Footage shows shoppers queuing for Primark in Bluewater this morning as restrictions were lifted in England.

Today (April 12) non-essential retail opened its doors to customers alongside gyms and beer gardens.

It comes after the Prime Minister recently confirmed at a Downing Street press conference that stage two of the road map will go ahead as planned on April 12.

Shoppers wasted no time in rushing to the shops on Monday morning, with many directing their sights for a bargain at Primark.

Despite scenes in Bluewater seeming relatively quiet overall, Primark looked like a popular hit with shoppers as it reopened at 6am.

Luke Tugby, editor of Retail Week, posted a video of customers in a socially distanced queue which spiralled around the level of the shopping centre.

Mr Tugby wrote: "Relatively quiet elsewhere here so far, although the centre doesn't officially open until 10am. Calm before the storm? Retailers will hope so."

In response, one commenter said: "No shock. They were rammed after last lockdown. It’s not just cheap clothes clearly. Evangelists of the brand quite literally. Right there."

One shopper said: "This queue for Primark Bluewater is acc [ actually] ridiculous, I can’t believe I’m standing in it."

Opening times for Bluewater Shopping centre is as follows:

Monday - Friday: 10 am - 9 pm

Saturday: 9am - 9pm

Sunday: 11am to 5pm

Will you be visiting the shops this week? Let us know in the comment section.