Traffic jams and queues at car parks as shoppers bag Black Friday bargains in Sunderland

Black Friday bargain hunters have flocked into Sunderland.
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The centre was busy, as shoppers looked to make the most of the pre-Christmas offers.

Traffic queued down the bank from the car park entrance and drivers had to wait around ten minutes to get parked up, with cars admitted on a one-in, one-out basis.

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Inside, the malls were packed with shoppers looking to snap up a bargain, with customers queuing out of the door of the the Pandora jewellery store and the Debenhams perfume department packed.

Black Friday shoppers in The BridgesBlack Friday shoppers in The Bridges
Black Friday shoppers in The Bridges

Mother and daughter Marie and Courtney McMahon were delighted with their haul from Boots.

The pair had come into town from Grindon to make the most of the discounts on Mark Hill haircare products.

“I have got some heated rollers that are normally around £60 and were only £37 today, so I am really pleased with that,” said 17-year-old Courtney.

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“The Mark Hill stuff is quite pricey normally, so this is really good.”

Marie and Courtney McMahonMarie and Courtney McMahon
Marie and Courtney McMahon

She had also been to River Island, which was offering 20 per cent off across the board.

Marie, 50, had made the most of the bargains on offer ahead of Christmas.

“I’ve got a lot of Christmas presents but I can’t really talk about that in front of Courtney,” she joked.

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“But I think it must be about £150 that we have saved over all.”

HMV assistant manager Rich BellHMV assistant manager Rich Bell
HMV assistant manager Rich Bell

HMV was busy, with one sector in particular proving a hit.

“It has gone quite well,” said assistant manager Rich Bell.

“We have got some good offers this year – 20 per cent off on Blu-Rays and vinyl has really helped to get customers through the door, especially the vinyl stuff.

Queuing trafficQueuing traffic
Queuing traffic

“That has been the big seller all year, people are really getting back into it, so having 20 per cent off has proved very popular.”

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Rich was hoping to hit target for the day by early afternoon: “It’s all just money in the bank after that,” he said.

Not everyone was impressed by the deals on offer, however.

Shopper Carol Hellens said: “I’ve just bought stuff at normal prices. There’s nothing to get excited about.”