Versace sample sale in NYC shut down by cops after fights break out among more than 1,000 shoppers: ‘They’re going crazy’

Isabel Keane
·2 min read
NYPD mobilizing for crowd control at a Versace sample sale with a large group of people waiting outside the building, including celebrities Yu Fengtong and Xu Yinchuan
NYPD mobilizing for crowd control at a Versace sample sale with a large group of people waiting outside the building, including celebrities Yu Fengtong and Xu Yinchuan

Cops had to shut down a Versace sample sale in Chelsea on Wednesday after more than 1,000 deal-savvy shoppers flocked to the store, with fights breaking out before shoppers could even get their hands on the discounted designer labels.

Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene unfolding just after 9 a.m. at 125 W. 18th St. as thousands of shoppers crowded the sidewalks — some having waited in line for hours — only for a fight to cause the sale to be shut down by police just before noon, the NYPD told The Post.

A Versace sample sale was shut down by cops after more than 1,000 deal-savvy shoppers flocked to the store. Robert Miller
A Versace sample sale was shut down by cops after more than 1,000 deal-savvy shoppers flocked to the store. Robert Miller
Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene unfolding just after 9 a.m. at 125 W. 18th St. Robert Miller
Videos shared on social media captured the chaotic scene unfolding just after 9 a.m. at 125 W. 18th St. Robert Miller

Within hours, the store’s security had to enlist the NYPD’s help to control the crowd.

The event was temporarily shut down and later reopened. No arrests were made, police said.

Videos of the massive crowd and images of shoppers looking to purchase pieces by the famed designer being escorted away by police flooded social media early Wednesday.

Throngs of riled-up shoppers can be seen in one video forcefully pushing their way into the store — shoving other customers out of their way while trying to squeeze into the building.

Another video, taken from inside the sale and captioned “Versace sale ended before it started,” showed the crowd rushing in as one person says, “They’re going crazy.”

The event was temporarily shut down and later reopened. Robert Miller
The event was temporarily shut down and later reopened. Robert Miller
By Wednesday afternoon, a sign was placed in front of the store’s entrance to say that it was closed. Robert Miller
By Wednesday afternoon, a sign was placed in front of the store’s entrance to say that it was closed. Robert Miller

Videos shared on X and the Citizen app also show officers with the NYPD’s Strategic Response Group ordering people to vacate the block.

Many New Yorkers took to X to express their disbelief over the silly skirmish.

“Some people will sacrifice necessities, just to have the ‘right’ labels on. Smh,” one person wrote.

“The NYC Versace sample sale ending in 35 minutes bc y’all don’t know how to act is wild,” another chimed in.

“Rushing the door for a Versace sample sale is egregious behavior lmao,” another person said.

By Wednesday afternoon, a sign was placed in front of the store’s entrance to say that it was closed.

The Post has reached out to Versace for comment.