Chaos at HaZahav Mall: 10 NIS Deals Lead to Violence and Store Closure
Thousands of customers arrived at the popular mall in Rishon LeZion, waiting for hours in line. However, severe concerns regarding fights and dangerous overcrowding led the security department to make the dramatic decision to close the event.
Real chaos erupted at the HaZahav Mall as approximately 1,500 people gathered for the opening of a new Xiaomi store, with long lines forming as early as the morning hours.
Following fears of severe confrontations, overcrowding, and physical altercations among customers, organizers announced the closure of the event. The decision was made upon the recommendation of the mall's security department, which feared that the violence and density could lead to a disaster. This was reported today, Wednesday, by "Mako".
The Hamilton Group, the importer of Xiaomi in Israel, offered a variety of products for the opening at a special price of only 10 NIS, including:
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Redmi Buds 6 Play headphones
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Xiaomi Smart Band 9 Active fitness tracker
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Xiaomi Power Bank 10000mAh portable charger
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Xiaomi Sound Pocket speaker
Additionally, televisions, scooters, wet-dry vacuums, smartphones, air purifiers, smart locks, and coffee machines were offered at discounts of up to 55%. Although the store was scheduled to open at 16:00, customers began waiting as early as 12:00. Despite the high demand, the store was ultimately closed due to safety concerns.
Meir Duek from Tel Aviv took a day off to attend with his family: "We have been standing in line since 12:30. I came to buy a smartphone for my daughter and a robotic vacuum for our home. It is a huge saving that is worth waiting a few hours for."
16-year-old Noam Hayun from Petah Tikva arrived with his 15-year-old brother, Aviv: "We left home at 09:00 and have been in line since 10:30. We plan to buy gaming monitors at a significant discount, as well as the 10 NIS items. We brought food and drink to prepare for the long wait. We just hope to be able to make our purchase."
On behalf of the Hamilton Group, it was stated:
"The opening of the new store at HaZahav Mall is part of our constant expansion and our vision to make Xiaomi's advanced technology accessible to the general public. Ahead of the launch, we decided to go all the way and spoil the residents of Rishon LeZion and the surrounding area with unprecedented deals—from hit products for only 10 NIS to 55% discounts on our leading items."
Hamilton currently operates seven other Xiaomi branches: in Tel Aviv (Dizengoff Center), Rishon LeZion (Rothschild), Rehovot (Ofer Mall), Eilat (Mul HaYam and RED Eilat), Modiin (HaOfe 8), and Kiryat Bialik (Ofer HaKrayot Mall), alongside its online sales channels and authorized retail dealers.
