• by Tanya Gazdik , 3 hours ago

If there’s one thing consumers love, it’s a collectible. And Starbucks is among the best at promoting them. 

“The Bearista cup is a 20-ounce glass cup shaped like a bear. Its lid looks like a green beanie, and it is holding a Starbucks cup with the chain's logo on it,” according to USA Today. “The cup was released on Nov. 6, the same day that Starbucks unveiled its holiday menu, and sold out immediately.”

Even Starbucks was taken aback by the huge demand for the cups. 

“The excitement for our merchandise exceeded even our biggest expectations and despite shipping more Bearista cups to coffeehouses than almost any other merchandise item this holiday season, the Bearista cup and some other items sold out fast,” a Starbucks spokesperson told People. “Fans that couldn’t get ahold of the Bearista Cold Cup during their limited November launch nor during the Starbucks for Life Merrython could snag one of the many listed on resale websites, though those are going for as much as $49,000. There are also dupes available for less than half the original price at an SRP of $10.99 from Walmart, or between $30 to $75 from sites like Amazon& nbsp ;and Etsy."

The coffee chain teased the return of the viral Bearista Cold Cup over the weekend. Starbucks posted a video to Instagram featuring the sold-out Bearista Cup that people have been trying to get their hands on. “Your chance is in the Starbucks app. Tomorrow, 12/8," the coffeehouse chain wrote. 

As it turns out, Starbucks is bringing back its popular holiday game, Starbucks for Life Merrython, and the cold cup is one of the prizes. 

“It's been revealed 17,000 Bearista cups will be available to be won through the Starbucks Rewards instant-win promotion—though it's limited to one per person,” according to Newsweek. “The $29.95 Bearista cup, which launched in November as part of their holiday collection, has become a seasonal obsession—so much so that it’s spawned shortages, restocks, and even copycat alternatives.”

Other prizes include gift cards including a chance at Starbucks for Life,  a daily credit for 30 years for one free food or beverage item at participating Starbucks stores in the U.S.