A DEPARTMENT store in the Old George Mall is preparing for an 18-hour retail marathon on Black Friday (November 27).

British Home Stores (BHS) is opening its doors from 6am and closing at midnight.

The trading hours are part of a four-day weekend of offers on at the Salisbury shop, which sells clothes, household items, furniture, electronic items and more.

“We’re starting on Thursday and will go right through Sunday with offers, although the biggest will be on Black Friday,” said manager Fiona Lamb.

“Last year it was absolutely packed and it really took us by surprise how people reacted to it.

It was amazing and then we were having to push them out of the doors at 9pm which isn’t what you really want to do.

“This year we are open later so that should give everyone enough time to do their shopping and we’ve got lots of offers on across all four days but especially on Black Friday.

“I’m really looking forward to it. It will be a massive day for us and very exciting.”

BHS will be open the longest but other stores in Old George Mall are also gearing up for the biggest shopping day of the year.

Retailers are bringing in extra staff and unveiling a host of offers ready for the expected army of shoppers on payday.

Late night shopping at the Old George Mall started on Thursday when the Christmas lights were switched on in the city by East- Enders star Jake Wood.

Every Thursday until Christmas shops will be open until 9pm.

Mall manager Jon Osgood said: “Things are going well here, footfall is up, the mall is very busy and we’re very near full.

“I’m looking forward to Black Friday. We’ve got a number of stores opening late and plenty of offers on as well.”

Old George Mall’s shoppers’ car park is open until 8pm on Black Friday with a charge of £1.50