Swatch stores shutter amid long lines for highly-anticipated collaboration release
Swatch stores across the U.S. faced sudden closures due to overwhelming crowds for the Royal Pop Collection release. The collaboration with Audemars Piguet led to safety concerns, prompting Swatch to ask customers not to rush to stores. The collection will remain available for several months, and it is not a limited edition.
- ▪The Royal Pop Collection was released on Saturday, with prices ranging from $400 to $420.
- ▪At least 19 Swatch stores in the U.S. closed due to safety concerns amid high demand.
- ▪Videos showed large crowds outside stores, with some locations announcing they would remain closed for the day.
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U.S. newsSwatch stores shutter amid long lines for highly-anticipated collaboration release The Royal Pop Collection collaboration between Audemars Piguet and Swatch triggered long lines at Swatch stores across the U.S., prompting sudden closures. Listen to this article with a free account00:0000:00A Swatch store in Cardiff, Wales on Saturday. Surging crowds prompted last-minute closures at multiple stores over safety concerns.Matthew Horwood / Getty ImagesShareAdd NBC News to GoogleMay 16, 2026, 4:49 PM EDTBy Marlene LenthangChaos erupted at Swatch stores from New York to London as watch enthusiasts lined up for a highly anticipated new release — only for the massive crowds to force several locations to shut their doors.Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free…
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