Readers weigh in on shoppers queuing outside Edinburgh Primark as stores reopen

The clothing store has reopened its shops with physical distancing in place.

Eager shoppers have been seen queuing outside Primark as nonessential shops are opening for the first time since lockdown began.

Primark has reopened both of their shops in Edinburgh, one on Princes Street and one in Fort Kinnaird with physical distancing and safety precautions in place.

The Fort Kinnaird outlet let customers in at 8:15am today with shoppers queuing from 6am for their chance to visit the clothing store.

Eager shoppers have been seen queuing outside Primark as nonessential shops are opening for the first time since lockdown began.

But some Evening News readers were unenthusiastic.

Fiona Milton wrote: “The way things are going I think we will get a second peak off this virus cause of selfish people. I still think it's too early to open just yet.”

Others questioned why people were queuing so early.

Margaret Alexander asked: “Who would be that desperate to be queuing at that time of the morning for Primark or any shop?”

“Pouring with rain and waiting in a queue for cheap tat,” Wayne Larbalestier added. “Really is it worth it?”

But others defended the shoppers.

Craig Jeans argued: “As much as you want to laugh at them for queuing to get into Primark, it's still a huge relief for some people to feel a bit of normality again.

“I think what they're wanting to buy is irrelevant, maybe just wanting to get out the house, have a wander like they used to.

“It's daft but probably does wonders for your mental state getting back to old habits,” he finished.

Susan Lamont raised the issue of children’s clothes. “People may laugh and joke but I work on the other side of this.

“When people are so desperate for clothes for their children and newborns, or pregnant woman that need bigger clothes and clothes banks are running low.”

Penella Jane Wilson agreed, writing: “I think people need to take into consideration the fact children are outgrowing clothes majorly at the moment, and with the shops not being open until now parents haven't been able to go and grab new clothes for their children.

Lynne Pryde criticised some of the negative comments. “So many judgemental and nasty comments,” she wrote. “Shops are open. Shopping is permitted. Queues to be expected. So what?”

David Carr wrote: “Good for them. People want a sense of normality back.

“Shopping isn't my thing but if it makes other people happy then crack on.

“If you're nervous then stay home and allow the rest of us the freedom to get back to normal.”

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