Swatch forced to close UK stores as Royal Pop launch descends into chaos
The Swatch watch brand has been forced to close stores in several UK cities following chaotic scenes in which crowds of hundreds of people gathered hoping to buy its new Royal Pop collection.
A collaboration with Audemars Piguet, the collection draws inspiration from the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, launched in 1972, as well as the Swatch POP watches of the 1980s.
Subscribe to TRBSwatch said shops in London would not open due to the chaos, and those in Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield also remain closed. One man was arrested in Cardiff.
While the range features eight products which were due to launch priced from £335, items have been put online for resale with prices of up to £16,000.
Swatch said in a statement: “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.”
