Istanbul shopping stampede in VIP invite prompts social media storm

ISTANBUL

Video footage showing the opening of the much-anticipated Balmain x H&M collaboration in Istanbul has created a social media storm, with VIP guests captured in a frenzy while trying to grab items from the collection. 

An invite by the Swedish clothing brand H&M on Nov. 4 was a rare opportunity for fashion enthusiasts in Istanbul to purchase items from the collection ahead of its public launch on Nov. 5. 

However, the frenzy of the 200 VIPs invited to the opening prompted social media users to liken it to the notorious Black Friday shopping stampedes in the United States. 

“This video of the Balman x H&M boutique opening its doors to a ‘select few’ in Istanbul left me baffled,” one Twitter user stated. 


“The rich and poor in this country are no different. This is a ‘baklava stampede’ in Eminönü, and this is the H&M x Balmain stampede,” another user said, sharing video footage from both incidents. 


A third user shared a video of small chicks flocking to a river, saying it resembled the human shopping stampede. 


Meanwhile, daily Hürriyet posted the account of one witness of the event, who admitted to buying two pairs of boots without even trying them on - or actually even realizing that she was indeed purchasing boots. 

“I managed to get hold of two boxes. I didn’t know what was inside but I bought them anyway. When I got out, I learned that I had purchased two pairs of boots. One pair was size 36 while the other was 39. My shoe size is 37 but I haven’t returned them. I’m sure one of my friends will want it,” she said.