They came to Macy’s on State Street Thursday armed with cameras, decked out in custom-made Ts like one proclaiming “Beyonce My #1 Dreamgirl,” and clutched CD liners in hopes of nabbing an autograph from the fabulous Miss Knowles. And while they waited for the pop diva to arrive, they grooved to the Grammy Award-winner’s new chart-topping CD, “B’Day.”

Although Beyonce and mom Tina officially stopped by to introduce the nation’s first House of Dereon in-store boutique, fashion didn’t seem foremost on the minds of the 2,000 fans who thronged Macy’s first floor and atrium balconies to glimpse the star. It was all about showing love for their girl, greeting her with popping flashes, huge smiles and ear-piercing, Beatlesque screams.