Insane Lines Shut Down 'Pay Your Age' At Tysons Build-A-Bear

The Build-A-Bear Workshop store at Tysons Corner Center and others around the U.S. are not accepting any more guests Thursday, July 12, due to "crowd and safety concerns" during the Pay Your Age promotion. The lines reportedly became absurd after a promoted deal that said you can purchase a Make-Your-Own furry friend at the price of your child's age.

The promotion was part of a nationwide celebration of the company’s launch of the Build-A-Bear “Count Your Candles” birthday experience.

But photos posted on social media showed lines stretching out the door at stores across the country, prompting Build-A-Bear to take action.

"We have closed lines in our U.S. stores. We understand some of our Guests are disappointed and we will reach out directly as soon as possible," the store said in a statement.

To participate in the deal, the store required adults, parents and guardians — who must be at least 18 — to enroll in the complimentary Build-A-Bear Bonus Club rewards program or give the company an email address and name so that the buyer — who must accompany the child when the purchase is made — can pay their age.

The other caveats included:

• You have the option to buy the toy unstuffed and come back to fill it at a later date.
• The deal is only available in stores on one Make-Your-Own animal. This means extras, including outfits, sounds, accessories and scents, are not included.
• The person who wants to pay their age must be there when the toy is bought.
• The deal cannot be combined with any other offers.

Thursday hours for the Tysons Corner Center store are 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m.

Image via Adam Bettcher/Getty Images for Build-A-Bear