Hundreds of Primark shoppers queue overnight for 36-hour shopping bonanza

HUNDREDS of Primark fans have queued overnight for a 36-hour shopping bonanza.

The High Street chain is opening its doors for an around-the-clock marathon shopping spree.

Hundreds of Christmas shoppers were pictured queuing to get into Primark in Braehead Shopping Centre in Scotland.

The socially-distanced queue ran all the way from the centre’s entrance, around the side of the building, snaking back up and then down again.

Inside, punters said the lines were so packed they couldn’t even see the tills as Brits snapped up a bargain.

It opened at 9am yesterday morning and is planning to close at 9pm tonight.

All other stores across Scotland will trade until at least 8pm on weekdays until December 23 – with Braehead open until midnight each day.

Primark in Newtonabbey in Northern Ireland also opened at 9am yesterday for a 36-hour blitz.

The chain is now working on plans to open more branches for lengthier hours to allow Brits to get all their Christmas shopping done.

It is believed Middlesborough Primark is one of the stores that will open for 36 hours on the weekend before Christmas, according to Teeside Live.

Some Primark stores opened for 24-hours to help people shop safely after lockdown lifted in England on December 2.

It meant 11 stores were open from 7am on Wednesday morning and did not close again until Thursday evening.

Shops can stay open longer in the run-up to Christmas, including 24/7, after the government changed the rules in a boost to the retail industry.

It comes as 11million Brits are set to spend £1.7billion today amid fears areas could be plunged into Tier 3.

That works out at over £3million every minute over nine hours trading.

Around 60,000 shoppers are expected today at ­London’s Brent Cross, with 80,000 at Lakeside, Essex, and 130,000 at Manchester’s Trafford Centre.

Those worried their areas could be hit with the toughest tier restrictions are expected to bring their last-minute shopping forward.

Stores will remain open in Tier 3 areas but some enjoy a drink or meal after their shopping, which they will not be able to do under the new rules.

Websites are also expected to be shunned in favour of high streets, amid fears online deliveries will not arrive for Christmas.