While parking lots were full early Friday morning, stores were less crowded around Iron Bowl kick off time.

Troy’s newest retailer, Tractor Supply Co., saw people lined up early.

The store opened its doors at 6 a.m. and has sales ranging from $169.99 Jobsmart Tool Cabinet to $18.99 men’s canvas five-pocket or utility work pants.

Store employee, Brandi said there were people lined up when the doors opened and they saw lines at the cash register for most of the morning.

Still, after lunch the crowd had dwindled to only a handful of customers, just in time for the Iron Bowl.

One local couple were taking a few moments to browse through the store, but said they by-passed the early morning hype to go deer hunting.

“We went deer hunting instead of shopping,” said Britt Newman of Troy. “We’ll be watching the game in a bit. We’re Alabama fans.”

Other shoppers waited until the crowds dwindled down.

“We’re just out and about shopping for boots,” said Becky Hussey of Brundidge.

Hussey said now they wait until the crowd passes, but they were also planning to watch the game.

Small crowds were the story of the afternoon at most stores.

Peebles opened its doors at 7 a.m. to a sea of customers, but around game time there were only about three customers in the store.

“This morning people were waiting outside, and we only had two people working, which made it difficult for us to assist everyone,” said Tabitha Helms, an employee. “We probably made $3,000 the first hour, which is really good.”

Helms said they had a lot of people who took advantage of the 20 percent off a single item coupon.

The store was also giving out coupon books for just shopping and an $10 off for spending $50 or more.

Helms said 7-8:30 went by quickly.

One shopper who wished not to give her name said she had been shopping early this morning and then took a break, but decided to shop more while her family was watching the Iron Bowl.

At Lowes, the aisles were lacking people around game time, but that wasn’t the case earlier in the morning.

One associate said people were lined up at the glass doors waiting to get in when the doors opened at 6 a.m., but the crowd had diminished in time for the game.