Warm cups of coffee, delivered to their vehicle, helped David and Monica Hoy pass the time - an hour and a half - until Hy-Vee opened Friday morning.
Donald Mounce, on the other hand, brought his own blanket to bundle up in as he waited the four hours and 45 minutes for Menards to open with its sales.
Thousands of bargain-seekers were out before the sun came up. Stores opened with specialties and slashed prices as early as midnight and 3 a.m.