Liverpool city centre has been met with a rush of shoppers today as lockdown restrictions across England ease.
This morning, Primark was forced to open its doors early after shoppers queued up outside at 6.45am.
Shoppers formed a calm orderly queue which wrapped around the length of the building down Church Alley and on to College Lane.
Now, hours after its opening the queues have become even longer and are wrapped around the College Lane, through Key Court by the former Topshop store and back up towards Primark.
Shoppers have even been told they will have to wait at least ‘one hour’ in the queue to get into Primark – but it doesn’t seem to have put anyone off.
Shoppers also queued for Foot Locker in Liverpool ONE this morning, with people forming a line from its front door around the corner and up the steps towards WH Smith.
Like we’ve seen during past post-lockdown reopenings, Zara was met with large queues this morning ahead of its 9.30am opening, stretching back towards the Hilton hotel.
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Liverpool’s brand new Next store opened its doors today too, at its new home inside the former Forever 21.
Debenhams, which opened this morning for a closing down sale, has also seen huge demand as shoppers queued down Lord Street to take a look inside.
Along with non-essential retail stores such as clothing, betting and electronic stores, pubs and restaurants are allowed to open today for outdoor drinking and dining. Pubs are also allowed to serve takeaway drinks, and people enjoyed ice cold pints at Rocket & Ruby at Derby Square this lunchtime.
Personal care businesses like hair and beauty salons, as well with indoor leisure facilities like gyms – for individual use or within household groups – can reopen today.