Retail discounts are integral to the success of Barking and Dagenham’s high street shops as they brace for a difficult winter period, says retail guru Simon Green, president of the Barking and Dagenham Chamber of Commerce.

With £3 in every £5 of the average person’s Christmas shopping set to be spent online, the borough’s high street stores must strive to offer something different, he says.

“Black Friday and associated promotions will be an important element of the retail offer,” he says.

Mr Green is also the regional centre director of Barking’s Vicarage Field Shopping Centre.

Retail company results and sales predictions from Visa suggest high street spending will suffer over the winter period.

“I do not envisage there will be many retailers who will survive on full price sales over the next month and a half,” Mr Green added.

However with prices continuing to suffer because of the fall in value of the pound, consumers ought to make the most of any discounts on offer, he says.

“As Brexit retail inflation continues to bite, these additionally price promotions should provide some comfort to the retail consumer,” he said.

Black Friday is this week on November 24, but discounts are expected to last all week.