BLUEWATER is preparing for its busiest weekend of the year.

Footfall at the complex is expected to exceed 500,000 between Friday (Dec 20) and Monday (Dec 23).

Experts are predicting a mammoth weekend due to an early pay day for many, big retail promotions and the general last-minute shopping rush.

The effect of these factors will reportedly create a similar situation to ‘Black Friday’ on November 29 – seen by some as the beginning of the shopping season - during which Bluewater experienced a 7 per cent increase in footfall on the Friday and Saturday compared to last year.

Bluewater's general manager Robert Goodman warns visitors it is going to be busy.

He said: "This coming weekend is likely to see a similar surge in sales and footfall to Black Friday, but driven largely by need rather than retailer promotions. 

"For some, the weekend is the last chance to shop in earnest for Christmas presents and our stores are going to be busy.

"Over the four days we will also have a lot of guests that are here to treat themselves, having completed their Christmas shopping already. 

"We also expect guests to take advantage of our extended opening hours, including the debut of midnight trading on Monday, to make a day of their visit to Bluewater."