Three-hour queues at Colchester’s Build-A-Bear

There are reports of two-hour queues as Build-A-Bear hosts a special pay-your-age day. Build-A-Bear store in Colchester in Culver Square. Picture: Amy Everitt (Image: Archant)

The chain is running a ‘pay your age day’ meaning children can create their own treasured toy for a snip of the original price - bears including My Little Pony characters, Jurassic World dinosaurs and traditional bears are priced between £10 and £20 usually but can be snapped up for as little as £1.

Amy Whittaker, of Braintree, was hoping to get a special bear for her daughter Millie, aged 14 months, from the Colchester store located on Culver Square.

“The queues are beyond ridiculous. People have stood there for three hours. I would rather pay full price than queue all that time.”

Meanwhile Amy Everitt, of Black Notley, abandoned her attempt after 20 minutes stood waiting.

“I was there early but it was still a two-hour queue.

“As we walked away he was saying ‘special bear, I get special bear’. I feel sorry for him so I might just order a full priced one online. It is not the same as letting him have the experience of making his own bear but he would be so fed up queuing for that long.”

The situation is mirrored across the country and a statement on the company’s Facebook page reads: “Thank you for the unprecedented response over the last 24 hours to our Pay Your Age Day event! As a result, we want to let you know that we are anticipating the potential of long lines and wait times. We will make every effort to help as many Guests as possible participate in this first-time event.

“We sincerely appreciate the incredible interest and heartfelt excitement and want to thank everyone in advance for your patience.”

Have you braved the queues?