Bring it on or bah humbug? Shoppers have very polarised attitudes towards the biggest shopping day of the year.

According to intu Chapelfield's recent survey, attitudes to Black Friday, which falls on November 25 this year, are polarised in East Anglia.

While nearly a third (31.02pc) of survey respondents said they plan to shop on Black Friday to make the most of pre-Christmas bargains, slightly more (39.26pc) will either avoid or ignore this international day of discounting.

More than 1,400 people took part in intu Chapelfield's online survey, which aimed to understand more about attitudes towards shopping for the festive season, including whether Black Friday is part of the purchasing-plan for shoppers in our region.

With origins in the United States, Black Friday takes place on the day after Thanksgiving and is considered to mark the start of the Christmas shopping period. Recent years have seen UK retailers embracing the concept, offering discounts and promotions to rival their transatlantic colleagues, and British shoppers have come to expect a bumper shopping day of bargains and bonuses – with Christmas only four weeks away.

The annual extravaganza of deals and promotions isn't for everyone: nearly 20pc said they will avoid shopping on Black Friday as they find the experience 'too busy', while slightly more said they're 'not bothered about it'.

Only 1.50pc of survey respondents said they don't know what Black Friday is.

Black Friday or not, more people are getting ahead of the game when it comes to Christmas shopping.

Sheridan Smith, marketing manager at intu Chapelfield, said: 'We've definitely seen more people starting their Christmas shopping earlier this year.

'Many customers have made a conscious decision to get ahead and to give themselves more free time as the festive season approaches. But for many, Black Friday is an exciting part of the Christmas build-up too and we're ready to give them an enjoyable shopping experience.'

intu Chapelfield is making it even easier for festive shoppers to start ticking off their lists this year, with extended opening hours leading up to Christmas.

Ms Smith said: 'It's a really buzzy day at intu Chapelfield and there are some sparkling bargains to be had.

'We know that many of our shoppers love Black Friday and, at intu Chapelfield, it is always a great day.

'Our team is well-prepared to make sure it's friendly, fun and safe for everyone. Don't forget you can also go to intu.co.uk where there will be some fantastic online exclusives.'

During November, the shopping centre is open until 7pm Monday to Saturday and until 9pm on Thursday. From December 1, stores will be open until 8pm Monday to Saturday and until 9pm on Thursday. The usual Sunday opening times of 11am to 5pm still apply in the run up to Christmas, but some many stores open at 10am providing an extra hour for browsing.

intu Chapelfield's restaurants will be keeping Christmas shoppers well fed and watered, with many staying open late into the evening and offering festive menus.