Police were called to manage traffic chaos at Le Creuset’s warehouse sale in Andover, Hampshire, as hundreds of bargain hunters queued for hours to grab discounted cookware.
The two-day event, which offered up to 50% off on the cookware giant’s signature items like casserole pots and saucepans, drew such a large crowd that social media videos showed long lines of cars parked along nearby roads, and shoppers waiting up to four hours to get in, The Guardian reported.
One shopper reported waiting in line from shortly after 9am until 2pm.
However, demand outstripped supply at the popular kitchenware brand, which is priced at up to £400, and by the time latecomers arrived, much of the stock had already sold out.
Many shoppers took to social media to express their frustration, with one commenting that “most things were gone” by the time they reached the warehouse.
The sale was billed as Le Creuset’s largest in-person event and was open on a first-come, first-served basis. It was the second warehouse sale at this location this year, following a similar event in March.
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