Posted on February 20, 2018 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the tenth consecutive year

ST. LOUIS, 2018-Feb-20 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the tenth year running, Build-A-Bear Workshop has been named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For list, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 55 on the list, which is based on survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture on 50-plus elements of the workplace. These include trust in managers, compensation, fairness, camaraderie and workplace traits linked to innovation. The ranking accounted for the experiences of all employees including women, people of color, LGBT individuals, older team members, and disabled employees.

Great Place to Work research shows that list winners keep beating industry rivals when it comes to talent retention and demonstrating higher levels of productivity than peers.

In the most recent Associate Experience Survey, 95 percent of U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop associates said they understand how their work supports the mission of Build-A-Bear—to “Add a Little More Heart to Life.” Build-A-Bear associates also indicated that they believe in the company’s core value of “Give” by making their communities a better place to live, work and play through contributions of time and talent.

“For a decade, our associates have attested to Build-A-Bear Workshop being a highly-engaged and satisfying workplace,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “The well-being of our employees and opportunities for career growth are priorities for us. In fact, in 2017, more than 50 percent of our store management positions were filled by internal promotions. Our inclusion on this esteemed list wouldn’t be possible without our associates, and we thank them for their continued dedication to our mission every day.”

The 100 Best Companies is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE: 2017 Best Workplaces for Women list (third consecutive year); the 2017 Best Workplaces in Retail list (fourth consecutive year); the 2017 Best Workplaces for Millennials list (third consecutive year); and the 2017 Best Workplaces for Diversity list (third consecutive year).

About Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has over 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including corporately-managed stores in the United States, Canada, China, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the 10th year in a row in 2018. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $357.9 million in fiscal 2017. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.

About The FORTUNE 100 Best Companies To Work For®
Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from more than 310,000 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations with more than 1,000 employees. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance.

Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Contact:

Maria Lemakis
Build-A-Bear Workshop
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop among the Best Workplaces for Diversity according to Great Place to Work and FORTUNE

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Dec-08 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (NYSE: BBW)—an interactive destination where Guests can make customized furry friends—is one of the Best Workplaces for Diversity, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and FORTUNE.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 37 on the 2017 list, which is based on more than 440,000 employee surveys from organizations in a wide range of industries across the U.S., taking into account more than 50 elements of team members’ experience on the job. These include professional development, behaviors linked to innovation, leadership confidence and consistent treatment among employees of different backgrounds. The ranking also accounts for the share of women, people of color, Baby Boomers and LGBT individuals in the workplace.

“We are incredibly grateful to have so many talented associates from different backgrounds contributing to our success and continuing to make Build-A-Bear Workshop a fun, fulfilling place to work,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We value the unique expertise and perspective each of our team members brings in helping us add a little more heart to life.”

The Best Workplaces for Diversity stand out for their consistent leadership and the meaningful ways that all employees contribute to their organizations. Tenure for women and people of color was higher at the leading employers than at their peers. In several business sectors, the winning organizations also reported turnover two to three times lower than industry averages.

“The Best Workplaces for Diversity have achieved something beyond basic fairness. They find ways to connect with each and every employee, listening to their challenges and building on their talents,” said Michael Bush, CEO of Great Place to Work.

The Best Workplaces for Diversity is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and FORTUNE based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE: the 2017 100 Best Companies to Work For® list (for the ninth consecutive year);the 2017 Best Workplaces for Women list (for the third consecutive year); the 2017 Best Workplaces in Retail list (for the fourth consecutive year); and the 2017 Best Workplaces for Millennials list (for the third consecutive year).

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Diversity
Great Place to Work based its ranking on a data-driven methodology applied to anonymous Trust Index™ survey responses from 442,624 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified organizations. To learn more about Great Place to Work Certification and recognition on Best Workplaces lists published with FORTUNE, visit Greatplacetowork.com.

About Great Place to Work
Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small & Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance.

