A major watch retailer has been forced to close UK stores amid safety concerns after huge crowds descended on shopping centres.
Swatch announced its Greater Manchester store would remain shut on Sunday for a second day, following the launch of a new pocket watch that drew scores of customers.
Police were called to the Trafford Centre’s Swatch store on Saturday, an arrest also made in Cardiff. Online videos showed significant crowds at multiple shopping centres nationwide, with officers present near several stores.
South Wales Police confirmed they attended St David’s 2 shopping centre in Cardiff at 6.20am Saturday, after reports of 300 people trying to enter a Swatch outlet.
A 25-year-old man from Pengam was arrested and issued with a Section 35 dispersal notice, the force added.
Officers were also sent to the Trafford Centre in Manchester and “dispersed a large number of people”, Greater Manchester Police said.
Swatch posted on Facebook on Saturday saying “in light of safety considerations for both our customers and our staff” stores in Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Glasgow and Cardiff would be closed for the day, along with all of the London stores.
It posted later on Saturday saying: “To all our dear fans worldwide of our AP x Swatch collab, launched on May 16.
“To ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff in Swatch stores, we kindly ask you not to rush to our stores in large numbers to acquire this product.
“The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months. In some countries, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused.”
The company posted again on Sunday saying the Manchester store would be closed for the day “in light of safety considerations”.
Swatch launched the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop Collection on Saturday at selected stores worldwide, according to the company’s website.
Purchases are limited to one watch per person, per day, and per store.
A spokesperson for South Wales Police said: “South Wales Police was called at 6.20am on Saturday May 16 to a group of approximately 300 people trying to enter the St David’s 2 shopping centre.
“A 25-year-old man from Pengam was arrested and issued with a Section 35 dispersal notice with the conditions that they are not to enter Cardiff City Centre again during Saturday May 16.”
Greater Manchester Police was called shortly before 6am on Saturday “following reports of a disturbance at the Trafford centre”, a spokesperson said.
The force said: “Officers attended and alongside security staff dispersed a large number of people who were inside the centre.
“No arrests have been made.”
