Primark fans formed huge queues before 8am this morning (Monday 15 June) as the fast-fashion store re-opened following coronavirus lockdown.
The chain had been closed in the UK since 23 March, when all non-essential shops were told they to stop trading for the foreseeable future as part of the coronavirus lockdown.
Today, large crowds of eager shoppers have been photographed outside the flagship Birmingham branch, with others around the country also experiencing queues.
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The chain, which has lost around £1.5 billion due to lockdown, will open 153 of its UK stores today, with customers asked to follow two-metre social distancing guidelines, as well as a one way system.
Measures such as extra security, safety signs and reduced hours have all been introduced as part of Primark's structured re-opening.
Staff and customers will also have the option to wear PPE and face coverings while in the store, and blue bubble stickers will be placed on all the floors, to help ensure people are able to stay two metres apart.
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All branches will now have a separate entrance and exit, with security keeping count of how many customers are in the store at any one time.
As we have seen with supermarkets, baskets will all be cleaned between uses, and hand sanitiser will be available, with contactless transactions encouraged where possible.
Speaking to The Mirror, Philippa Nibbs, Primark's director of sales, said: "We are incredibly excited about opening next week. The safety of our customers and employees is our number one priority and you'll see throughout the store the extensive measures we've put in place to support that."
A spokesperson for the chain also told the news outlet: "Nothing matters more to us than the health and well-being of our employees and customers.
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"That is why we will only re-open our stores in the UK once we are convinced that it is safe and right to do so."
"We will apply the valuable experience gained from more than 100 stores which are already open as we open the remainder of our estate, including stores across the UK."
They also confirmed that a new returns policy will be in place across all stores.
Primark added: "We have extended our Refund & Exchange policy in light of our temporary store closures and the impact Covid-19 may have on our customers.
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"Products purchased on or after 1 February 2020 can be returned for 28 days after the date our stores in the country of purchase re-opens."
Featured Image Credit: PA