THE Build-A-Bear toy shop in Belfast's Victoria Square has been forced to close its doors after "extreme" crowds turned up at the store to take advantage of a promotion.
The retailer said there had been an "unprecedented" response to the promotion in which customers pay the age of the child they are accompanying for one of a range of stuffed toys, which normally cost around £20.
Build a bear carnage in Belfast #victoriasquare #buildabear
— Elizabeth McGrogan (@ElizabethMcG30) July 12, 2018
Staff assaulted in front of kids, other staff members crying at the front doors and customers who queued for hours given £8 off vouchers and others not there as long got £12 off. #disaster pic.twitter.com/p361XtMN5F
Hundreds queued up for the promotion amid reports of staff being assaulted at the shop, leading to management taking the decision to close the store for the day.
In a statement, Build-A-Bear said the safety of customers was their "top priority" and the response to the promotion had exceeded expectation at stores around the UK.
The statement said: "We understand our guests are disappointed, and we are working to address the situation. We will reach out directly to our valued guests as soon as possible."
Customers who attempted to take advantage of the offer took to social media to report that staff were advising them that they could have to queue for hours.
Build-A-Bear warned yesterday that it was anticipating long lines and waiting times, adding that it would "make every effort to help as many guests as possible participate in this first-time event".
Police confirmed they had attended the Build-A-Bear store to "maintain order" but no offences were detected.
Parents and kids in Belfast very disappointed as Build A Bear closes because of “overwhelming and unprecedented” demand at the pay your age day. Sign in window says due to “extreme crowds” pic.twitter.com/3WGwrVphq2
— Richard Morgan (@BBCRichardM) July 12, 2018
