Gotta Watch: Shopping frenzies over 'it' products
Brides-to-be participate in a 2011 "Running of the Brides."
January 13th, 2012
11:50 AM ET

Gotta Watch: Shopping frenzies over 'it' products

Sometimes the hype for the season’s “it” item can really get over the top. When customers just have to have it, bad behavior can ensue. Check out the chaos that these hot products caused.

Apple attack — Apple’s loyal followers love to have the latest product. In Beijing today, fans braved subzero temperatures to get the iPhone 4S. The store decided not to open in the morning, citing safety concerns over the large crowd. The throng got unruly and even threw rocks and eggs at the store. Police were forced to break up the fray. Apple has now delayed the launch of the 4S in Beijing because of the incident.

[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/tech/2012/01/13/pkg-grant-iphone-riots.cnn"%5D

Bride wars — The annual “Running of the Brides” at Filene’s Basement was known for causing hysteria among brides-to-be looking for a bargain. Wedding dresses were deeply discounted for shoppers who could reach the dress first. The retail chain closed its doors at the end of 2011 after filing for bankruptcy, but other stores like Goodwill plan to continue the tradition.

[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2012/01/13/dnt-filenes-basement-running-brides.wcbs"%5D

Shoe shopping — It’s been years since Michael Jordan’s retirement, but throngs of frenzied shoppers rushed stores to buy the newest pair of Nike’s Air Jordans this Christmas season. These retro shoes are a replica of the 1996 pairs. Police had to pepper spray a mob in the Seattle area to get it under control.

[cnn-video url="http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2011/12/26/exp-shoe-shopping-violence.hln"%5D
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Filed under: Apple • Gotta Watch
soundoff (33 Responses)
  1. saywhat

    This has taken the shape and form of a fearsome ritual. 'Civilized' folks behaving like its the end of the world.
    Its not even amusing anymore.

    January 13, 2012 at 1:45 pm | Report abuse |
  2. David M

    The message these people are sending is 'I don't want much, I just want more'. No electronic gadget, shoe, or dress is so important that you will behave in such an idiotic way. Looks like a bunch of crazy white women fighting for the wedding dress and a bunch of crazy black folks fighting for the shoes. Stupid is as stupid does.

    By the way, that iPhone you just have to get will be obsolete before you get home.

    January 13, 2012 at 2:43 pm | Report abuse |
    • Chas Norris Jr.

      Precisely. Although for the Chinese a significant reason is to resell and looking at the video it's pretty obvious the police had things well in hand – hey it's China! Maybe we should have them provide security for the Air Jordan's...LOL

      January 13, 2012 at 3:03 pm | Report abuse |
  3. Steve

    See, what you do is once they all run into the store, you close the doors and lock them in there. Then you have them, trapped like raging mice in a box. Then, you eject the entire store into outer space. Boom. Idiots gone. Problem solved. Cue harmony.

    January 13, 2012 at 3:08 pm | Report abuse |
  4. banasy©

    Not Tori. Be gone, troll.

    January 13, 2012 at 4:30 pm | Report abuse |
  5. banasy©

    Not Tori.
    Be gone, troll.

    January 13, 2012 at 4:31 pm | Report abuse |
  6. chrissy

    lmao @ steve, best idea ive heard so far!

    January 13, 2012 at 5:15 pm | Report abuse |
  7. Waterboard Uncle Fester

    It's a shame but Cousin It has the most intelligent comment so far.

    January 13, 2012 at 5:20 pm | Report abuse |
  8. TORI©

    Thank you @banasy for having my back against this TORI troll. You rock!

    January 13, 2012 at 5:31 pm | Report abuse |
  9. BOMBO ©

    Don't waterboard Uncle Fester. He'd enjoy it too much.

    January 13, 2012 at 5:41 pm | Report abuse |
  10. 6.7BILLION WE WILL DECIDE BY FACT CHECKING

    @TOM WE NEED WHISTLE BLOWERS THEN WE CAN CATCH THESE INSIDEOUS PEOPLE THERES MORE OF US THAN THERE ARE OF THEM

    January 14, 2012 at 6:40 pm | Report abuse |
  11. IT VOIR

    Thank you,
    The information you shared is very informative.
    IT NEWS

    February 8, 2012 at 6:51 am | Report abuse |
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