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Balmain x H&M: Queue chaos, website crashed and every item sold out

The Balmain x H&M collection was released in stores today attracting scores of customers both in store and online.

Emma Akbareian
Thursday 05 November 2015 16:01 GMT
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If you managed to bag yourself something from the Balmain x H&M collection you're right to be feeling pretty smug right now.

The collection which was released globally at 9am this morning attracted shoppers in their droves all hoping to get their hands on the much publicised collaboration.

Stores saw across the world saw customers queuing up from the early hours, with reports of queues starting as early as Monday night in Singapore - that's a full 3 nights of sleeping on the street!

In London things were slightly more restrained with a mere 2 nights of camping out for shoppers outside the Oxford Circus store.

At the Regent Store social media users reported the police were called in to maintain order as people reportedly attempted to push in the queue.

Whilst shoppers have reported stores in Westfield and on Oxford St have been forced to close due to fights breaking out and health and safety concerns.

Even those who managed to get access to the sale, were left disappointed with reports that the collection sold out in stores, in record breaking time.

It was a similar story on the website, where as predicted, the site crashed under the volume of traffic, with those who did manage to get on the site reporting that items were sold out.

Designer collaborations such as this attract a major resale market; a quick browse on auction site eBay reveals hundreds of items already listed and with hefty mark-ups.

One of the most desired items - a pearl beaded blazer retailed in store for £299 and can now be found on eBay for a staggering £1,250 - 4 times the original price.

The Guardian reported some sellers weren't even waiting to get their purchases home, instead opting to sell their items on the street for cash.

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