Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Starbucks Apologizes After Viral Christmas Bear Cups Sell Out Instantly
Imagine a toy store released a super cool new teddy bear for Christmas, but they only made a few.
Everyone wanted one!
When the store opened, all the bears were gone in just a few minutes.
People who didn't get one were very sad and maybe a little angry.
The toy store said, 'Wow, we didn't know so many people would want it!
We're sorry you missed out.'
Some people thought it was silly to get so upset over a toy, while others thought it was a sign that people want too many things.
Starbucks' limited-edition Christmas bear-shaped iced coffee glasses (Bearista cups) sold out nationwide within hours of their November 6 launch.
Customers expressed outrage on social media, accusing Starbucks of poor planning or employees hoarding the stock.
Starbucks apologized for the sell-out, stating that demand exceeded expectations despite shipping more cups than usual.
The bear-shaped cups, featuring a lid and straw resembling a bear wearing a green beanie, had gone viral on Instagram prior to the sale.
Online reactions were divided, with some customers lamenting their inability to purchase the cup, while others criticized the frenzy as excessive consumerism.
- Who
- Starbucks and its customers
- What
- Limited-edition Christmas bear-shaped glasses (Bearista cups) sold out almost immediately after their release, leading to customer backlash and a company apology.
- When
- The merchandise launched on November 6, and sold out within hours.
- Where
- Nationwide in Starbucks stores.
- Why
- The viral popularity and high demand for the festive merchandise outstripped supply, causing disappointment among customers and criticism online.
Disappointed Customers
Skeptical Internet Users
Customer Frustration Over Unavailability
Disappointed Customers
Customers expressed outrage and disappointment on social media after the limited-edition bear cups sold out nationwide within hours of their November 6 launch, accusing Starbucks of poor planning and some suggesting employees may have bought them before stores opened.
Skeptical Internet Users
Some internet users mocked the frenzy, calling it a symptom of 'modern consumerism gone mad' and questioning the value of the $30 cup, comparing it to dollar store items and criticizing people for queuing early for it.
Company's Explanation
Disappointed Customers
Starbucks stated that customer excitement for the merchandise exceeded expectations and that more Bearista cups were shipped than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, apologizing for the disappointment caused.
Skeptical Internet Users
Skeptics questioned the hype around the bear cup, suggesting people were paying a premium solely for the Starbucks logo and that the item was a 'cheap, crappy Chinese trinket'.
- Product
- 20-ounce bear-shaped iced coffee glasses (Bearista cups)
- Launch Date
- November 6
- Item Status
- Sold out nationwide within hours
- Price
- $30 (implied from a user comment)
- Company Statement Date
- November 6