RETAILERS are preparing for what they predict will be the UK's biggest day of shopping, with the annual US import known as Black Friday.
Despite the name, the sales extravaganza begins today with Amazon.co.uk beginning its Black Friday Deals Week at 8am with "lightning deals" every 10 minutes and heavy discounting.
But on Friday the UK high street, most online retailers and the malls will be slashing prices in the hope that it will kick off the Christmas shopping season, with Visa Europe predicting that £360,000 will be spent every minute, or £6,000 per second, on its cards.
Although Amazon.co.uk introduced the UK to the event in 2010, local retailers have been quick to get involved. John Lewis has promised that its Never Knowingly Undersold commitment will remain in place on Friday subject to availability.
John Lewis director of online Mark Lewis said: "Black Friday has definitely become one of the key dates in the UK's shopping calendar. "
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