Build-A-Bear offering vouchers after too-popular promotion lured thousands

TAMPA (FOX 13) - Build-A-Bear is doing some damage control after closing lines on Thursday for the overwhelming response to its "Pay Your Age Day" promotion.

The chain had to end the promotion earlier than planned after the long lines in malls around the U.S. became a safety concern. The promotion meant a price tag for a stuffed animal that equaled the child's age. It was the first time they offered the deal.

They said they offered $15 vouchers to parents who were waiting for hours in the lines, and will also make vouchers available to its Bonus Club members in the U.S. Those members must log into their accounts before midnight on Sunday, July 15. Vouchers will be honored by August 31 of this year.

It is free to enroll in the program. The vouchers must then be printed or presented as a screenshot at Build-A-Bear locations. As a member, Build-A-Bear said they also offer the "Pay Your Age" deal on a child's birthday.

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The company said they didn't expect the large response to Thursday's deal, which capped the price for a stuffed animal at $29. Lines quickly grew in the morning before they had to stop accepting additional customers.

For details on becoming a Bonus Club reward member, click over to the Build-A-Bear website.