Shoppers queued for an hour to get into the Trafford Centre during a grey and miserable Bank Holiday Monday.
Some even waited in the rain, with signs in the car park saying the centre was 'full' as people tried to get a space.
One shopper who queued up claimed social distancing wasn't being observed.
The Trafford Centre said customer safety is its 'highest priority', and that 'strict capacity limits' are observed within the venue.
Connor Clarke, 20, from Trafford, said: "We were standing in the queue in the rain for about an hour, it was just not moving.
"There was no distancing whatsoever, a lot of people weren't wearing masks.
"I can understand it's obviously outside, and it's a well ventilated area."
He said that eventually those queuing were allowed in.
"I think they just gave up and let everybody in," he said.
Zoe Inman, centre director at the Trafford Centre, thanked shoppers for their patience and warned people they may have to queue to enter at busy times.
She said: "Our highest priority is to keep people wishing to enter the centre safe at all times.
"We have strict capacity limits and social distancing measures in place to keep everyone safe.
"We have advised visitors to plan their trip carefully and check our website for store opening information and current COVID-19 restrictions in advance.
"Highlighting that at busier times, such as weekends and Bank Holidays, they may have to queue to get in – and should come prepared for the weather.
"Face coverings are mandatory and must be worn when entering the centre, in stores and when walking throughout the malls, unless exempt.
"Bank Holidays are always popular at the centre, and this weekend is no exception.
"Our security staff are committed to making sure all the safety measures remain in place, like capacity limits, hand sanitisation stations, mandatory mask wearing and enforced social distancing.
"On occasion, this weekend we have been at capacity and customers have had to wait to enter the centre. We thank everyone for their patience and consideration whilst doing so.
"I am proud of our dedicated on-site teams working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all our visitors across a very busy and blustery Bank Holiday weekend."
