Build-A-Bear promotion abandoned after huge crowds descend on shops
The Build-A-Bear toy chain has cancelled a "Pay Your Age" offer after some customers were left waiting up to eight hours.
The chain had earlier advised customers against planning trips to its stores on Thursday after it led to "extreme crowds and safety concerns".
The retailer said there had been an "unprecedented" response to the promotion in which customers pay the age of the child they are accompanying for one of a range of stuffed toys, which normally cost around £20.
In a statement, Build-A-Bear said: "The response to our Pay Your Age Day event at all of our UK locations has been overwhelming and unprecedented in our 21-year history.
The rumors are true! ? July 12 is the first-ever Pay Your Age Day at Build-A-Bear Workshop! For one day only, you can pay your age for ANY, we repeat, ANY furry friend at the Workshop*! Full Details US/CAN: https://t.co/NumcznV7vt UK: https://t.co/hHhpIi9F6spic.twitter.com/UWXyMDm4x6
-- Build-A-Bear Workshop (@buildabear) July 9, 2018
"The crowds have greatly exceeded our expectations and, per local authorities, queues are at capacity and we cannot accept additional guests due to extreme crowds and safety concerns.
"We understand our guests are disappointed, and we are working to address the situation. We will reach out directly to our valued guests as soon as possible."
Build-a-Bear have issued the following statement - The response to our Pay Your Age Day event at all of our U.K. locations has been overwhelming and unprecedented in our 21-year history.The crowds have greatly exceeded our expectations and...
-- Festival Place (@FestivalPlace) July 12, 2018
Customers who attempted to take advantage of the offer took to social media to report staff advising them that they could have to queue for hours.
The queue at build a bear . Livingston @buildabear . Right round the mall and outside pic.twitter.com/AFf93q8xvy
-- Tank-Juicy (@tank_juicy) July 12, 2018
Build-A-Bear warned on Wednesday that it was anticipating long lines and waiting times, adding that it would "make every effort to help as many guests as possible participate in this first-time event".
The HotUKDeals website posted on Facebook this morning: "Uh oh ... Build a Bear pay your age event is drawing INSANE crowds.
"People are being told NOT to go as at least three store have been forced to closed due to sheer numbers of people turning up and worries for peoples safety!"