A supermarket and clothing shop were evacuated after a suspicous item was found.
A huge police presence descended on the car park shared by Sainsbury's and TK Maxx in Union Street, Oldham, on Tuesday afternoon.
Dramatic pictures showed a cordon in place with officers, including a dog unit, as well as multiple force vehicles, at the scene in the town centre.
Greater Manchester Police confirmed the evacuation was a precautionary measure, reports the Manchester Evening News.
In a statement, the force said: "As a precaution we have evacuated TK Maxx in the town centre after a report of a suspicious item.
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"A cordon is in place and we have specialist resources at the scene to make an assessment of the item.
"We will provide an update as soon as possible but advise people to stay away from the area for now."
Sainsbury's also confirmed its store and petrol station were both closed.
A spokesperson said: "Our Oldham Union Street store and petrol station are currently closed.
"We’re keeping in close contact with the police.”
GMP later released a second statement confirming an investigation had led to the item no longer being deemed suspicious.
The statement said: "Our specialist resources have assessed the item at TK Maxx in town and it is no longer deemed to be suspicious.
"There is no risk to the public in relation to this incident and the cordon has been removed.
"We thank the town for their patience and co-operation this afternoon as we dealt with this report."
A large group of shoppers were seen waiting outside, with TK Maxx re-opening at around 2pm.
