The new Starbucks’ holiday line has stirred up more than just lattes. Starbucks, a well-known coffee chain, announced its annual holiday menu on Nov. 6. They typically produce limited edition cups and festive drinks to make this time of year feel extra special for customers.
Over the years, Starbucks’ holiday cups have become a cultural phenomenon, and this year is no exception. In the line, they include tumblers, mugs, coffee-themed ornaments and one item that caught the eyes of many. A cup referred to as the “bearista” has taken over social media platforms and drawn in hundreds of customers. The “bearista” cup, a glass teddy bear tumbler dressed in winter attire, is a limited-edition collectible, making it appealing to a wide range of buyers.
The cup is 20 ounces and sells for $29.95. Starbucks anticipated the release with an Instagram post on Nov. 5, which showed a barista making a beverage in this bear-shaped cup. The “Today Show” said that Starbucks promises that this cup will bring “instant joy to every sip.”
The cup’s appeal is undeniable. It is cute, festive and taps into the cozy feeling of the holiday season. However, the overwhelmingly positive reaction was unexpected. Lines wrapped around almost every Starbucks location on release day. People were willing to wait for hours or wake up before sunrise, just for a chance to grab one of these desired cups.
The craziness did not stop there. Resale prices skyrocketed. Online websites became flooded with unreasonable offers. Customers have taken the release of this cup to an absurd extent. People are willing to wait in long lines and even pay astronomical resale prices that range from $200-$800, just to add this item to their collection. Since the drop, social media has been flooded with photos of the “bearista” cups, as people who were able to secure the product share their excitement.
Through all of this excitement, several questions lingered: Was this just another brief trend? Would the hype die down? Some viewers predicted a quick decline in excitement, arguing that the obsession would not last. However, others saw it as a significant trend that will have customers wrapped up for most of the holiday season.
While opinions might differ, the “bearista” cup craze shows how social media can turn a simple product into a viral hit. Whether it was the design, the limited availability, or just the Starbucks brand, this cup proved that even something small can create a big buzz.
