Starbucks Responds to Bearista Cup Frenzy
Starbucks' latest holiday merchandise release sparked an unexpected storm of excitement. The limited-edition Bearista Cold Cup, a 20-ounce tumbler shaped like a bear, sold out within hours of its November 6 debut.
The transparent cup features a lid with an integrated straw that, when viewed together, resembles a green beanie sitting atop the bear’s head — a nod to the brand’s signature color. Starbucks introduced the Bearista on Instagram on November 5, where fans were immediately captivated.
Unexpected Demand and Supply Shortage
Demand far outpaced supply, leaving many customers frustrated when they found their local stores already out of stock. Reports surfaced that certain Starbucks locations had received only one or two cups each, leading to disappointment and criticism online.
“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.
“Our local store received ONE,” another customer wrote. “Why are you even marketing this?”
Company Acknowledgment
In response to the online buzz, Starbucks acknowledged fans’ enthusiasm for the Bearista Cold Cup and noted that the product’s popularity exceeded expectations. The company indicated it is exploring ways to better meet demand during future merchandise launches.
Author’s summary: Starbucks’ charming Bearista Cold Cup quickly sold out, prompting fan backlash over limited availability and sparking a conversation about future product rollouts.