This is a bear attack.
Build-A-Bear’s stuffed animals are targeted at “kids,” and some critics have suggested that some of them wear bikinis, others wear Hugh Hefner-style robes and pour champagne. They are criticizing the company for being so kind.
The St. Louis, Missouri-based toy company has released risqué accessories for its stuffed bears as part of its Valentine’s Day promotion.
The seemingly inappropriate attire also includes a black slip dress, satin robe and pajamas, leopard heart boxers, and gold strappy heels.
Another shirt has the word “ZADDY” written on it. This is slang for an attractive older man.
“I am very unwell and please forgive me,” London-based marketing strategist Alice Waterman Hale wrote on her social media page X.
“I think they were created just to upset people,” she told the Wall Street Journal.
Build-a-Bear CEO Sharon Price John argued that adult accessories recognize “the evolution of what people want.”
“Bill-A-Bear’s intent has always been to be a guest-worthy, noble brand,” she told The Wall Street Journal.
Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop has become a “multi-generational” brand, with teens and adults accounting for about 40 percent of its sales, according to John.
The controversial accessory is part of a growing trend in the struggling toy industry, the magazine said, and is increasingly attracting “kids” — adults who are interested in toys for nostalgia, comfort and collectible purposes. It is said that they are gathering.
Build-A-Bear’s special collections are categorized under the “Bear Cave” section of the store’s website.
Before clicking on the site, users are asked to pledge that they are 18 years of age or older.
A South Carolina woman got creative and made her own “stripper bear” by adding a bow tie, cuffs and heart-print boxer shorts to the bear.
“He might be a little evil.” Karianne Hahn told the Journal.
“He could be a stripper on the side. But he’d still be cute.”
The adults-only collection also includes a “demonic pink teddy bear” wearing a “You Turn Me On” shirt.
There’s even a “Vans” T-shirt that says “I don’t want anything unless I have Vans Hun.”
A video posted by Build-A-Bear on Instagram shows a stuffed animal called “Dr. Love Lion” giving romantic advice to men to help them “get richer” (a slang term for charisma). The situation is reflected.
“Doctor Love Lion” answers the question: What are the best pick-up lines men can use?
“Girl, are you a gazelle? Because you look like something I’d rip into,” the expert said in the clip.
“Do you know what I did there? You’re welcome,” said “Doctor Lovelion.”
Many Instagram users were not amused.
“Isn’t this for kids??” one user wondered.
“Build-A-Bear, are you in heat?” asked another.
Another Instagram user said: “I thought this was a kid friendly brand.”
