There's been plenty of cynicism about Black Friday's growing presence in the UK:
Black Friday is a thing in the UK now too? When did this happen? Why embrace a day that sounds like curse? #blackfriday
— John Owens (@JohnOwens86) November 28, 2014
Google Trends shows Black Friday first became a 'thing' in UK in 2013 http://t.co/cfzQHDMdZg It doesn't explain why! #blackfriday
— Stuart Bruce (@stuartbruce) November 28, 2014
@TwopTwips Avoid the shopping horrors of #blackfriday by simply going to work
— Scott Colvin (@scottcolvin) November 28, 2014
While others have got more than they bargained for:
Woman on the news: 'I only popped in for some carrots and left with an LED TV, sound system and a smartphone!' #BlackFriday
— Jeremy Mountain (@TheRealJeremyM) November 28, 2014
But it's not all about the bargains - NASA is attempting to comandeer the day with talk of black holes:
2 for 1 #BlackFriday deal! Actually, it's 2 black holes merging into 1: http://t.co/ymZxzddNcv #BlackHoleFriday pic.twitter.com/AAHGgGShiG
— NASA (@NASA) November 28, 2014
And others are trying to counter the phenomenon with #GivingTuesday, where people are encouraged to volunteer or donate to charity on Tuesday 2 December.
There is an alternative to #BlackFriday. It's a global day of supporting charitable causes called #GivingTuesday on 2 Dec. Pls RT.
— #GivingTuesday UK (@givingtuesdayuk) November 28, 2014
I think we should all look to #GivingTuesday and try to salvage something good from the scenes over the past 24 hours.
— Amanda Coleman (@amandacomms) November 28, 2014
Perhaps the most inoffensive response is from the National Trust, which just want people to enjoy some colour today:
Forget #BlackFriday. Make it an orange, gold or green Friday instead – find some free autumn colour. pic.twitter.com/9ROXenOQe3
— National Trust (@nationaltrust) November 28, 2014