Originally appeared on E! Online
Starbucks couldn’t bear the outrage any longer.
Indeed, after fans of the coffee chain expressed their disappointment about being unable to secure one of the viral, 20-ounce bear-shaped iced coffee glasses when they hit shelves across the United States the morning of Nov. 6, Starbucks publicly apologized for the lack of supply for the item.
“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations,” Starbucks told People in a Nov. 6 statement. “Despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast.”
They continued, “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
The Seattle-based chain did not mention how many cups — which came with a green-and-white reusable straw to match the bear’s Starbucks-green beanie — were initially produced or if there would be any kind of restock, although they did add that there will be “more exciting merchandise coming this holiday season.”
READ The 2023 Starbucks Holiday Cups Are Here: Look Back on Every Year’s Design
Prior to the company’s apology, several customers filled the comment section of their Nov. 5 promotional clip of the cup to air their grievances about failing to secure the animal-themed collectible.
“I find it quite disappointing that a big company like Starbucks would release a new collection that clearly generates hype and inevitably, frustration,” one user wrote. “This campaign has done nothing but fuel resale at absurd prices, feeding a market that shouldn’t even exist.”
Another claimed their local shops didn’t receive any to begin with, with others in the comment section echoing the sentiment.
“I got up at 4am and drove to a location that specifically said it would have this cup. i was first in line, they didn’t have it. i drove to four more locations, none of them had it and said they never did,” the user wrote. “If you are going to excite people over this then make sure ALL stores have supply. so many people are disappointed.”
For a look back at more Starbucks holiday cups over the years, read on.
PHOTOS Starbucks red cups, Starbucks 2021 holiday cups
