Swatch forced to close UK stores after huge queues for new watch spark safety crisis
A major watch retailer has been forced to close its UK stores due to safety concerns after large crowds flocked to shopping centres.
Swatch has announced that its Greater Manchester store will remain closed for a second day on Sunday, following the launch of a new pocket watch that attracted a huge number of customers.
Police were called to the Trafford Center Swatch store on Saturday and an arrest was also made in Cardiff. Online videos showed significant crowds at many malls across the country, with officers on hand near many stores.
South Wales Police confirmed they attended St David’s 2 shopping center in Cardiff at 6.20am on Saturday morning following reports that 300 people tried to break into a Swatch store.
Police added that a 25-year-old man from Pengam was arrested and given a Section 35 dispersal notice.
Manchester Police said officers were also sent to the Trafford Center in Manchester and “dispersed a large number of people”.
Swatch said on Facebook on Saturday that “in light of safety considerations for both our customers and staff” stores in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Cardiff, as well as all stores in London, would be closed for the day.
A post later on Saturday read: “To all our beloved fans around the world from our AP x Swatch collaboration, which launched on May 16th.
“In order to ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff in Swatch stores, we kindly request that you do not flock to our stores in large numbers to purchase this product.
“The Royal Pop Collection will be available for several months. In some countries, queues of more than 50 people are unacceptable and sales may have to be paused.”
The company posted again on Sunday, saying that its Manchester store would be closed for a day “for security reasons”.
Swatch launched the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection at select stores worldwide on Saturday, according to the company’s website.
Purchases are limited to one hour per person, per day, and per store.
A South Wales Police spokesman said: “South Wales Police were called to a group of approximately 300 people attempting to enter St David’s 2 shopping center at 6.20am on Saturday, May 16.
“A 25-year-old man from Pengam was arrested and given a dispersal notice from Section 35 with the condition that they never enter Cardiff City Center again on Saturday 16 May.”
A spokesman said Greater Manchester Police were called shortly before 6am on Saturday “following reports of a disturbance in Trafford centre”.
Police said: “Officers attended and, along with security personnel, dispersed a number of people who were in the centre.
“No arrests were made”
