Build-A-Bear's 'Pay Your Age' Promotion Turns To Chaos, Police Shut It Down

Earlier this week, Build-A-Bear Workshop announced a huge promotion called "Pay Your Age Day" that put the prices of their plush toys, normally $35, at whatever the stuffed animal's new owner's age is. Shoppers in the US, the UK and Canada were excited about the one-day event, but things didn't go as planned when it happened on Thursday. 

So many people tried to take part in the sale that within hours, the lines across the country became too long for mall security guards to handle so police had to come in and shut it down over safety concerns. However, that happened after some families waited in line for hours, only to leave empty-handed. 

Build-A-Bear tweeted out an "urgent message" to customers to let them know about the end of the promotion. It read, "**Urgent Alert: Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowd safety concerns. We have closed lines in our stores. We understand some Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible."

Parents were frustrated and very disappointed with the company, which mandated that children be present to get the stuffed animals at a price equal to their age. After the moms and dads entertained their kids in lines that stretched for blocks, they had to then break the news to their little ones that they weren't getting a bear.

Many turned to Twitter to vent. 

To make up for the shortfall, the store is offering all members of their Build-A-Bear Bonus Club a $15 voucher towards the purchase of a bear. To have taken part in the "Pay Your Age" promotion, customers had to sign up for the free rewards program. 

Addressing the promotion, Build-a-Bear reps told All the Moms, "The response to our Pay Your Age Day event has been overwhelming and unprecedented in our 21-year history, and the safety of our guests and associates is our top priority."

Photo Credit: Getty


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