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Gift cards continue to top lists of most popular purchases this season, spurring billions in sales for merchants. And the category is growing fast, moving toward a day when some believe the plastic cards could be replaced by electronic ones

Retailers striving to remain relevant are experimenting with new concepts at malls across the Baltimore region and elsewhere this holiday selling season. Specialty retailers are opening even more specialized stores, targeting specific segments of shoppers.

Black Friday got a jump start in some locations around Towson, including at some stores and outlets that opened Thanksgiving evening, but the biggest player in town, Towson Town Center, opted to wait for a slightly more traditional debut — at least waiting until the clock struck midnight.

Below is the full list of retailers at the Mall in Columbia opening at the stroke of midnight:

As shoppers find the best Black Friday deals and swipe their credit cards, The Sun shares their tales.