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Parents, here’s some good news. Build-A-Bear is bringing back their Pay Your Age event, but this time around, the brand is making some major improvements.
Last year’s event was so popular that hours-long lines of kids and parents formed at Build-A-Bear stores. Build-A-Bear was forced to shut the event down early. “Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowd safety concerns. We have closed lines in our stores,” the brand posted on Twitter:
**Urgent Alert:
Per local authorities, we cannot accept additional Guests at our locations due to crowd safety concerns. We have closed lines in our stores. We understand some Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible. https://t.co/aSFfPCcfsG pic.twitter.com/WZJ53tOAEH— buildabear (@buildabear) July 12, 2018
Many families went home without a new stuffed animal, despite being promised the chance to buy one at a serious discount.
The event was so popular because it was based on a premise that parents couldn’t resist: At the Pay Your Age event, a Build-A-Bear stuffed animal will cost the age of your child. So, if your child is 3 years old, you’ll pay $3 for their brand new furry friend. Since the company’s stuffed animals start at around $12 and many are in the $20-$35 range, it’s easy to understand why families were so eager to get such a big discount. Plus, it’s nice to know that in an era of tablets, GoPros and other electronics, kids still love stuffed animals!
Pay Your Age Event 2019
The company has had about a year to rethink how the event will go down, and this time around, they’re holding a sweepstakes for entry instead. Only a limited number of people will be able to attend the event.
Before you get too discouraged, however, Build-A-Bear is planning to name 200,000 sweepstakes winners, so there’s still a chance that you and your little one could be among the special customers who get to attend the much less crowded event this year.
How To Enter
All you have to do to enter the sweepstakes is sign up to become a Bonus Club Member and create your birthday profile. Then, you can enter for your chance to win a ticket to the Pay Your Age event. You have until June 16 to enter.
If you’re one of the winners, you’ll have from June 24 until June 28 to visit a Build-A-Bear location and use your ticket.
In addition to the chance to win a ticket to the Pay Your Age event, you’ll also be eligible to win a birthday party experience valid for 12 months and valued up to $250, according to the Build-A-Bear website.
Becoming a Bonus Club Member is free and will give you access to special offers, unique events and a chance to earn points towards valuable rewards. So, even if you aren’t one of the lucky 200,000 people who get a discount at the Pay Your Age event this year, it could still pay to be a Bonus Club member.
What do you think? Are you willing to give the Pay Your Age event a shot this year? If so, remember to enter to win by June 16!
Augusta Statz holds a B.F.A. in Writing from the Savannah College of Art and Design. She's an avid writer with a genuine sense of curiosity. She feels the best way to absorb the world around you is through fashion, art and food, so that’s what she spends most of her time writing about. More.
