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Starbucks Speaks Out Following Frenzy of Bearista Cold Cups, Apologizes ‘for the Disappointment’ Among Fans
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Starbucks’ new Bearista Cold Cup — a bear-shaped, 20-ounce holiday tumbler — sold out almost instantly after its Nov. 6 release, sparking frustration among fans over limited stock
Customers took to social media to complain that some stores only received one or two cups, with some alleging employees bought them before doors opened
Starbucks said demand “exceeded expectations,” apologized for shortages, and promised more holiday merchandise to come alongside its 2025 holiday drink lineup
Starbucks latest holiday merch drop caused quite a frenzy — and now the coffee chain is speaking out in response.
On Wednesday, Nov. 5, Starbucks unveiled its latest, festive beverage container aptly called the Bearista Cold Cup, which hit stores in the early morning hours of Nov. 6.
The 20-ounce cup, which is shaped like a bear, comes clear and includes a lid attached to a straw that when placed inside, looks like a Starbucks signature color green beanie sitting on the bear’s head. Starbucks initially revealed the Bearista on Instagram on Wednesday, Nov. 5 where it quickly started causing commotion among eager fans.
The cup was an instant hit with Starbucks fans, but many quickly took to social media to claim that the bear was already sold out by the time they went to look for it — with some claiming that certain Starbucks locations were only stocking one or two Bearistas per store.
“Not cool marketing Starbucks to only have 1-2 at each store and allow your baristas to buy them before customers. You should have had additional stock for your baristas and at least 10-20 for each store,” one user commented on Starbucks’ official Instagram account.
“Our local store received ONE,” another alleged. “Why are you even marketing this?”
Others complained that due to the alleged low stock of the Bearista cups, employees at certain locations were grabbing the bears before.
“I waited hourish before open to get the bearista cup and we witnessed an employee pulling both off the shelf and buying both 2 minutes before store open right in front of us waiting outside. I knew this was a possibility but I’m definitely disappointed,” one user on Reddit said.
“I asked a few stores around my area yesterday. They told me they will have 0 when stores open since employees get first dips,” another responded to the post.
Though Starbucks did not clarify to PEOPLE how many Bearista cups the chain was stocking on average in each store, the chain did acknowledge how quickly the cups flew off of shelves.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” Starbucks said. “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
Starbucks also maintained that fans can expect “more exciting merchandise coming this holiday season” though the chain did not specify what exactly it would be.
Along with the exciting new holiday merch, Starbucks 2025 Holiday Menu officially hit stores on Nov. 6, including the fan-favorite Sugar Cookie and Iced Gingerbread Chai.
Read the original article on People