags of clothing.

Shoppers said they were spending the same amount as last year, or more, especially when grandchildren were involved.

Waiting in line for Agren Appliance to open were Carol and Larry Proteau of Lewiston, followed by brothers Todd and Brian Hadley of Sumner. The four were there for the same thing: a 32-inch television set on sale for $229.

Behind them stood Shauna Mercier. “I came for the DVD player for $9,” she said.

As the doors opened, salespeople were at the ready to answer questions about televisions, refrigerators and dishwashers, among other things.

“I’m here for the dishwasher on special for $199,” said Mary Jane Beardsley of Minot. The weather made her hesitate about shopping, but she thought she’d be fine in her all-wheel-drive vehicle with new tires.

Tom Carney of Auburn was in line for a 46-inch Samsung TV. It normally sells for $1,200 and was on sale for $799.

“Now that’s a deal,” Carney said. “I’m getting a Blue-ray DVD player. It’s top-notch.” He was also buying a stand and a 32-inch television set. He liked the lack of crowds at Agren’s. “I can get as good a deal, if not better, right here,” he said.

Owner Jason Agren said the opening rush was nice. “Three or four years ago, we didn’t have this kind of rush,” he said. “We expect to be busy all day.” Electronics were driving the traffic, he said.

Stores can afford to sell some products significantly below normal prices because manufacturers reduced the costs to retailers, Agren said. “At these prices, we don’t make much money,” he said. “It’s more to drive people through the doors.”

Agren opened at 8 a.m. That was late, compared to other door-buster sales. Walmart opened at midnight, Kohl’s at 3 a.m., and other stores opened doors at 4 a.m., 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. The staggered openings prompted some to skip sleep.

“I haven’t gone to bed yet,” said Cheryl Woodard of Greene at 7 a.m. She and Diana Morgan hit the stores all night. “We’re out for the bargains and the fun,” Woodard said.

Jennifer Beecher of Auburn was another who didn’t go to bed. She went to Walmart at midnight. “It was crazy,” she said. Lines snaked through the store, with police and staff watching. “They had it fully guarded,” she said. She achieved her goal, getting a pink, motorized Barbie Jeep for her little girl.

Beecher went to Kohl’s for the 3 a.m. opening and stood in line in the freezing rain for a half-hour. After that, she headed to the Auburn Mall. With her were her parents Joan and Boyd Sobey of New Brunswick, Canada. Laden with bags, her father looked a little tired.

“They bribed me into this,” he said with a grin. They started shopping at 11:45 p.m. Thursday. At 4:30 a.m. Friday, he had plans for sleeping. But it was sleeting outside, and the women asked him to drive. “They looked so disappointed,” he said. “I couldn’t let them down.”

The Black Friday shopping was fun, Joan Sobey said. “And it’s nice to be with our daughter.”

At JCPenney at the Auburn Mall, Susan and George Viscarelli of Lewiston were leaving with full bags.

“I’m the pack mule,” he said.

“No, no, no,” she said. “He wanted to come because he bought his grandson a toy for Christmas he saw on sale.”

They got up at 4 a.m. It was worth it, she said. “I saved $518; I’m not kidding. That’s a pretty good deal.”

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