Chaos broke out yesterday over slashed Sales prices at the opening of Currys’ J9 megastore near Birmingham.

About 3,000 customers queued up outside the store in Wednesbury from 8pm the night before to secure their bargains, including cut-price sat-navs and LCD TVs.

According to The Daily Mail, some shoppers arrived late and jumped the queues, leading to several scuffles. One pensioner fainted in the crush and had to be taken to hospital. Police were eventually called and staff had to open half an hour early to calm the tension. The crowds even caused a seven-mile tailback on the M6.

A Currys spokeswoman said: “I think, given the current economic climate, everyone is looking for a bargain.”

The much-anticipated opening of the 60,000 sq ft (5,575 sq m) store is Currys’ attempt to take on the arrival of US rival Best Buy.

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