CHRISTMAS is coming and purses are sure to take a hit as present buying gets into full swing.

But this year savvy shoppers looking to be smart with their cash this festive season will be waiting for Black Friday.

This US tradition marks the start of Christmas shopping and comes the day after Thanksgiving, which is the fourth Thursday in November each year.

Shops across the country have now embraced the over-seas event and as a result there will be discount sales and great reductions for the British public.

In Worcester shoppers will be able to get deals at a range of stores and in Pershore, new independent store Persora is offering up to 30 percent off on Friday and Saturday.

The supermarkets will be slashing prices, particularly on electrical items. Asda stores in both Worcester and Pershore will be taking part as will Tesco Extra stores and Sainsbury's, which is taking part in the event in store for the first time this year.

B&M Stores will also be offering some further reductions on their discounted products by cutting prices by 10 percent after 5pm.

Apple online and in store, Amazon and Currys and PC World are all getting involved in Black Friday.

Currys and PC World are opening from 8am on Friday to allow people to make the most of the offers and Amazon will be discounting a new item every ten minutes from 8am until 9pm until Sunday, November 30.

High street stores are also taking part, with Boots, Marks and Spencer, B&Q, Argos, Topshop, Office and Dorothy Perkins all cutting some costs for at least one day.