Do you save your Christmas shopping until Black Friday?

Black Friday is nearly upon us, and retailers are cutting prices left, right and centre as the Christmas shopping season kicks into high gear. Two decades ago, this American shopping event was virtually unknown in the UK - now it's a festive fixture.

Have your say! Are you looking forward to browsing on Black Friday? Have you already picked something up from a sales event? Has it been a good addition to the festive calendar? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.

The advent of Black Friday in the UK has turned it into one of the most hectic shopping days of the year. In the 2010s, it was synonymous with chaotic supermarket stampedes and shoppers loading up trolleys with half-price TVs.

These days, it's predominantly an online event, with many retailers extending their offers over a week or more of sales. Boxing Day used to be the main sales event of the year here, but it's being eclipsed by this relatively recent American import.

It's easy to get swept up in the thrill and allure of limited-time deals, but it's crucial to take a step back and do your own research before entering your card details. Consumer group Which? has cautioned that many of the so-called 'big deals' may not offer as much value as they appear to.

Consumer watchdog Which? has revealed that 90% of Black Friday deals last year were the same price or cheaper at other times of the year. The research, which covered eight major retailers, found instances where "original" prices were inflated to make discounts appear more substantial.

The popularity of Black Friday appears to be waning as household spending pressures increase due to rising living costs and inflation in the UK. Martin Lewis' MoneySavingExpert advises consumers annually not to be swept up in the "hype", urging them to consider whether they truly need and can afford their intended purchases.

However, bargains can be found for those willing to invest the time to find a deal that suits their budget.

Have your say! Are you looking forward to browsing on Black Friday? Have you already picked something up from a sales event? Has it been a good addition to the festive calendar? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.