The bear-shaped, 20-ounce holiday tumbler quickly sold out after its release on November 6. Starbucks' latest holiday merchandise, the Bearista Cold Cup, sparked a surge of excitement among fans.
The Bearista Cold Cup features a clear, bear-shaped design with a lid and straw. When the straw is inserted, it resembles a green beanie, reminiscent of Starbucks' signature color, on the bear's head. Starbucks first revealed the cup on Instagram on November 5, which generated immediate buzz.
Despite its popularity, many customers reported difficulty finding the cup in stores. Social media users claimed the Bearista cups sold out rapidly, with some Starbucks locations reportedly stocking only one or two units each.
"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," said a user on Starbucks’ official Instagram.
"Our local store received ONE," another customer complained. "Why are you even marketing this?"
Some fans alleged that employees were purchasing the cups before customers had a chance.
In response to the frenzy, Starbucks acknowledged the overwhelming demand and the limited stock in certain stores, promising to review their distribution for future releases.
“We appreciate the enthusiasm and are working to ensure more equitable distribution moving forward,” an official statement read.
Starbucks' Bearista Cold Cup quickly captivated holiday shoppers but faced supply challenges, prompting the company to address customer concerns and improve distribution.