Pre-Christmas tills will be ringing, cashpoints beeping and crowds bustling even more than usual when Black Friday descends upon the UK again.

November 28 is predicted to be one of the busiest shopping days of the year, with forecasts of Brits spending more than £350m.

Many retailers will be holding sales as the imported American shopping phenomenon grows bigger in this country year on year.

The term Black Friday was first used in the 1950s and 60s to describe the day after Thanksgiving in the States, which had long been a popular retail day.

One explanation says it refers to shops being propelled into the black by Americans having the day off work and starting their Christmas shopping.

It is also thought the term was coined by the Philadelphia Police Department as a result of the chaos caused by shoppers flocking to the US equivalent of our Boxing Day sales.

Shops slashing prices has often resulted in episodes of violence among American bargain-hunters – with one Walmart employee being trampled to death by 2,000 shoppers in 2008.

Amazon brought the concept to Britain in 2010 and more retailers have jumped on the bandwagon each year since.

Last year there were in-store fights when supermarket giant Asda cut its prices on goods such as tablets and TVs.

Bluewater is gearing up for a rush in sales as this year’s Black Friday falls on November payday.

It is expecting a record number of its 300-plus retailers to capitalise on the occasion with discounts across fashion, toys, jewellery, electronics and homeware. 

Shops will opening from 8am until 11pm on Black Friday, with extended hours across the weekend.

Intu Bromley will be hosting American themed entertainment, and some of the centre’s retailers will be bringing their best Black Friday offers to market stalls in front of their stores.

Supermarket chain Sainsbury’s will be offering Black Friday deals and video game seller Game has promised some tempting offers.

Are you planning to hit the sales on Black Friday? What bargains will you be on the lookout for? Do you think it’s good Black Friday has been imported from the States? Add your comments below.