Revealed: The frenzy behind the viral Starbucks Bearista cup

What began as a seasonal merchandise drop at Starbucks turned into an overnight rush, with customers queueing outside stores before sunrise for a bear-shaped glass cup that sold out within hours

Staff Writer
Starbucks Bearista Cup
Image: Starbucks

Article summary

AI Generated

Starbucks launched its 2025 holiday drinkware, including the "Bearista" cup, which quickly sold out across the United States. The high demand led to long queues and a resale market with prices reaching over $1,000. Starbucks has since apologised for the disappointment.

Key points

  • Starbucks launched its 2025 holiday drinkware, including the popular "Bearista" cup.
  • The "Bearista" cup, priced at $29.95, quickly sold out across US stores.
  • Starbucks apologised for the disappointment due to high demand and immediate sell-outs.

Starbucks launched its 2025 holiday drinkware collection on November 6, featuring a 20-ounce glass cup shaped like a bear, known as the “Bearista” cup.

The item was priced at about $29.95 (AED110) and was released alongside the coffee chain’s annual festive menu.

Stores across the United States reported immediate sell-outs. Customers began arriving as early as 1AM to secure one, going to the extent of camping outside the store.

Starbucks issues apology over viral Starbucks Bearista cup demand

Several social media users also shared videos of long queues and empty shelves. Others claimed staff members had purchased the limited stock before doors opened.

Demand for the viral Starbucks Bearista cup was so high, that the company later issued an apology.

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“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 … sold out fast. We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologise for the disappointment this may have caused,” Starbucks said in a statement to The Independent

In addition to meet high demand, a resale market appeared soon after. Listings on eBay and other sites ranged from several hundred dollars to more than $1,000.

Can I buy the viral Starbucks Bearista cup in UAE?

Unfortunately, the viral Starbucks Bearista cup is unavailable in the UAE right now.

Starbucks confirmed that the Bearista cup is currently unavailable and said that more holiday merchandise will be released later in the season.

However, the company did not comment on whether the Bearista cup will return.

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