Police and security staff at the Westfield Mall of the Netherlands in Leidschendam turned away several hundred people from the shopping centre on Saturday morning. A long queue had formed in front of the Swatch store ahead of the release of a new watch model.
A spokesperson for the Hague police reported that the atmosphere became restless and arguments broke out. When the shop management decided not to open, officials cleared the area. The spokesperson added that the dispersal went smoothly and police made no arrests.
A sign on the shop front stated that management would keep the branch closed for the weekend, cancel the promotion, and remove the watches from the store. Around 10:45 am, some people remained outside. A security guard confirmed the closure and noted that staff would not serve those still waiting.
Similar crowds gathered at the Swatch branch on P.C. Hooftstraat in Amsterdam, where hundreds of people queued according to the newspaper Het Parool. A police spokesperson confirmed that this location would also remain closed for the day and that the crowd had been asked to disperse. Police used a megaphone to announce the owner’s decision to close and to request that people leave, noting that they wanted to avoid having to forcefully clear the street.
News Brainport and ANP have approached the Swatch Group for a comment.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
