Build-a-Bear cuts off lines during promotion due to safety concerns

A Build-a-Bear promotion that offered customers the chance to pay their age in exchange for any stuffed toy Thursday had such an overwhelming response that it led to safety concerns.

Build-a-Bear said the first ever Pay Your Age Day generated such long lines and huge crowds that it became a safety issue. The company made the announcement on Facebook about 10:30 a.m.

“Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowds and safety concerns. We have closed lines in our U.S. and Canada stores. We understand some Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible,” Build-a-Bear Workshop wrote on Facebook.

Parents expressed their disappointment on social media.

In response to irritated customers, Build-a-Bear said they distributed vouchers to people who were in line but did not get a chance to purchase a toy.