Many Minnesotans were deprived of teddy bear love today due to safety concerns at Mall of America and Rosedale Center on Thursday at Build-A-Bear's highly successful 'Pay Your Age' national event.
KARE 11 reports the lines were closed early Thursday at locations nationwide in an effort to keep guests safe. Those who were left without a bear were given a voucher to be used by August 31.
Some bystanders posted photos of the line at Mall of America (this looks like a nightmare to me).
According to KARE 11, shoppers were told the store anticipated running out of the most popular stuffed animals, but that there should be "enough for a while still."
Build-A-Bear posted the following statement on its Facebook page following the chaos:
"Our first-ever Pay Your Age Day event generated an overwhelming response resulting in long lines, extensive waits, and disappointed Guests. We understand that many Guests were turned away due to safety concerns created by the crowds when authorities in certain locations closed Build-A-Bear stores or we were forced to limit the line. Given these circumstances we were unable to serve all of our Guests for the event.In response, we distributed vouchers to Guests who were present in line to be redeemed for a future purchase and have now made vouchers available to all U.S. & Canadian Bonus Club members which must be screen shot or printed by logging into your account before midnight on 15 July. We encourage all of our valued Guests to visit our full statement at the following link and we’d like to reiterate our sincerest thanks for your passion and continued support."
Guests lined up as early as 5 a.m. to snag a bear at a steal of a price.