Primark has issued a statement this morning after concerns were raised when a large queue was spotted outside the retailer's Belfast store over the weekend.
Images on social media on Sunday prompted anger from the public who hit out at the NI Executive for their decision making.
Northern Ireland will be placed into lockdown again this Friday, November 27 with all non-essential retailers to close their doors as well as close contact services. Hospitality will also remain closed until the two week period has ended.
One Twitter user said: "Primark, Belfast today I believe. This is what happens when you have a wholly ineffective government, who has lost the dressing room. People are completely fed up with how this entire pandemic has been handled. No plan, no support, no vision, no leadership. Fail fail fail!!"
Local businessman Chris Suitor tweeted: "The scene outside @Primark Belfast today.... caused by an utterly incomprehensible decision by @niexecutive..."
Restaurant Mourne Seafood expressed their disappointment at the scenes saying: "Hard to accept pictures like this when we can’t even use our outside area ?"
A Primark spokesperson told Belfast Live it has 'extensive health and safety measures in place'.
It said:“Nothing matters more to us than the safety and wellbeing of our employees and customers. As we re-open our stores in Northern Ireland in line with government advice, we continue to have extensive health and safety measures in place including a strict social distancing protocol and limits on the number of customers allowed in store.
"Dedicated employees and security staff are on hand to help ensure these measures are adhered to. We continue to closely follow all safety advice from government across all our stores.”
The NI Executive is to meet today to set out plans for a financial rescue package to aid struggling businesses who have been forced to close their doors amid the pandemic.
