Gregory Robinson
Starbucks has issued an apology over its viral Christmas cups which sparked fury online.
The coffee chain dropped its latest merch for the festive season this week and it’s fair to say that there was a bigger response than anticipated.
On Wednesday 5 November, Starbucks unwrapped its latest holiday beverage container called the Bearista Cold Cup.
The adorable 20-ounce cup, shaped like a teddy bear, comes with a lid and straw that, when attached, make it look as if the bear is wearing a beanie in Starbucks’ signature green.
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After the item’s unveiling on Wednesday, it officially went on sale the following day, and this is where the problems start.
The ‘Bearista’ cup was in high demand among Starbucks super fans, but sadly, not everyone was able to get their paws on one.
Many would-be customers were livid when the bear sold out, and they took to social media to complain about it. Some claimed that some Starbucks outlets were only sticking one or two per store.
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“Not cool marketing Starbucks to only have 1-2 at each store and allow your baristas to buy them before customers,” one disappointed fan commented on the official Starbucks Instagram page. You should have had additional stock for your baristas and at least 10-20 for each store. People camped out all night to not even get one.”
Another fan wrote: “Basically advertising a non-existent product. It’s really unbelievable.”
And a third person complained: “The advertising to availability ratio is WILD.”
Another Instagram user said they 'got up at 4am' to drive to a Starbucks and were unsuccessful in getting one, adding: “If you are going to excite people over this then make sure ALL stores have supply. So many people are disappointed.”
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And someone else similarly complained that they arrived at their local Starbucks at 5:02am only to find out that the cups were 'sold out'.
Many comments on Instagram complained that due to the alleged low stock of the Bearista cups, they were unable to buy one.
In fact, entrepreneurial fans have even started selling them on auction platforms like eBay, where the cups have been spotting selling for around $200-$300 - with one even sold for a whopping $325, according to The Takeout.
It is unclear how many Bearista cups Starbucks was stocking on average in each store, but the company did acknowledge that the bears flew off shelves.
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“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 told People. “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
The chain also teased 'more exciting merchandise coming this holiday season'. However, it remains to be seen what the new launches will be.