Bargain hunters are gearing up to grab big discounts late this week at one of the nation’s fastest-growing retail events, the Black Friday sales.

Black Friday started in Australia six years ago, following a US tradition of more than 60 years that marks the huge spending day after thanksgiving and the unofficial start to Christmas shopping,

It has evolved rapidly as a way for retailers to get rid of excess stock, offload last season’s items, and make room on shelves for the Christmas shopping boom. This brings big bargains for shoppers.

However, there are a few tips and tricks required to make sure you get the largest potential savings.

Australian Retailers Association executive director Russell Zimmerman said Black Friday in Australia was “growing exponentially” among retailers of all sizes.

“From a consumer perspective, it’s an opportunity to get products for Christmas at a discount,” he said.

The savings on items can be huge. “I have seen stuff discounted by 50-60 per cent more,” Mr Zimmerman said.

“But you need to know what you are buying, understand what you are looking for, and don’t buy it if you can’t afford it.”

Black Friday, which gets its name from the pre-Christmas revenue boom that puts retailers’ profits in the black, is still gaining traction among Aussie shoppers.

A study last year by social researcher McCrindle found 24 per cent of Australians had never heard of Black Friday, and 54 per cent were unsure whether it was online only or also in stores. For the record, it’s both.

Mr Zimmerman said shoppers who took part in Black Friday were generally savvy and knew the prices they should be paying, and how the advertised discounts measured up.

US-based global giant Amazon is launching its first Australian Black Friday event, to run from Friday until midnight next Monday.

An Amazon spokeswoman said shoppers should expect deals in categories including video games, fashion, beauty, electronics and books.

“With tens of thousands of items for sale through the event, it makes sense to understand the types of deals available,” she said.

Some deals only ran for a short period, while others offered deep discounts for 24 hours, the spokeswoman said. “Customers love great value.”

SAVE AT THE SALE

Check websites in advance, as many retailers promote deals in the lead-up to Friday.

Don’t forget to shop around — some companies, such as Apple, are known for offering mediocre deals.

Be careful buying from overseas websites. They may not ship to Australia, or overseas electronics may not work.

Don’t overspend — understand how the discounts stack up against other retailers.

Only buy what you need. A big discount is worth nothing if nobody wants the item.