Shoppers get set for a bargain-busting week end. Black Friday at intu Eldon Square.

The count down to Christmas has well and truly begun at shopping centres throughout the UK. But as the twinkling lights, joyful tunes and carol singers radiate a warm fuzzy feeling throughout the land, savvy shoppers are hoping to bag the best bargains of the festive season during this year’s Black Friday week end. Here in the North East, retailers at intu Eldon Square are making plans for a spectacular shopping extravaganza that will deliver massive discounts, special offers, spot prizes and competitions over a four day period from 28th November to 1^st December - the last pay weekend prior to Christmas. Discounts of  up to 40% off are on offer  at schuh, and up to 30% off fashion at Dorothy Perkins and the Levi Shop. Ann Summers will be offering 20% off everything including sale, promotions and the premium Giles Deacon line. Bargain hunters can pick up two pairs of jeans for £40, two polo shirts for £20, two t-shirts for £10 at Blue Inc, and save an additional 15% off all gift sets at The Fragrance Shop. New discounts are being added every day with updates available at  www.intu.co.uk/eldonsquare. Special offers during the week end include, Peppermint Kisses Bear and Festive Fun Bear 2 for £15 and their outfits are 2 for £7 at Build a Bear in Fenwick  (Black Friday only),  Thornton’s Premium Chocolate Collection (336g) will be slashed to half price and on sale at just £5, and smoothies at Juice Boost will be reduced by £2. intu customer service staff will be spreading festive cheer with over a thousand pounds worth of giveaways, including intu gift cards and goody bags, and stars from Cinderella at The Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre will be distributing free pantomime tickets. Anyone spending £50 or over purchasing a gift card will receive a free box of  Thornton’s chocolates. (While stocks last) Once customers have shopped until their hearts’ content, and perhaps fancy some exercise of a different kind, Eldon Leisure is offering free facility tours and gym inductions over the weekend, free fitness class entry and the chance to win a year’s free fitness and swim membership. Busy shoppers can take advantage of The Children’s Foundation Christmas Gift Wrapping Service, located   between Fenwick and Boots on Saturday. Shoppers simply drop presents off and return to collect beautifully wrapped gifts – all for a donation to the charity that enhances the lives of children here in the North-East. On Saturday 29^th and Sunday 30^th November, family rock trio Miccoli will play in centre as part of their nationwide tour of large shopping centres across the UK, raising awareness for the charity CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young.) Musical entertainment continues all weekend, alongside free face painting, interactive games and competitions, including a particularly festive family prize of a box to the pantomime Cinderella at the Mill Volvo Tyne Theatre this Christmas. Joan Taylor, intu Eldon Square Marketing Manager, said: “Last year’s Black Friday event was a huge success in centre, so we’re hoping to build on this winning formula this year. We have fantastic new offers being added into the mix every day, so this special week end will be a real opportunity to search out some extra special bargains. This October we completed the refurbishment of our malls, and we’ve just unveiled a brand new Christmas decoration scheme with in excess of 250,000 baubles and ornaments, so we really are in tip top condition for the festive season. The design of our Christmas lights has been developed around the theme of ‘The Gift of Christmas’ and features giant sculptural floor standing gift boxes displayed in locations throughout the centre, each providing a setting for a dazzling display of light and colour, heralding the festive season.  As one of the largest city centre shopping destinations in the UK, we look forward to welcoming our loyal shoppers who can expect a hugely enjoyable Black Friday weekend at their favourite shopping centre.”