Around 40 people queued outside Wilkins jewellers
A local trader says Black Friday is beneficial for "high-end" local companies, but not smaller traders with less substantial margins.
Retailers are already busy - as customers across the British Isles expect to take a cut of the expected 2-billion pound spending spree.
Half of the sales are predicted to be made online - but Strand Street is booming with shoppers looking to take advantage of the discounts.
Around 40 people were queuing outside Wilkins jewellers, holding a 60% off sale today - with the stream of people stretching back to clothing shop, Monsoon.
Sam Newson is managing Newson Trading Ltd. - a work-wear retailer, he told Tanya Humbles the benefits of marking the promotion is over-rated: