SHOPPING ON BOXING Day in the UK is heading in the direction of Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) in the US.

Frenzied crowds queuing overnight for deals are now common sights across London city.

And wiith the influx of British retailers to Ireland, opening on St. Stephen’s Day is becoming a popular option with stores here. After three successful years of experimenting with the early opening hours, even more shopping centres and retailers are welcoming customers on 26 December, enticing them with slashed prices and once-off deals.

Here’s a roundup of who’s opening when. Note: there’s some early birds in there:

Arnotts – 26 December at 9am

Brown Thomas (all locations) – 26 December at 9am

Clery’s – 26 December at 9am

Debenhams – 26 December at 8am

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre – 26 December 11am – 6pm

Penney’s Mary Street - 26 December at noon

Jervis Street Shopping Centre - 26 December at 9am

Dundrum Shopping Centre – 26 December at 10am (although Next will open its doors at 6am and River Island from 7am)

Liffey Valley Shopping Centre - 26 December at 11am

Next Grafton Street – 26 December at 6am

Marks & Spencer Grafton Street - 27 December at 8am

DID Electrical - 27 December at 9am

Currys - 26 December at 9am

IKEA – 27 December at 10am

Merchants Quay Shopping Centre – 27 December at 9am

Galway Shopping Centre - 26 December at 9am

Queues are not uncommon outside Next on Grafton Street or large electrical retailers on the morning of 26 December so be prepared!