In a scene reminiscent of the wild Beanie Baby craze, Build-A-Bear workshops across the U.S. were compelled to halt their inaugural “Pay Your Age” sale due to overwhelming crowds and mounting frustrations from customers. The event, which promised to let customers purchase stuffed animals at the cost of their age—making a bear for a two-year-old only $2—drew massive lines that wrapped around malls, with many eager shoppers arriving well before store openings.
Within hours of launching, the promotion had to be abruptly terminated due to safety concerns as the situation spiraled out of control. Reports indicated that the frenzy led to physical altercations among adults and left young children in distress in long lines. A spokesperson for Build-A-Bear stated, “Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowds and safety concerns.” Store closures were implemented in both the U.S. and Canada, and the company assured disappointed customers they would be contacted directly.
In a personal account, one shopper named Rachel decided to take her two-year-old to their local mall just before the store opened. Unbeknownst to her child, Rachel was shocked to find a line stretching at least a thousand people long. Opting for a quick exit, she humorously suggested heading to Target instead, expressing her disinterest in the chaos surrounding the stuffed animal frenzy.
Despite the disruption, the “Pay Your Age” event could have been a fantastic opportunity for families looking to save on gifts. Fortunately, for those who missed out, Build-A-Bear is offering a $15 voucher available for download on their website, provided you create a free account.
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In summary, the Build-A-Bear “Pay Your Age” sale ended in chaos, showcasing the frenzy that can accompany major promotions. While many were disappointed, the availability of a $15 voucher gives a silver lining to those who missed the event.
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