UK: Swatch Shuts UK Stores as Royal Pop Launch Triggers Fights and Police Response

Long lines formed outside Swatch stores across the world ahead of launch of the Royal Pop, a collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet on Saturday, May 16. Swatch closed stores across the UK after massive queues formed outside branches over the launch, with fights and disturbances breaking out and police called to the scene, prompting the company to cite safety concerns for customers and staff.

US: Long Lines and Chaos Hit Swatch Stores Over Royal Pop Launch 2

Long lines formed outside Swatch stores across the globe ahead of Saturday's launch of the Royal Pop, a $400–420 pocket watch collaboration with high-end Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. At least 19 U.S. locations were affected, including the SoHo store in New York City. New York emerged as one of the worst flashpoints: at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island, cops appeared to break out pepper spray to push back surging crowds, while hundreds of shoppers stormed Times Square and SoHo locations, leading to at least one arrest, according to the NYPD. Swatch eventually shut the stores down over public safety concerns.

US: Long Lines and Chaos Hit Swatch Stores Over Royal Pop Launch

Long lines formed outside Swatch stores across the world ahead of launch of the Royal Pop, a collaboration between Swatch and Audemars Piguet on Saturday, May 16. At least 19 US locations, including the SoHo store in New York City, were forced to close after crowds became unruly, but crowds lined up outside stores again.