Build-A-Bear Workshop Cuts Off Lines On Pay Your Age Day
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PITTSBURGH (CBS Local/KDKA) -- "Pay Your Age Day" didn't go as expected for Build-A-Bear-Workshop.
Massive lines all around the country forced the retail company to close off lines. The company released the following statement on its website:
"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."
At Ross Park Mall, more than 1,000 people stood in line for hours, but there weren't enough bears to go around and many were sent home empty-handed.
Prices at Build-A-Bear Workshop usually start at $25, but on Thursday, customers were told they could pay their child's age. It was such a great deal that long lines started forming outside Ross Park Mall at 7 a.m.
"Obviously, there's limited inventory, so at that point where we closed-- they closed off the line. They did hand out vouchers," Jennifer Carroll, of Ross Park Mall, said.
Each kid got a $15 off voucher for a future purchase. It still upset many who were turned away. Ross Park Mall wouldn't allow KDKA-TV to speak with their customers.
As for the mall, they're pretty happy.
"We love the families in the area to come out and just come and see what's at the mall. And also this has drawn customers from quite a bit of distance," Carroll said.
The photos below were taken at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg, Ill. Both the pictures feature a look at the line inside and outside the mall for the Chicago suburbs' Build-A-Bear Workshop. The major mall is located northwest of Chicago.
Today, guests who build a furry friend and make it into the store will be asked how old they are at the register and pay that amount. The offer is in-store only and is only valid for one purchase.