Update on July 12 at 6:13 p.m.: Build-A-Bear sent another e-mail to customers this evening stating that stores made vouchers available to some shoppers who were in line when the Pay Your Age deal was forced to shut down today. In addition:
"We are now making vouchers available to our Build-A-Bear Bonus Club members in the U.S. and Canada who log into their account by midnight on July 15, 2018. Vouchers related to this event will be honored through August 31, 2018."
Guests were required to sign up for the Bonus Club rewards program prior to receiving any Pay Your Age deals on July 12.
"...[O]ur goal with the voucher extension is to enable us to better flow traffic to the stores over the next several weeks to avoid long lines and wait times as much as possible," the company said in a statement.
Pay Your Age day on July 12 was meant to kick off the company's new "pay your age" birthday deal. Throughout the year, customers can receive a Birthday Treat Bear (normally $14) for the cost of their age during their birthday month.
Update on July 12 at 11:40 a.m.: Build-A-Bear has sent out an e-mail to customers with the subject line "Urgent alert," telling them that "Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional guests at our U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop locations due to crowds and safety concerns."
We attempted to visit the Stonebriar Centre location in Frisco, where there was a long line just to get into the mall prior to 10 a.m. Elevators were soon backed up, as parents pushing strollers attempted to navigate the mall.
There is no word yet if the store will be offering any sort of raincheck or alternative deal, but they say, "We will reach out directly as soon as possible."
Original story: For most children, the opportunity to design a stuffy from scratch sounds utterly magical. Adults, however, hear something different: the distinct crackle of dollar bills ablaze.
But, not this week.
Build-A-Bear Workshop announced Monday it will launch its first Pay Your Age Day on July 12. The deal includes "our entire in-store collection of furry friends, including popular licensed characters," according to a statement.
The popular retail chain sells a variety of stuffed animals from traditional teddy bears to specialty collections featuring beloved characters from Disney, DreamWorks, Nintendo and other franchises.
Costs usually begin at $20-30 for an animal. From there, the toys can be customized with clothing and accessories for all occasions. That's not all. You can even add scents and sounds like heartbeats, music, popular phrases and personalized recorded voice messages. Such upgrades generally range from $3 to $25 a piece.
The Pay Your Age Day offer includes one Make-Your-Own furry friend, and does not include outfits, sounds, accessories or scents. It is available only in stores, and Pay Your Age guests must be present for the deal to apply. It is valid for one stuffed animal per guest.
The minimum price is $1 and, of note, the maximum price is $29 for a furry friend on July 12. That means you don't have to bring a child to take part. Middle aged folks who still love stuffies can consider this deal a belated 29th birthday surprise.
Locations in North Texas include shops at Galleria Dallas, Stonebriar Centre Mall in Frisco and Firewheel Town Center in Garland. Options and supplies may vary from store to store.
To participate, parents, guardians or guests over age 18 must enroll in a Build-A-Bear Bonus Club online before arriving. There is no cost to join, but it does require an email address.
Membership includes a rewards program and access to exclusive offers and events like the new "Count Your Candles" offer. Available year-round, it allows children under age 14 to pay their age for a Birthday Treat Bear (normally $14) in the month of their birthday.
Check out more fine print on Pay Your Age Day.
H/t: KPRC2 Houston
Hacks, freebies and understanding conversation:
Join our Dallas Parents Facebook group for fun tips and friendly discussions.
