Ms Laken said she “kind of expected” fans to visit the pier, but was surprised to see the volume of tributes.
The pier was partially closed due to high winds and rain on Sunday, but visitors can still walk down to the One Direction plaque, which was installed to commemorate the filming of the music video 10 years ago.
Staff took the floral tributes and cards inside to protect them from heavy rain and wind but plan to place them back by the plaque once conditions improve.
“The pier is a great place for reflection anyway – I think the fans obviously feel a connection because of the video, which is lovely,” Ms Laken said.
“It took me back yesterday and I felt quite emotional for them.
“It was a difficult day and I think we all felt it,” she added.
Fans and celebrities around the world have paid tribute to Payne, with his former bandmates saying they are “completely devastated” by his death.
Vigils have been held in Payne’s hometown of Wolverhampton, as well as in Liverpool and Argentina.