Sleep-deprived bargain hunters were tempted into town by the lure of Black Friday deals yesterday morning.

Some shoppers even began queuing the night before, braving the wind and rain to capture the best value “early bird” items from 4am.

Black Friday originated in the United States. Taking place the day after Thanksgiving, it is the busiest shopping day of the year as stores slash their prices to entice customers.

The tradition has gained momentum elsewhere in the world in recent times and Bermuda is no exception, where it provides a pre-Christmas boon for retailers.

Julian Burton, commercial director of Digicel, said that shoppers had started lining up outside its Church Street branch from 6pm on Thursday.

“We’ve been trying to look after everyone by offering coffee and scones, and we armed them with umbrellas, but they’re very focused on getting into the store,” he said.

“We were expecting it to be quieter than the last couple of years because of our everyday discount policy, but it hasn’t been.”

Nicole Warren, general manager of Brown & Co department store on Front Street, said that Bermuda’s adoption of Black Friday had given the Island a financial boost.

“It’s becoming an event, which is great, and I really think a lot of local retailers benefit from it,” she said.

“It creates a buzz and a reason for people to shop in Bermuda, which keeps the money flowing in our economy. In the end, it benefits us all.”

Paula Clarke, CEO of Gibbons Company and chairwoman of the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce retail division, called the event “a good kick-off to the holiday season”.

“This is our biggest day in November, so we plan for it a long way in advance,” she said outside the company’s Church Street home store.

Fast food restaurant KFC embraced Black Friday, remaining open all night to offer crispy solace to anyone frazzled by shopping fever.

“People are happy to get out of the rain, get a coffee and hang out here for a little while,” said restaurant general manager Ginene McSwain, adding that staff members had also been delivering orders to those still waiting in line. Nikeisha Swan spoke to The Royal Gazette shortly after she purchased a Samsung S6 Edge mobile phone from Digicel, before continuing on her quest to buy “clothes, clothes and more clothes”.

“I’ve been here since 3am, but I had my sister with me so we chatted to pass the time,” she said.

“The phone was much cheaper than I was expecting, so I’m happy now.”

Aisa Lopez, an accountant from the Philippines, was another satisfied customer — enjoying her first Black Friday experience at Perry Footwear on Reid Street.

“It’s 40 per cent off, so I bought some boots and some nice heels,” she said, as a DJ down the road belted out reggae tunes.

“It’s been a social event, because I live with three other girls in Pembroke, so it’s been exciting for us,” she added.

“I own a bike but the other girls don’t, so I made three trips and gave them a ride into town.”

Ms Lopez’s housemate Cathy Liwanag, also an accountant, added: “We had the right mindset last night. After Thanksgiving dinner, we entered a food coma and went to bed early at around 10pm.

“This is my fourth Black Friday in Bermuda. Perry Footwear was our first stop, because I know the lines here get pretty crazy.

“I’ve got work after this at 9am — lots of coffee will help get me through the day.”