When will it start? The store's winter clearance sale begins at 5pm online on Christmas Eve and in stores on 27 December.
What kind of discounts is it offering? Mainly discounts on premium homewares but also selected deals in other departments
Best bargains: John Lewis men's Multi Gingham Natural shirt (£25, down from £49, available online from 24 December). John Lewis soft belted dress, Green (£27.50, down from £55, available online from 24 December). JellyJelly Scented Case Gift Set for iPhone 4 (£9.95, down from £29.95, available now).
Christmas opening hours: They differ, but the Cambridge store has the following typical opening hours: Friday 21 December: 8.30am – 9pm; Saturday 22 December: 8.30am – 7pm; Sunday 23 December: 11am – 5pm (browsing hours 10.30am – 11am); Monday 24 December: 8.30am – 5pm.
Debenhams
Has it started discounting? Yes, its "up to half-price gift event" is already on, but its biggest ever sale is also promised for Boxing Day.
What kind of discounts is it offering? Currently, money off products and gifts in almost every department, from beauty and fragrance to men's coats and jackets and toys.
Best bargains: Black Shelly luxury rocker swivel chair (£100, down from £340). Ann Harvey Black Shine Shutter dress (£36, down from £120). Silverlit remote control Air Blazer helicopter (£15, down from £30).
Christmas opening hours: Differs from shop to shop but the Bury store is opening until 9pm on 21 and 22 December, and until 5pm on Sunday 23 December.
Sainsbury's
Has it started discounting? Yes. As part of January's "monster sale" – its most extensive ever – it has already begun discounting hundreds of products by up to half price. But this has only happened online – the in-store sale kicks off on 24 December.
What kind of discounts is it offering? More than 1,000 stores will be discounting more than 700 products, across home, clothing, entertainment and electrical. Some furniture will have up to 60% shaved off.
Best bargains: Celcus 40" Full HD 1080p LCD TV (£249.99, down from £349.99). Floral Nook case (£9.99, down from £19.99). Pink portable DVD player (£49.99, down from £99.99).
Christmas opening hours: Differ from shop to shop but as a guide, the West Hove store is open until 11pm on 21 December, 10pm on 22 December, 4pm on 23 December, and 6pm on Christmas Eve.
HMV
Has it started discounting? Not yet.
When will its sale start? HMV's "Big Sale" officially starts on Boxing Day, but stores are known to start putting sale stock out from Christmas Eve. It also has a current promotion where you can buy any DVD or Blu-ray boxset and get another one for half price. These includes The Dark Knight Trilogy and the Downton Abbey boxsets. 2013 Artist calendars, which normally retail for £7+ have all been reduced to £5 each.
What kind of discounts will it be offering? Hundreds of deals on CDs, DVDs, games, technology and clothing.
Best bargains: Drive on DVD (£3, down from £8). The Twilight Quadrilogy DVD (£12, down from £28). Toy Story 1-3 (£12, down from £18).
Christmas opening hours: They differ from shop to shop but the Oxford Circus branch is open until 10pm on 21 and 22 December, 6pm on 23 December and 10pm on 24 December.
Gap
Has it started discounting? Yes, the Gap sale is already on.
What kind of discounts is it offering? Up to 60% off clothing,
Best bargains: Men's cotton cashmere crewneck sweaters (£19.99, down from £29.95). Gap Pure women's longline tunic (£4.99, down from £19.95). Children's striped sequin tops (£9.99, down from £17.95).
Christmas opening hours: Differs from shop to shop, but all stores are open on Christmas Eve.
DFS
Has it started discounting? The DFS Winter Sale started on 26 November and runs until Sunday 17 February, online and in stores.
What kind of discounts is it offering? Double savings on selected ranges.
Best bargains: Difficult to pull out products for men, women or children, but it has the following deals: Freestyle left-facing Chaise Corner Deluxe sofabed (£1,895, down from £2,895) and the Mikado two-seater sofa (£799, down from £1,199).
Christmas opening hours: 9am-8pm all weekend and on Christmas Eve.
Marks & Spencer
Has it started discounting? M&S is running an online 20% off "winter savings" promotion. Plus, its big sale is due to launch early, on Christmas Eve.
What discounts is it offering? A range of discounts off men's and women's clothing and accessories, children's clothing and homeware. It has not yet published details of its Boxing Day sale discounts.
Best bargains: Autograph men's ribbed scarf with cashmere (£18, down from £22.50). Flying Bird Longline women's knitted jumper (£28, down from £35). Hello Kitty head bag (£9.60, down from £12).
Christmas opening hours: Differs from store to store, but the Brighton branch is open until 9pm on 21 and 22 December and 5pm on 23 and 24 December.