SHOPS and businesses across the county are choosing to opt out of notorious annual shopping day Black Friday next week.

Bicester Village says it will not take part in day in a bid to keep the streets of the town as clear as possible although there is likely to be an increase in demand.

The designer shopping outlet has confirmed that it will not play a part but is preparing for an influx of shoppers for the much-heralded event, which falls on the last Friday in November and originated in the USA.

Each year bargain hunters flock to places such as Bicester Village to take advantage of mass reductions for one day ahead of the Christmas season beginning in earnest.

Spokeswoman for the outlet Miranda Markham said: "As per last year Bicester Village will not be participating in Black Friday.

"However we will prepare, again as last year for what is usually a very busy weekend timed with the last pay weekend before Christmas."

The outlet will again extend its opening hours for the weekend in a bid to avoid a repeat of previous years which has resulted in Bicester's roads becoming gridlocked.

The town experienced traffic chaos in 2014 as shoppers queued for miles to get into Bicester Village.

But extended opening hours and the timely opening of the new Bicester park and ride and Bicester Village Station seemed to combat any traffic woes last November.

Mrs Markham added: "Bicester Village will already be in its winter reduction period so there will be great offers throughout the village as usual at this time of year.

"Train travel continues to be a popular choice for visitors to Bicester Village with passenger numbers up to almost double that of last year.

"The Bicester Park and Ride is also used to good effect on weekends and on other busy trading periods and proves to be very effective at relieving congestion."

This year Bicester Village will open its doors on Black Friday an hour earlier and close an hour later from 8am to 10pm.

It will be open the same hours on Saturday and from 8am to 7pm on Sunday.

Oxford's high street also sees a rush of custom on the annual shopping holiday although like Bicester Village, many businesses choose not to take part.

LUSH staff member Rebecca Barron said: "We won't be taking part in Black Friday, I am not sure of the exact reason why but we get our stock from all over the world and most of it is fair trade.

"So our ingredients come from a lot of family run businesses and we want to keep our prices fair to ensure it is equal for everyone."

Blackwell's bookshop, Broad Street, has also chosen to opt out the infamously busy holiday in the past in favour of Civilised Saturday instead.

Book stores across the country joined last year for the first time to host the separate holiday as a perfect antidote to follow Black Friday.