July 12, 2018

An overwhelming response to a “pay-your-age” promotion today at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores has forced the company to close lines to additional customers across the U.S.

The Empire Mall store had an estimated 2,000 people in line but is keeping the promotion going while supplies last, a mall spokeswoman said.

Children can stuff a toy for the price of their age.

Build-A-Bear posted an alert earlier this morning on its website and social media channels to alert customers to the action.

“Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional guests at our U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop locations due to crowd and safety concerns,” Build-A-Bear said on its website. “We have closed lines in our U.S. stores. We understand some of our guests are disappointed, and we will reach out directly as soon as possible.”

According to the company’s Facebook page, lines in Canada also were shut down.