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Winter Olympic mascot frenzy leaves shelves empty

A spectator moves in to hug Olympic mascot Tina prior to an alpine ski women's downhill race — A spectator moves in to hug Olympic mascot Tina prior to an alpine ski women's downhill race (AP)

Fans of the Milan Cortina Olympic mascots, stoat siblings Milo and Tina, are struggling to find plush toys in the host cities.
Official Olympic stores in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, including the largest at Duomo Cathedral, have sold out of the popular merchandise.
The plush toys, priced between 18 and 58 euros, also appear to be sold out online, leading to humorous desperation among visitors.
Tina represents the Olympic Winter Games, while her younger brother Milo, the face of the Paralympic Winter Games, is celebrated for overcoming a disability.
The only guaranteed way to acquire a plush mascot currently is by winning a medal, as they are gifted to athletes on the podium.

Winter Olympic mascots become the unexpected trend taking over Milan — In full