Times have changed for shoppers seeking Black Friday bargains. With many retailers changing their hours, and some opening on Thanksgiving Day, the long lines we used to see before stores open are largely gone. We ran into one group of folks waiting for the Sears store to open at East Hills, and for the most part, they had tools on their minds.

“We’ve got to get the deal of the century,” said one man, who was out in search of a toolbox. Another said he was looking for some metric tools, and a third said he was out in search of a dremel, a tool used for grinding and engraving.

All three appeared to be shopping for themselves for Christmas.

J.C. Penney was open by the time we checked at 4:30 a.m. Walmart and KMart locations in St. Joseph were already open.  We didn’t see any long lines outside retailers early Friday morning.

By mid-morning on Black Friday, the parking lot at the East Hills Shopping Center was packed.