Swatch Shuts Stores after Crowds Queue for New Watch

Swatch has closed its stores in cities across the UK after hundreds of people queued outside branches eager to buy a new limited edition watch.

The Swiss firm said it would not open its branches in London “in light of safety considerations for both our customers and our staff”.

Stores in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield will also remain closed with a man arrested in Cardiff.

The firm had been due to launch its new Royal Pop pocket watch collaboration with luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, with eight models priced from £335.

However the watch has been put on resale online for up to £16,000.

Swatch later urged people “not to rush to our stores in large numbers to acquire this product” as it needed to “ensure the safety of both our customers and our staff”.

On its website the statement continued: “The Royal Pop Collection will remain available for several months.

“In some countries and regions, queues of more than 50 people cannot be accepted, and sales may need to be paused.”

Source: BBC