Starbucks has officially apologized after its highly anticipated “Bearista” holiday cup sparked massive lines, in-store fights, and online resale chaos.
The collectible cups dropped Thursday alongside the coffee giant’s holiday drink menu, seasonal treats, and limited-edition merchandise, kicking off what’s usually a cheerful time for caffeine lovers—but this year, things got out of hand fast. Fans flooded Starbucks locations early in the morning hoping to snag the plush-inspired design, but many were met with empty shelves, store chaos, and frustrated baristas.
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Customers Complain About Long Lines and Lack of Availability
According to PEOPLE, customers quickly took to social media to vent about the lack of Bearista cups, claiming that many stores ran out within minutes of opening.
Several users alleged that some Starbucks baristas were holding cups for themselves or friends, which further fueled outrage online. Many fans were excited to purchase the cup but learned that it was difficult to buy and went on social media to complain about the long lines along with the lack of availability.
Reports poured in from across the U.S. of customers lining up outside coffee shops as early as 4 a.m. just to get their hands on one. Others shared videos of arguments and physical altercations breaking out as shoppers scrambled for the limited-edition item.
Starbucks Responds to the Controversy
In response to the growing backlash, Starbucks released an official statement addressing the shortage and overwhelming demand for the viral collectible. “The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” the company said.
Starbucks emphasized that while it had shipped more Bearista cups than nearly any other seasonal item, demand still far exceeded expectations.
The company apologized for the customer experience and said it is reviewing ways to improve inventory planning for future holiday merchandise releases.
Bearista Cup Resells Online for Hundreds of Dollars
Following the in-store sellouts, resellers quickly began listing Bearista cups online for inflated prices, with some listings on eBay reaching nearly $500. The craze mirrors previous Starbucks merchandise frenzies—such as the Red Cup Day tumbler drops—where limited-edition items have become collector’s items overnight.
The cup’s viral popularity, fueled by social media hype and scarcity, led to an even bigger rush this year, leaving many loyal customers disappointed.