Starbucks lit up its 2025 holiday drop with a 20-ounce Glass Bearista Cold Cup shaped like a teddy bear in a green beanie and priced at $29.95, and the hype detonated on contact with reality as shelves emptied within minutes on launch day, November 6.
The company acknowledged demand “exceeded even our biggest expectations” and apologized as fans reported striking out across multiple locations before sunrise.
Short supply poured gasoline on the frenzy, with customers staking out stores for hours and claiming some locations received only one or two cups, fueling accusations that the rollout invited disappointment instead of delight.
The flashpoint arrived in Texas, where deputies with Harris County Precinct 4 were called to break up a fight inside a Starbucks as customers argued over the Bearista cup and refused to leave.
Scarcity instantly pushed the cup into reseller territory, where listings and sales jumped into the hundreds of dollars and in some cases crested four figures, widening the gap between a cute $30 collectible and what many fans could realistically buy.
The brand hasn’t detailed how many units went to each store or when restocks might land, but it has teased more holiday merchandise on the way, which won’t erase the sting for early risers who left empty-handed after queueing in the dark.
In the end the Bearista was both mascot and matchstick, a charming glass bear that turned coffee counters into hot zones and proved how quickly a limited drop can slide from seasonal cheer to shove-ready chaos.
