Jo Has The Word

Barista Bear Johanna - Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 10:40 am

Hello,

I have been caught up in a bit of research and keeping an eye on the internet as well.

Starbucks released a "barista bear" which is a glass cup with a green lid meant exclusively for iced drinks. I think it's cute but as someone in marketing I can see through the fasade.

I went after class on november 6th to see if the one closest to me had the hello kitty mug with a silicone lid since my mum really wanted it. I have so many mugs and cups that my fiancé is frustrated lol. Luckily the people at the two universities surrounding that location were not rushing to shop, they are most likely more concerned with midterms.

I knew that people who collect these drinking vessels would line up hours before opening for this glass, I saw on my Facebook that a lot of places sold out on the hello kitty merchandise at about seven in the morning. I went at around eleven thirty so I thought that was interesting. Though I don't live in a big city and the universities around me are all very manageable size wise. Plus, my collage has a "proudly brews Starbucks" cafe, not affiliated but can use the imagery.

I just guess I don't get excited for limited edition things anymore because of knowing everything is limited.

Not saying I don't get myself limited edition things. I just got my pink name plate RoadID that was on discount. I wanted to check the quality. By the way it is really good quality and I plan on ordering bland colors for the cyclists in my life. Though you do need to realize that chasing limited edition things isn't worthwhile in the long run.

Though Starbucks released their bear cup in severely limited quantities and people blamed employees for buying them before they go on sale. Though this was not the case. They had to wait in line like the rest of consumers and had to get into the same fist fights. That is insane that people are throwing hands for a luxury, it's not necessity. Starbucks had two to three cups for sale to make a artificial scarcity to inflate the resale value. They released a statement saying they will release more in December. I think the hype will die out by then.

I've already seen people "retiring" their Labubu's and that frusturates me, I have one, but it's from one of my ex coworkers. I ended up getting the lucky one from the bring the energy series, so she sits in the door of my driver's side seat for me to hold when I get anxious. Yes, I love her but I wouldn't have gotten one on my own, or I'd wait until they end up on poshmark for less than $10.

I just think that instead of chasing the limited edition hype, that everyone should get things they can afford and will use. Or there will be more in the trash, unfortunately.

I remember that I got a Brita Filter bottle for my birthday from my dad, and I was obsessed with it. It was purple and had snowflakes on it. I was doing flight lessons with my brother in a little Civil Air Patrol Cessna and I was sitting in the back seat. We landed in the airport and I opened the door to get out and dropped it shattering the lid. I was so upset that my dad wrote to Brita and they sent me a whole new unit. That gave it a huge memory for me. Though I don't use it anymore since I like the double walled stuff, but I always find it funny.

So, try to thrift when you can, trade with friends and enjoy the things you already have.