Drama at the Golden Mall: Fights Break Out at Xiaomi Store Opening

About 1,500 people waited for the opening of the Xiaomi store at the Golden Mall in Rishon LeZion, but the event was closed about half an hour after it began due to crowding and pushing. The police recommended closure, and customers refused to disperse. The deals included products for ten shekels and discounts up to 55%.

About 1,500 people crowded today at the Golden Mall in Rishon LeZion for the opening of the new Xiaomi store, but the event was closed about half an hour after it began. The sale opened as planned, but due to crowding and pushing at the entrance, the mall's security department recommended closure, and the organizers turned off the lights and announced cancellation. The store offered exceptional opening deals: out of a stock of 1,300 products, some were sold for only ten shekels, including headphones, fitness bands, and power banks. More expensive items, such as TVs, robot vacuums, scooters, and smartphones, were offered at discounts of up to 55%. Customers arrived hours before opening, some with coolers and food. Benjamin Kagan, one of the waiters, said he arrived at noon to buy a vacuum cleaner for his mother, and said: "I waited from 12:00 noon... exactly at four someone came out, announced the event was canceled, and they simply turned off the lights in the store. People are still here, there are shouts and pushing." Meir Duak from Tel Aviv took a day off and came with his family, and Noam, 16, and Aviv, 15, from Petah Tikva left home at nine in the morning. The sudden closure caused frustration against the backdrop of the festive announcement by the Hamilton Group, Xiaomi's importer, which promised "unprecedented deals." In response, the group said it was forced to close the event out of fear of physical harm to those waiting.