Pumpkin spice is making its way out, and festive flavors are beginning to creep in. The air is getting chillier, the last autumn leaves have fallen and there’s a line outside your local Starbucks at 4 a.m. Ah, yes, the season’s yearly traditions. So what’s the popular product this time around?
Recently, Starbucks diehards are tripping over themselves to get this glass Starbucks Bearista Cold Cup. While this season’s holiday drop includes many other cutely themed cups, none of them have garnered as much attention as this little bear.
Red-Nosed Resellers
First announced in early October, the Christmas drop was highly anticipated with the Bearista as its star. However, this isn’t the first time Starbucks has dropped a bear themed tumbler.
In countries like China and Korea, bear themed cups have already been released in previous years. While these are on resale for about $30 to $40, the most recent Bearista cup is being resold at an average of $300 to $500.
Compared to the original price of $29.95, this is over ten times its marketed worth, and some have paid the price.
Christmas Collectible or Consumerism?
Starbucks has always embraced the Christmas spirit throughout the years with a merchandise drop and festively themed cups. With the frenzy caused by this glass bear, you can’t deny that their marketing is effective.
However, as these cute Christmas themed items begin to drop throughout the season, think to yourself, is this really something I need?
While one reusable bottle or tumbler can prevent 120 plastic bottles from polluting the Earth every year, constantly buying new ones may not be as successful. The rising trend of reusable bottles over the past years has still contributed to pollution through manufacturing and transportation. There’s nothing wrong with buying a limited item you’ve been eyeing, but it’s important to be mindful of the environment this Christmas season!
Festive Fights
In response to the scramble for this cup, a Starbucks spokesperson has said “We understand many customers were excited about the Bearista cup and apologize for the disappointment this may have caused.”
After the events that transpired in Starbucks locations across the nation on Nov. 6, “disappointment” may be an understatement.
Lines forming at 4 a.m. and resellers may seem like the most extreme reactions, but videos online have shown people physically fighting each other for these cups.
Build-A-Bearista
While some collectors have indulged in the huge resale prices, many others have opted for a more do-it-yourself method.
From honey jars, to Animal cracker jugs, any bear-themed container seems to do the trick. Costco even joined in on the trend, poking light fun at the public’s cup craze.
A Christmas Comeback
A little over a month ago, Starbucks announced that it was closing hundreds of its locations nationwide. The company has reported declining sales, as customers are opting for cheaper options or upgrading to higher end coffee shops. Starbucks’ goal was to start steering the brand in a new and more marketable direction. Could the Bearista cup be the start of that plan in effect? Certainly, with all the controversy surrounding it, a lot of eyes have been on the chain as a whole.
With Christmas still a little over a month away, who knows what hot item will be causing a frenzy next?
Whether they’re in a bear-shaped cup or not, tag us on Instagram, @VALLEYMag, with pics of your coziest festive drinks!
