http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/hundreds-queue-to-buy/2239674.html
SINGAPORE: About 400 shoppers were in line to get their hands on pieces from the limited-edition Balmain x H&M collection, which launched on Thursday (Nov 5).
The queue for Thursday's launch at Orchard Building started almost three days early. The collection is also on sale at H&M's Ion Orchard store.
At 6am on Thursday, close to 200 people were in line at Orchard Building, but that number doubled nearing the 8am opening time. H&M Singapore staff had 420 wristbands to hand out - 30 for each 10 minute time slot - and by 7.20am, they were down to the last 20.
First in line was retail assistant Michelle Kwek.
"I've been queuing since 7pm on Monday till 8am the next day, when my friend took over me at 1pm. I didn't want to be second or third, (I had to be) first to ensure that I get what I want, a blazer," said Ms Kwek, 26.
"I'm very tired but excited, but scared I pass out, too. I didn't really have dinner."
Ms Kwek also came prepared with a plan to ensure that she got what she had her eyes on: "I'm working with the people next to me, so when we go in we'll help each other to grab all the items for all of us."
An H&M spokesman said that even after the wristbands are given out, other interested customers can walk in to see if there are pieces left on sale. He did not give the exact number of T-shirts available.
Near the end of the line was Ms Aabidah Bani, a 23-year-old student, who wanted to buy a black dress that celebrity Kylie Jenner was pictured wearing. "We came, (but the queue) is crazy. We love it but this is the best we could do."
H&M staff said that while tee-shirts were in stock, the rest of the Balmain x H&M items were limited to about 30 to 40 pieces each. Some "key pieces", such as a "leather jacket with emblem and embellishments" were limited to five pieces.
- CNA/av