SHOPS and businesses across the borough are preparing for the notorious annual shopping day, Black Friday.

Stores are preparing for an influx of shoppers for the much-heralded event, which falls on the last Friday in November and originated in the USA.

The bargain hunting will begin bright and early at Tesco Extra in Dudley and Stourbridge as the stores will both open at 5am - although the supermarket giant is staying tight-lipped about what offers will be available.

There will also be thousands of savings from your favourite brands at intu Merry Hill from 9am.

The Brierley Hill shopping centre will be open until 10pm tomorrow to give people even more time to snap up those all important bargains.

Deals include 25 per cent off everything at Karen Millen, 50 per cent off winter warmers at Simply Be, up to 50 per cent off at Millet Sports and Wallis and an extra 10 per cent off sale items at Goldsmiths.

People who are looking for a new mobile phone or accessories should head to Dudley, Direct Link Communications in Wolverhampton Street, Dudley, where they will receive 10 per cent off.

Meanwhile, in Brierley Hill, Dreamland Bedding is going all out for the occasion, with a host of great offers available throughout the weekend.

Shoppers can get £500 of a Mammoth adjustable bed, up to 60 per cent off Dunlopillo and make up to £300 savings on Sealy mattresses.

The Mill Street street business will be open from 9am to 5.30pm on Friday and Saturday and 11am to 4.30pm on Sunday.

Those that have a copy of this week's Dudley and Stourbridge News, should turn to page eight (Dudley) or page 20 (Stourbridge) to bag a deal from the Kettle & Toaster Man - the trade warehouse in Albion Works, Moor Street, in Brierley Hill.

Those who produce the advert can take advantage of a number of bargains, including air fryers for £45, £25 microwaves and a Dyson DC01 for £30.

The offer is valid until November 30.

Morrisons in Kingswinford has appointed an in-store ‘strongperson’ to help customers carry their shopping this Black Friday.

Offers that will weigh down shopping bags include selected wine magnums for £10, gift sets for £5, fragrances for £10 and a whole lef of Serrano ham for £28.

For those who prefer to do their shopping from the comfort of their sofa, a bostin' 20 per cent off deal is running the majority of goods on offer at www.blackcountrytshirts.com until Monday.

The site has a variety of t-shirts, mugs, hats and tea towels with funny and popular Black Country sayings and many items can be personalised.

Those who are going to be glued to the laptop searching for bargain buys have been given some top tips by Action Fraud to avoid falling victim to fraudsters this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

They include:

Take Five before you buy

If you’re using a retailer for the first time, always take time to research them before you give them any of your details. Be prepared to ask questions before buying.

Trust your instincts

If an offer looks too good to believe then there is usually a catch. Be suspicious of prices that are too good to be true.

Be sure you know who you are dealing with

Always access the website you are planning to buy from by typing the address into your web browser, and be wary of clicking on links in unsolicited emails.

Look for the padlock symbol in the address bar

It’s a good indication that they’re reputable.

Only use retailers you trust

If you’re buying an item made by a major brand, you can often find a list of authorised sellers on their official website.