HUMMELS WHARF — “No company coming!”

“Wear the kids out so they can have a nap before dinner.”

“My mom’s cooking.”

“Find some good deals”

“Support Boscov’s ...”

“Free stuff.”

Whatever the reason, more than 400 hundred people found one for lining up outside Boscov’s department store in the Susquehanna Mall very early on a holiday morning.

Seven-year-old Olivia Smeltz, of Trevorton, was still rubbing the sleep from her eyes in line just before the doors opened at 8 a.m., nevertheless waiting patiently with her mom, dad and big brother Kris, who’s 9. She pulled a $10 gift certificate out of a bag held by store manager Terry Scheneck.

Other cash gift cards were in denominations of $100, $50, $25 and $20, which, along with merchandise gifts, were given to the first 422 individuals or families in line at the Susquehanna Mall store.

Inside the store, sales were steep — 75 percent off handbags, half price or more off jewelry, coats and dresses at “buy one, get one for $1,” and more.

“My mom’s cooking, so we’re here waiting,” said Olivia’s mom, Chelsea Smeltz.

Free fleece

Linda Saxton, of Milton, said she dragged her best friend, Tammy Wilt, out of bed at 5:30 a.m. to get there in time. She walked out with bargain sheet sets and a blanket and leash for her dogs. She got a kelly green fleece throw for free. She’s not cooking, either.

Roxanne Stroik, who was working in the dress department, said it got busy right away.

“I’d rather be home with family, sure,” she said, “but Mr. Boscov said it would be good for the company, and I’m supporting him.”