Black Friday is fast approaching so get your elbows or laptops at the ready - or put your feet up, have a cuppa and completely ignore the chaos.

Currently the UK’s biggest shopping day, this year it will take place on Friday, November 25, with some of the bigger retailers having started as early as Monday, November 14.

Most offers will be on Black Friday, with the majority of high street retailers opening at 6am, but some stores are offering discounts before the day, such as Amazon, Argos, Morrisons, eBbay, Tesco and Carphone Warehouse.

Cyber Monday, created by major retailers to encourage people to shop online, will be on November 28. 

Although there are a lot of great deals on offer, Black Friday is notorious for such aggressive behaviour as stampedes and fist fights. 

So, if you are venturing out on the day, make sure to be prepared. 

Get some deals before Black Friday:

  • Amazon: Starting from Monday, November 14
  • Argos: Starting from Tuesday, November 22
  • Morrisons: Starting from Monday, November 21
  • eBay: Starting from Thursday, November 17
  • Tesco: Starting from Monday, November 21
  • Carphone Warehouse: Starting from Monday, November 21
  • Travel operators Thomson, Thomson Cruises and First Choice: Starting from Wednesday, November 23

Some stores giving great deals on the day:

  • Currys
  • Samsung
  • Nike
  • New Look
  • Ann Summers 
  • David Lloyd Clubs- a complimentary day pass for your local club.

Some facts about Black Friday:

  • Originated in the USA in 1932
  • Retailers open early and offer slashed prices on goods while most retail websites offer discounts from midnight to midnight
  • Takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving in America
  • Asda (a subsidiary of the American firm Walmart) introduced it to the UK in 2013 but publicly abandoned it in 2015
  • Now the biggest shopping day of the year in the UK
  • Last year, 1.1 billion was spent on Black Friday with a spend of 3.3 billion over the entire weekend
  • 1.4 million people went into debt last year as a result of overspending
  • Origin of the name not known but it is believed that it could have come from the fact that many shops have their biggest profits on that day and detail their gains in black ink

How can I make the most out of the biggest shopping day of the year?

Queue early  

News Shopper:

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

News Shopper:

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

News Shopper:

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. 

Let me know your view: grainne.cuffe@london.newsquest.co.uk