Chaos Erupts as Half-Price iPad Promotion Draws Crowds in Escazú
A planned promotional event by Apple distributor ICON in Multiplaza Escazú leads to overcrowding and police intervention.
A promotional event by ICON, an official Apple distributor, intended to celebrate the opening of its new store in Multiplaza Escazú, Costa Rica, resulted in chaos on the morning of March 29. The store announced on social media that it would offer a significant discount on the iPad, specifically a 50% reduction on the iPad 10.9”, which ordinarily retails for $449, bringing the promotional price down to $224.50. This announcement drew large crowds of eager customers, many arriving as early as 5 a.m. to secure one of the 100 available discounts.
Upon arriving, customers were told that they could enter through a designated entrance at the Hooligans restaurant at 9 a.m., with plans to open the store at 10 a.m. However, by 11 a.m., after long waits and increasing frustration among the crowd, ICON officials announced the cancellation of the event.
This news led to widespread disappointment, as attendees had anticipated purchasing the discounted device after waiting for hours.
Concerns over safety arose as the atmosphere within the mall became tense.
Some attendees expressed that the security personnel on-site did not adequately manage the situation, leading to heightened agitation among those waiting in line.
Reports indicated that the Escazú Municipal Police and the national Fuerza Pública were called to the scene to help address the growing unrest.
Individuals in line described scenes of desperation, with many feeling their time had been wasted.
One young woman reported arriving at 7 a.m. and claimed that, despite being close to the front of the line, she and others were left frustrated and confused when the cancellation was announced.
Another customer recounted witnessing an escalation in impatience among the crowd before law enforcement arrived, describing the environment as tense but not physically violent.
Social media platforms quickly filled with images and videos of the unfortunate events, as customers shared their experiences and frustrations over perceived mismanagement.
Many expressed that they felt misled, having arrived with the hope of securing the advertised deal, only to leave empty-handed after the promised opening was retracted.
The situation has sparked discussions regarding crowd control protocols at promotional events and the necessity for better communication from retailers to their customers.
Upon arriving, customers were told that they could enter through a designated entrance at the Hooligans restaurant at 9 a.m., with plans to open the store at 10 a.m. However, by 11 a.m., after long waits and increasing frustration among the crowd, ICON officials announced the cancellation of the event.
This news led to widespread disappointment, as attendees had anticipated purchasing the discounted device after waiting for hours.
Concerns over safety arose as the atmosphere within the mall became tense.
Some attendees expressed that the security personnel on-site did not adequately manage the situation, leading to heightened agitation among those waiting in line.
Reports indicated that the Escazú Municipal Police and the national Fuerza Pública were called to the scene to help address the growing unrest.
Individuals in line described scenes of desperation, with many feeling their time had been wasted.
One young woman reported arriving at 7 a.m. and claimed that, despite being close to the front of the line, she and others were left frustrated and confused when the cancellation was announced.
Another customer recounted witnessing an escalation in impatience among the crowd before law enforcement arrived, describing the environment as tense but not physically violent.
Social media platforms quickly filled with images and videos of the unfortunate events, as customers shared their experiences and frustrations over perceived mismanagement.
Many expressed that they felt misled, having arrived with the hope of securing the advertised deal, only to leave empty-handed after the promised opening was retracted.
The situation has sparked discussions regarding crowd control protocols at promotional events and the necessity for better communication from retailers to their customers.
