Black Friday is set to return to south-east London and north Kent this week with scores of Christmas shoppers looking to bag a bargain.
Several stores will be participating in the annual sales event - originally an American tradition - this Friday (November 27).
Here’s News Shopper’s handy guide to making the most of Black Friday and living to tell the tale.
WHAT IS BLACK FRIDAY?
Black Friday – originally an American tradition, which has found its way across the pond – falls on the day after Thanksgiving each year.
Big name retailers offer huge discounts on products to try to persuade you to splash your cash before Christmas.
How Black Friday got its name is still up for debate, but many believe it is due to businesses marking their profits in black ink (and losses in red).
Big gains for businesses on Black Friday means lots of black ink, hence the name.
WHICH RETAILERS ARE TAKING PART?
Retailers taking part nationwide both instore and online include Argos, Amazon, Boots, Tesco, John Lewis, River Island, New Look, Debenhams, House of Fraser, Superdrug, Currys, Apple, Sainsbury’s, and eBay.
Asda, the Walmart-owned store credited with introducing the event to the UK in 2013, is not taking part after scuffles broke out amongst shoppers fighting over bargains last year.
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT MY LOCAL SHOPPING CENTRE?
Broadway Shopping Centre, Bexleyheath
Broadway Shopping Centre will be open from 9am until 8pm for the main event on Friday, 9am until 6pm on Saturday and 10am until 4pm on Sunday.
Major retailers including River Island, New Look, M&S, Schuh and Superdrug will all be getting involved with a range of deals on offer.
Luxury jeweller Pandora and The Fragrance Shop have opened new stores at the centre - just in time for Black Friday.
Shoppers can get an extra 15 per cent off all gift sets using voucher code GIFT15.
Intu Bromley will be open from 8am to 7pm on Friday with discounts from retailers The Perfume Shop, jewellery giant Swarovski and Rituals cosmetics.
All discounts available on the day will be displayed on a board located at intu Bromley’s main entrance to help visitors plan their shopping.
Intu Bromley will be giving out free Bags for Life at the centre’s entrance to help shoppers avoid the 5p plastic bag tax.
Marketing manager at intu Bromley, Craig Higgins, said: “The Black Friday shopping bonanza was a favourite amongst our visitors last year and 2015 is set to be even bigger and better.
“Our stores are working hard to ensure shoppers don’t miss out by preparing extra stock to cater higher demand.”
Intu customers will also be in with the chance of winning a Christmas bundle worth £1,800 including vouchers to buy the perfect Christmas dinner and festive tree.
To win, shoppers are invited to upload a video of themselves describing their favourite childhood memory to Facebook, Twitter, Youtube or Instagram with the hashtag #intuChristmas.
Lewisham Shopping Centre
Lewisham’s shopping centre will be open from 9am until 6pm on Friday with its Sainsbury’s open from 7am until 8pm.
Stores at the centre taking part include Boots, JD Sports, Sainsbury’s, New Look and The Body Shop.
Bluewater, Greenhithe
Bluewater will be open from 8am until 11pm on Friday, during the same hours on Saturday and 11pm until 5pm on Sunday.
Robert Goodman, Bluewater general manager (pictured), said: "With November payday weekend, great seasonal discounts and Christmas a little over a month away, we anticipate Bluewater as the first choice for guests to visit this weekend.
"Last year’s sale event was a phenomenal success for us and we have been working closely with our retailers to ensure we deliver another fantastic shopping experience for our guests.
"Electronic goods will be a key attraction with many compelling offers on consoles, games, and televisions as well as discounts across fashion and footwear."
Visitors who want to take some time out from shopping can enjoy Bluewater’s famous Winter Wonderland attractions including the 6,000 square foot ice rink, a 40m snow slide, a 4D cinema and traditional rides, amusements and games, which launches on Thursday.
HOW CAN I MAKE THE MOST OUT OF THE BIGGEST SHOPPING DAY OF THE YEAR?
Queue early
Wrap up warm and queue up early to avoid disappointment.
And wear something bright. If you find yourself getting shoved to the back of the queue when the doors open and you’re wearing something that makes you stand out, there’s always a chance shop staff might remember you were at the front and ensure you still get a good deal.
Get online
Most retailers will have offers available on their dedicated websites, and often with exclusive deals not available in stores.
If you miss out on Black Friday deals because you’re stuck at work, do not fear as you can always shop online on Cyber Monday (November 30), a day dedicated to extra deals.
Check social media
Follow your favourite stores and brands on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Flash sales and offers will immediately be posted on social media channels, which means you could potentially bag a bargain without even leaving the office or the comfort of your sofa.
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