The chaos that comes with Black Friday has never seemed to quite reach Norwich, and this year looks set to be no different.

Black Friday, a US tradition marked as the day after Thanksgiving, supposedly launches the official start to Christmas Shopping.

This Friday 24th is the big day, but the shoppers in our region don't seem too fussed at the opportunity for a sale.

Mirrored by this, some of the smaller retailers in the city are opting out of the commercial hype, with The Lanes a prime example.

These independent retailers seem not too worried about missing this busy time.

Elm, a shop situated on Dove Street, opened two months ago.

Owner, Paige Mitchell said: 'I don't think offering discounts of any kind at this time is a good idea.'

In the larger stores within Norwich some of the cheap deals have already begun.

A walk through Chapelfield and The Mall show that large retailers are all for being involved.

The posters in multiple shop windows show discounts ranging between 20% and 70% off items, even throughout the week.

Another retailer hoping to get in on the act is Langleys Toys in the Royal Arcade.

Manager of the toys and game store, Chris Goulding said: 'This is our first year being involved. We wanted to join in with the fun of it and thought that is was time to treat customers too.'

The specially picked offers began on Monday and will continue building up to something special on Friday.

Goulding wasn't ready to reveal all, but said: 'We've got a hot toy released Friday morning. It is something everyone is after and we expect there will be long queues.'

TopShop is also getting ready to launch their Black Friday deals.

Emma Burton, a Team Leader of the Haymarket store, said: 'There will be up to 60% off a lot of items, including coats. On Friday there will be a DJ as an in-store event, giving out more discounts.'

What do you think of Black Friday? Is your business opting out? Let us know why by emailing doug.faulkner@archant.co.uk