EYELASHES and pyjamas were top of the shopping lists among the masses that queued outside Penneys in Cork City today.

A lengthy line of people waited patiently on a dry but dreary summer’s morning to stock up on “the essentials” following a three-month closure caused by Covid-19.

Such was the extent of the queue that the premises opened its doors at 9am, an hour and a half ahead of the advertised time of 10.30am.

Primark CEO Paul Marchant, said: “We have really missed our customers in Ireland, and we are delighted to be back open, providing customers with the quality, affordable products they love from Penneys.

“While it might take a little longer to get into store, once inside, customers will find all their favourite Penneys products and plenty of choice as usual."

"We have worked hard to make sure that clear signage and extra help will be there to guide them through the changes we have made to allow for social distancing."

CAOIMHE O’Hora and Rachel Moriarty: Caoimhe: “We have been queuing since 8.30am. We joined the queue on Cook Street and it went around the back of Penneys up Robert Street and onto Patrick Street.

“We just want to impulse buy! It’s been so long, I need tan and summer clothes.”

Rachel added: “It’s Penneys! They have all the essentials. Socks are a major thing, there are holes in all my socks and I have only mismatched pairs left. We have missed it.”

ANDREA Collins and Chloe Linehan: Chloe: “We arrived here at 9am and they surprise opened at 9am. It was probably dangerous and they wanted to clear the footpaths.

“I will probably spend over €200, I just want to go wild. Need all the bits; tan, PJs, underwear, white T-shirts.”

Andrea: “I haven’t been shopping, so it is nice to be here. We are making a day out of it. We got a coffee this morning and everything. We really missed it, there is nothing like it.”

CHLOE Murphy, Aoife Barrett and Aoife Coughlan: Chloe: “We have been queuing for an hour. I really need jammies and false lashes. I don’t think browsing is allowed and with all the people waiting outside, I think I will try to be quick.”

Aoife Barrett: “ I want bikinis, shorts, eyelashes, they are a necessity. I have really missed Penneys a lot. It is a big deal it is reopening, I am very excited.”

MAY O’Sullivan and Jessica O’Sullivan: May: “I’m very excited, I’m like a child at Christmas. I came down at 9am and I thought I would be first. Unfortunately I am three quarters way down the queue!

“We will probably be waiting an hour, but it is worth it. 

"I’ve missed Penneys a lot. I need jeans and runners, socks and underwear, only for Dunnes we would have been at a loss during lockdown.”

Jessica: “I need PJs and baby stuff for little Issac. He is 19 months. I have a big list of things to get for the kids, I have two other children.”

ANNA YESAYAN, GRANGE: I am the first person out of Penneys! I bought socks, underwear, tracksuit pants, new duvet cover.

"I was at the tills and realised I forgot bedsheets! Shopping online is not the same, everything is different, it is more enjoyable in person.

“I had put together a Covid-19 after fund, I saved quite a bit during lockdown. I thought I would have spent more, but I didn’t.”