WE have all seen the photos from previous Black Fridays – people leaving supermarkets with their trolleys piled high, filled with discounted items ready to be wrapped up for Christmas.
The American tradition continues this year, and both independent and high street stores will be slashing their prices for the event.
The annual shopping bonanza is often regarded as the beginning of the Christmas season and sees price drops similar to the Boxing Day sales.
Joining in on the day is fancy dress store LuvYaBabes, in the Victoria Centre. The vibrant store will be offering 10 per cent off all its stock on the day.
Michaela Ellington, senior sales assistant, said: "We take part every year as it's a good event and gets a buzz going around the store.
"We're all stocked up and ready to go. All of the staff are going to be dressing up in elf costumes to be Black Friday's little helpers and there will be a party-like atmosphere – it's going to be a lot of fun."
Situated in the Broadmarsh shopping centre is independent music store Fopp, who will be offering major discounts on certain lines in their store.
Katie Finch, assistant manager of the store, said: "It's nice to be able to give people such brilliant discounts in the run up to Christmas.
"Everyone loves to do a good bit of shopping – if I wasn't at work I'd be out there getting the offers too!
"It's controversial because it's an American tradition but it gives us another chance to celebrate something else. There's nothing wrong with that."
Although most of the bargains are being kept under strict lock and key for the time being, shoppers can expect price reductions of up to 80 per cent.
Katie said: "We're building suspense and making it a big surprise for everyone. We're sure Nottingham customers will be very excited about the offers."
The shopping day, worth $60 billion, made its way overseas to the UK thanks to online retailers such as Amazon and Apple.
Christopher North, managing director of Amazon, said: "From children's toys and consoles to fine jewellery and wearable technology, Black Friday now signals the start of Christmas shopping the UK."
Asda also managed a successful launch in 2013, and this year the superstore will be bringing more earth-shattering deals to its Nottingham stores.
Ayaz Alam, the company's senior director of general merchandise, said: "We've stepped it up a gear and will be bringing an even bigger and better sale to the UK."
Like Fopp, the supermarket giant will be keeping their bargains a closely guarded secret until they are revealed on their website on Thursday.
Other high street stores taking part include electronic retailer Currys PC World, who had over 1.7 million items ready for home delivery from their distribution centre, in Newark, last year.
Jeremy Fennell, the company's e-commerce director, said: "It's one of the biggest trading days of the year now with more and more retailers getting involved.
"It's a real multi-channel phenomenon with our shoppers eagerly anticipating fantastic deals across a wide range of products both in store and online. It's going to be a huge day."
Department store John Lewis says the day is changing customer shopping patterns in the run-up to the festive season.
Mark Lewis, the store's online director, said: "Our Partners are working hard behind the scenes to ensure that our shops and website are ready for the expected customer response.
"Black Friday is changing the way our customers plan their Christmas shopping and we expect this year will see it come of age in the retail calendar."
The store, in the Victoria Centre, will open from 8am and promises to match other Black Friday offers from other retailers as part of the store's Never Knowingly Unsold commitment.
As well as hefty discounts, the Victoria Centre will be helping shoppers make the most of their day by opening at 8am.
Nicola McCabe, marketing manager at the centre, said: "The centre will be opening early on Friday to give people the chance to grab some early bargains.
"We know that Christmas shopping can be stressful, so we are doing what we can to help people out.
"We have arranged for rickshaws to give people a free ride to wherever they'd like in the city centre, helping to take the load off for a few minutes between shops.
"Over the course of the weekend, we'll also be offering free kiddy cars for our little shoppers, to help parents lighten the load."
The tradition started in the States in 1924 and takes place on the first Friday following Thanksgiving.
And of course, the bargains do not stop there. Cyber Monday takes place on December 1 and sees online retailers offering discounts to customers from the comfort of their own home.
Some of the bargains revealed so far include:
1. Build-a-bear, Victoria Centre: Two for £15 on Peppermint Kisses and Festive Fun Bears.
2. Asda, West Bridgford: 50 per cent off quad bikes.
3. H Samuel, Victoria Centre: Up to 50 per cent off selected watches, jewellery, gifts and diamonds.
4. LuvYaBabes, Victoria Centre: 10 per cent discount.
5. HMV, Victoria Centre: Up to 80 per cent off selected lines.
6. Thorntons, Victoria Centre: Better than half price box of Christmas Premium Chocolate Collection (was £12, now £5).
7. Fopp, Broadmarsh Centre: Certain reduced lines up to 80 per cent.
8. Vintage Reclaimed, Cobden Chambers: 20 per cent off everything.
9. Evolution, Broadmarsh Centre: 30 per cent off selected products.
10. John Lewis, Victoria Centre: Price matching other Black Friday offers.
