The Build-A-Bear “Pay Your Age” event will go down in history as one of the biggest toy store fiascos ever. It’s up there with parents fighting over Tickle Me Elmo and Cabbage Patch Kids.
After this event was poorly received, many were surprised to hear that the teddy bear chain was bringing the event back However, this year there is a catch to avoid any mobs and long lines.
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If you’re a parent, then I’m sure you’ve heard of Build-A-Bear.
This toy store is simply irresistible to children. That’s because they get to customize their own bear or stuffie and dress it up in cute outfits. It’s really a kid’s dream come true.
Many of us have fond memories of making a special trip to the mall to pick out a Build-A-Bear.
It was a whole magical experience.
First, you walk around the store to pick out which animal or character you want to bring to life.
Once you’ve chosen the perfect teddy friend, you make your way to the stuffing machine.
The employee even lets you try a hand at adding some of the stuffing yourself! What kid wouldn’t want to stomp on a pedal?
Then, it’s time to hug the heck out of your stuffed animal.
You do this whole routine. You kiss the heart before the employee stuffs it into the stuffy before sewing it up, you spin around a few times, and make a wish.
At least that’s what I remember!
Then, you go give your bear a bath.
And it’s not real water, of course, or that would completely destroy your creation.
After that, you can pick some cute outfits and create its birth certificate.
It appears the toy chain is still marketing to our adult nostalgia, because they even created New Years Eve bears, complete with a champagne bottle.
They really have stuffed animals for every occasion. This is truly a time to be alive.
In 2018, Build-A-Bear offered a ‘Pay Your Age’ event.
The idea was simple: children could make a bear and pay equivalent to their age. So a six-year-old would pay $6 for their bear, instead of the usual price of $15-25.
This was definitely a sweet deal, considering that the accessories are really what make the bear’s price skyrocket quickly.
This way, the family might have a bit more wiggle room to really jazz up the animal of choice.
However, the event quickly grew out of control.
Stores all over the world were swamped by groups of parents and their children who waited in line for hours to make their bears. In some cases, the police had to be called to help with crowd management.
People waited for hours in long lines with their children, as stores struggled to keep up with the demand.
I mean, did the company really think that the event wouldn’t bring this much attraction and attention?
Ultimately, the event had to be shut down and canceled due to the crowds and safety concerns.
Many families left frustrated and upset over how the situation was handled.
To make up for the disappointing event, Build-A-Bear offered coupons and apologies to the affected families.
For many, it wasn’t enough and the “Build-A-Bear” riots became something of a viral phenomenon. It’s been a year and people are still talking about it.
To many people’s surprise, Build-A-Bear announced that it was bringing the “Pay Your Age Day” back this year.
To avoid last year’s crowds and to ensure that no child leaves the store disappointed the company has modified the promotion.
This year, “Pay Your Age” will be a part of a contest.
If you sign up for the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club rewards program online between June 11-16, you’ll be entered to win a “pay your age” coupon that’s redeemable for two furry friends between June 24-28.
There are about 200,000 pay your age coupons up for grabs!
Instead of a pay your age coupon, you could also enter to win a Birthday Party Experience instead.
These both sound like great prizes to me, now it’s just up to you to choose! Hmmm… decisions, decisions. Either way, as long as there are no long lines, I’m happy with this.