If you were planning to head to Build-A-Bear today, you might want to change your plans. After a record outpouring of excitement over Pay Your Age Day at Build-A-Bear, the popular store has been forced to close all of its locations and turn away any customers not already in line.
Build-A-Bear issued a statement online and via email early Thursday morning apologizing for the inconvenience, explaining that due to safety reasons all stores will officially be closing immediately.
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Nearly 2000 people have filled Park Meadows Mall for the #buildabear pay your age event. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/NAsUJzrb4g
— Eric Goody (@ejgoody) July 12, 2018
“Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop locations due to crowd and safety concerns. We have closed lines in our U.S. stores. We understand some of our Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible,” the statement reads.
Naturally parents who were hoping to score a great deal are sure to be disappointed by this news. Many have already taken to social media to share the chaotic experience that went down. Overcrowding and in-line scuffles were some of the complaints that led authorities to shut down the event both in the US and across the globe.
So disappointed @buildabear cut off the #buildabear #buildyourage by 11am. Sad day for a three year old.
— Shandelyn (@theShandelyn) July 12, 2018
For those still looking to cash in on this extraordinary deal, there is still one way you can pay your age. Members of the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club can pay their age for guests 14 and under through the Count Your Candles program. Anytime during your kid’s birthday month, you can pay their age for the Birthday Treat Bear.
—Shahrzad Warkentin
Featured photo: Build-A-Bear
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