Build-A-Bear Has Closed Many Doors Already…

Okay, so earlier this week we posted about the Build-A-Bear “Pay Your Age Day” when you pay the age of your child for any Build-A-Bear. With it just opening a few stores as of an 1.5 hours ago, it’s crazy that we have to inform you that Build-A-Bear Has Closed Many Doors Already…

I know, I know, parents around the world were excited to save $20-$30 on cuddly stuffed bears but after hearing the wait times, I’m glad my boys even decided to skip the line and head to get a toy from Target instead.

Earlier this morning we visited our local location at Fashion Place Mall in Murray, Utah. From first glance it looked like it wasn’t such a bad line but then noticed the line went from inside, out the back doors and wrapped around the OUTSIDE of the mall. Our mall ordinarily opens at 10 AM but Build-A-Bear was opening early at 9 AM for this event.

Needless to say, our boys decided it was too long of a wait in the heat (didn’t argue there) and we left.

We just found out that Build-A-Bear has now said it is up to a 10 HOUR WAIT. Yes, 10 hours and they may sell out of bears before then. Lines are closed and people are upset.

Locations in Ohio as of an hour ago were already reported to be closed because they “did not anticipate the amount of consumers and sold out of bears”. Um, What?

Many locations are passing out coupons for $15 off which is nice but not as great as a day like today.

Even Build-A-Bear itself posted this statement on Facebook a few hours ago:

**Urgent Alert: Lines Closed for Pay Your Age Day Event
Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowds and safety concerns. We have closed lines in our U.S. and Canada stores. We understand some Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible. http://bit.ly/2Jgo6kP

I get there would be a limited stock but how did they not know parents everywhere wanted to save money on stuffed bears? Was Toys R Us going out of business not a red flag that parents are looking to save money?

Moral of the story- if you were planning on visiting Build-A-Bear today after work or later in the afternoon, it isn’t worth it. Even if the lie is slow, chances are stock is low or sold out on your favorite bears.

I’ll take my chances and wait until there is a 2 for $40 deal or something.