For holiday shoppers this year, it appeared to be all about the housewares.

By 2:30 a.m. Friday, throngs of people lined up outside Kohl’s, 1600 N. Bechtle Ave., a line so long that by the time those in the front were checking out, people at the rear were still flowing in.

And the mood was boisterous. Local shoppers Rachel and Chris Smith, Dave and Kyle Crawford, Troy Mershon, Heather Reisinger and Brandy Stridglen and Beth Cottrell headed up the line. They arrived separately, but laughed it up as they waited for doors to open.

“Five hour energy drinks, that’s what we’re having,” said Mershon.

Stridglen said part of the thrill of Black Friday is meeting people.

“The entertainment,” she said.

All had come out around midnight to stand in line for luggage, silverware and clothing.

Some did opt for the electronics.

Danyelle Baird secured her place in line at Target, 1885 W. First St., around 9:30 p.m. Thursday.

The hot deal? A 40” LCD HDTV for $298.

“It’s going to look so good in my pool house,” she said.

Baird had friends and family members bring refreshments, but she didn’t mind the cold with visions of a big-screen TV dancing in her head.

“I might (get) pneumonia, but I’ll have my TV,” she said.

People may start their Black Friday shopping at different times, but there is a certain way to know when to stop, said Dave Crawford.

“When we’re out of money.”

Or, said Cottrell:

“When the store’s closed.”