Swatch has temporarily closed its retail locations across the United Kingdom after witnessing overwhelming crowds eager to purchase a new limited edition watch. The Swiss watchmaker announced that its branches in London and other major cities would remain shut due to safety concerns for both customers and employees.
Store Closures and Safety Measures
In addition to London, stores in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester, and Sheffield will also stay closed. This decision follows an incident in Cardiff where a man was arrested amid reports of aggressive behavior from a group outside the store.
The company was set to unveil its new Royal Pop pocket watch, a collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, featuring eight models priced starting at £335. However, these watches have already appeared on resale platforms with prices soaring up to £16,000.
Company’s Response to the Situation
In light of the chaos, Swatch urged potential buyers to refrain from rushing to stores in large groups, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety for all involved. The company stated on its website, „The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months.“ It also noted that in certain regions, queues exceeding 50 individuals would not be permitted, and sales might need to be temporarily halted.
„The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months,“ Swatch stated.
Public Reaction and International Impact
The Royal Pop pocket watches have generated significant excitement among fans. In Liverpool, some individuals camped outside the Paradise Street store for two days in anticipation of the launch. Merseyside Police reported that they received a call regarding a group of men acting aggressively outside the store around 07:00 BST on Saturday, prompting officers to disperse the crowd shortly thereafter.
In Cardiff, South Wales Police responded to a report at 06:20 on Saturday about approximately 300 people attempting to enter the St. Davids shopping center. A 25-year-old man was arrested and issued a Section 35 dispersal notice, prohibiting him from entering Cardiff city center for the remainder of the day.
Global Queues and Cancellations
Queues have also formed outside Swatch locations worldwide, including in New York, where some watch enthusiasts camped out for a week, with reports of individuals becoming unwell during their wait. The company also canceled its launch event at Dubai Mall in the United Arab Emirates due to the unexpectedly large turnout.
Swatch has described the new watches as inspired by the Pop Art movement of the 1950s and 60s, merging „joyful boldness and positive provocation“ with traditional watchmaking. The collection combines the avant-garde design of Audemars Piguet’s Royal Oak with the modular creativity of Swatch’s POP line from the 1980s.
As the situation continues to develop, Swatch remains focused on ensuring the safety of its customers and staff while managing the excitement surrounding the Royal Pop Collection.
Quellen: bbc
Bildquelle: KI generiert
