'We can't keep up with demand for eclipse glasses'

Mairead Smyth

Liverpool

The owner of a post office said she “cannot keep up with the demand” for specialist glasses to view Wednesday’s highly-anticipated solar eclipse.

Karen Smith, who runs Booker Avenue Post Office in south Liverpool, said she has completely sold out of the specialist glasses after being “inundated” by eclipse enthusiasts.

The most dramatic partial solar eclipse so far this century will be visible across the UK on Wednesday evening – peaking in northwest England at 19:10 BST.

Experts have warned those without glasses not to look directly at the Sun or use sunglasses, with even brief exposure potentially causing lasting damage – and advises using an indirect viewing method, such as a pinhole camera.

Eclipse glasses have all but sold out online or simply cannot be delivered on time, while many high street retailers are out of stock following an “unprecedented volume” of orders.

“It has exploded and we can’t keep up with the demand,” Smith told BBC North West Tonight.

She said it was one of her customers, Jim – a retired scientist – who had supplied the eclipse glasses, allowing people to watch this evening’s celestial phenomenon safely.

She said they had been flying off the shelf, and staff were staying late to fulfill orders in time for the once-in-a-generation eclipse.

She said the last-minute demand had been “crazy” and they have have had to keep ringing Jim to ask for more supplies.

“They’ve not been able to to make them up quick enough,” she said.

“We try to fulfil everyone’s order… but it’s just been difficult.”

“Apologies for anybody that hasn’t been able to get them.”

Smith said Jim was “delighted” with the demand, especially from young science enthusiasts, with lots of local children telling her they were going to stand on the highest hill at Sefton Park with their glasses, to view the event.

“They’ve all been talking to me about it, so let’s hope they get a great view and we have a clear evening to see it.”