Shoppers at Highcross Shopping Centre, in Leicester, had to be evacuated during a fire alert.
Two fire crews were called to the River Island Clothing store at just after 5pm today when a fire alarm sounded.
The store and neighbouring shops such as Next were evacuated while firefighters checked the building.
No fire, however, was found and hundreds of shoppers were allowed to return a short time later.
A spokesman for Highcross said it was a false alarm, adding it is standard procedure to carry out an evacuation to ensure the safety of shoppers and staff.
