ST. LOUIS – Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced that lines have been closed due to the "unprecedented response" for its "Pay Your Age" Day event.
The company said in a statement on its website and Facebook page that local authorities are requiring the store to limit lines and crowds due to safety concerns.
As of this writing, lines have been closed in U.S. stores, according to the company. On its website, it reads, "We understand some of our guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible."
As part of the one-day deal, in-store customers were offered the opportunity to pay their current age, in dollars for any Make-Your-Own furry friend available in the store.
The company has followed up on Facebook since closing its lines, issuing this statement:
"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."
The company said earlier this week that everyone was welcome to take part in the "Pay Your Age" Day deal, regardless of age, as long as they were present in store.
The entire in-store collection of furry friends, including popular licensed characters, were available to be made at the event.
To participate in the offer, parents or guardians over age 18 were asked to enroll in the free Build-A-Bear Bonus Club rewards program or provide a valid email address and name, so that a guest, who is present at the time of purchase, can pay his or her age for a furry friend.
Adults, parents and guardians were encouraged to enroll in the Build-A-Bear Bonus Club online before arriving at stores on July 12 to save time at checkout.
This offer was only available in stores on one Make-Your-Own furry friend. Outfits, sounds, accessories and scents were excluded.
The offer cannot be combined with any other offers.