Black Friday now regarded as the unofficial start to the Christmas shopping season in many parts of the world and in 2020 shopping local is as important as ever.

Online Christmas sales are forecast to break the $5 billion barrier for the first time this season, but some money could be diverted to our local economy.

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Led by the Ararat Advertiser, alongside the Stawell Times-News and Wimmera Mail-Times - the campaign is encouraging residents to support local businesses, and for local businesses to provide their customers with great deals leading into Christmas.

Sales manager Clint King said more than 60 businesses have backed the campaign.

"The Black Friday promotion is a fantastic opportunity for the our community to purchase locally - which keeps your money local, and allows you to seek support and advice on the products you buy," Mr King said.

"While COVID-safe practices are still required, nothing beats the touch-and-feel experience of buying local products."

Grab your copy of next Friday's Ararat Advertiser, Stawell Times-News and Wimmera Mail-Times to check out our special 40-page guide to the bargains on offer.

The guide is also available online.

Black Friday is traditionally the day after the American Thanksgiving public holiday.

In 2019, US consumers spent more than $US2 billion ($A3 billion) online in the first hours of Thanksgiving.

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