It was meant to be a festive launch. Instead, it’s turned into a full-blown retail drama.
Starbucks’ highly awaited Bearista cups, charming 20-ounce bear-shaped glass tumblers, have stirred controversy across the UK after reports that some employees allegedly purchased them before customers could.
Priced at £29.95, the limited-edition Starbucks Bearista cups debuted last Thursday alongside the brand’s holiday drinks menu. But within hours, chaos brewed.
The Bearista Frenzy
Across the country, eager fans queued outside Starbucks stores at dawn, hoping to secure one of the cute collectibles. Yet many left empty-handed. Some customers discovered that the cups had sold out before opening, allegedly scooped up by staff.
Social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), were flooded with frustration. One user wrote that the “only available Bearista cup had already been bought by an employee,” while another lamented waiting “over an hour only to find the store had sold out.”
Many stores, customers claimed, had received just one or two cups each, fuelling even more irritation.
Starbucks Responds
In response to the backlash, Starbucks issued an apology to disappointed customers. A spokesperson said, “The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations.”
The company admitted that while a large number of Bearista cups were shipped, demand “far outstripped supply.”
Meanwhile, resale listings have already surfaced online, with Bearista cups fetching between £120 and £400 on eBay, a hefty markup compared to the retail price.
Interestingly, the buzz around Starbucks products has been especially strong this season, with fans also discussing creative festive drink options from the Starbucks secret menu contest that recently went live in the UK.
What’s Next for Holiday Collectors?
Starbucks hinted that more festive merchandise could be on the way, though details remain under wraps.
This year’s holiday lineup also includes a Hello Kitty collaboration, featuring stainless steel cold cups (£32.95), ceramic mugs (£32.95), and water bottles (£29.95).
And, of course, the beloved red holiday cups have made their annual comeback. Six plaid-inspired designs, including two iced versions, are available this season.
For those who missed out, there’s still Red Cup Day on 13 November, when customers can snag a free reusable red cup with qualifying purchases.
The Bearista cup saga, however, has left a lingering taste, a reminder that even in the season of giving, a little glass bear can cause quite the stir.
