Primark shuts off some parts of stores as hundreds flock to shops

This morning saw hundreds of shoppers flock to Primark for the first time since March.

Many were so keen to get inside stores they camped outside from the early hours - talk about dedication.

Inside stores a series of safety measures have been put in place to ensure social distancing and hygiene standards are met.

One of the biggest changes shoppers will see is that changing rooms have been closed for customer safety.

When we visited the Market Street store earlier today, the changing rooms were closed with a member of staff manning them.

Primark's CEO, Paul Marchant, said: " We have really missed our customers and we are delighted to be back on 15 June and able to provide them with the quality, affordable products they love from Primark.

"While it might take a little longer to get into store, once inside, customers will find all their favourite Primark products and plenty of choice as usual. We have worked hard to make sure that clear signage and extra help will be there to guide them through the changes we have made to allow for social distancing.

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"We are also asking customers to respect the measures we have put in place to help ensure shopping at Primark is an enjoyable, safe experience for everyone.”

Queues for Primark in the trafford centre as it reopens on June 15

"Our products will be sold at our normal, great value prices which means there will be no sales or special offers when we re-open our doors."

The following rules have been put in place to protect staff and shoppers:

1. Extra security  - Extra security staff will be added to the team to help with a queuing system and to make sure people are following the rules.
2. Warning signs  - Signs will be put around the shops and on the floor to explain the rules.
3. Emptier aisles  - The number of customers allowed in the store at any time will be limited. By having fewer people in the store, both shoppers and staff will be able to stay a safe distance away from each other.
4. Tills closed  - Primark will only reopen every other till, meaning there is extra staff being staff working behind the counter and customers paying.
5. PPE  - All staff will be available to every member of staff who wants to wear one.
6. Sanitiser  - There will also be hand sanitiser stations at the front of every store, so customers can wash their hands as they arrive.
7. Screens  - Perspex screens have been put in front of the tills.
8. More cleaners -  All shops will be cleaned more often during the day, with particular focus on 'touch points' - including tills, escalators and lifts. They will also do extra cleaning of staff areas.