Learn more at Greatplacetowork.com and on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop opens its first-ever Build-A-Bear Bakeshop

Retailer Translates Signature Make-Your-Own Experience into New Bakeshop Concept

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Nov-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW), a global brand kids love and parents trust, today (NOVEMBER 14, 2017) announced the opening of the first-ever Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, a customized baked-goods experience that reflects the company’s beloved Make-Your-Own concept.

The Bakeshop opened today on Level 1 of West County Center in St. Louis and will offer a whole new flavor of fun with a variety of ready-made sweets baked locally by Sarah’s Cake Shop. Guests can choose from already-iced cakes and treats or decorate their own cupcakes with frosting, icing pens and sprinkles.

“For more than 20 years, Build-A-Bear Workshop has added a little more heart to life by inspiring kids and kids at heart to channel their creativity and make furry best friends that are uniquely their own,” said Louis Wachter, Chief Bakeshop Manager, Build-A-Bear Bakeshop. “We’ve put a sweet spin on the Make-Your-Own fun our Guests know and love with Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, with help from the talented team at Sarah’s Cake Shop. At Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, we can reserve an area for your scheduled private party. You can also create an edible, personalized gift, or just grab a sweet treat to enjoy on your shopping trip.”

The Build-A-Bear Bakeshop menu features cupcakes, cake pops, specialty cake pops, cookies, cakes, macarons and more – plus, several varieties of milk, including flavored options like chocolate, strawberry, cotton candy and root beer from Shatto Milk. Individual sweet treats start at $2, and a 6-inch cake is available for $17.50.

Build-A-Bear Bakeshop offers party packages for Guests to celebrate birthdays, graduations and all of life’s special moments in a unique, interactive way that’s layered with fun. During a Build-A-Bear Bakeshop party, a Party Host leads the group in decorating their own cupcakes, and the Guest of honor receives a special 3-inch cake.

Merchandise items—such as Bakeshop-themed mugs, thermoses and a water bottle—are also available for purchase at the shop.

More information about Build-A-Bear Bakeshop, including the store’s location, hours of operation and party package details can be found at buildabear.com/bakeshop.

For the latest brand news, visit buildabear.com and follow Build-A-Bear on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Posted on November 3, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils a very merry collection of gifts and furry friends to celebrate the holidays

: Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils a very merry collection of gifts and furry friends to celebrate the holidays

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Nov-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — “The Fun Before Christmas” has already begun at Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW), an interactive destination where Guests can create personalized furry friends, as today ( Nov. 1, 2017) Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils a very merry collection of gifts and furry friends to celebrate the holidays the company unveiled a very merry collection of gifts and furry friends to celebrate the holidays. Enjoy festive activities in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores all season long—like signing your name to the “Nice List”—or making your own reindeer or too-cute turkey! Holiday hugs are just a Workshop (or visit to buildabear.com) away.

FUN TO MAKE, FUN TO GIVE!
Now is the time to “stuff” and “dress” our new make-your-own Gobblin’ Turkey! Add a gobblin’ sound chip and a Thanksgiving pilgrim outfit all just in time to celebrate the holiday; then, bring the bird home from a Build-A-Bear Workshop store or find it at the new buildabear.com.

The Merry Mission reindeer are back to save the holidays once again, because the “Nice List” is so long! In addition to the eight classic reindeer, Glisten—Santa’s Star-Powered glittery white deer—returns as Color Glow Glisten with sparkly hooves, light-up antlers and a signature medallion. She is also available in a new jumbo, 21-inch version, while supplies last in stores and online. Silver Snow joins the team as a new pal who studied with Glisten at Reindeer Academy, and the darling reindeer twins, Tinsel and Twinkle, have returned to Build-A-Bear Workshop—this time with glowing fur!

BUILDABEAR.COM AND BUILDABEAR.CO.UK EXCLUSIVES
Build-A-Bear has launched a brand new website with a new, fun way to make your own furry friend using “The Bear Builder“! In addition to offering all of our holiday products on the site, we also have special items available exclusively online. For really big bear hugs, check out the new 36-inch Champ Bear. Sweet Buttercream Bear, in elegant holiday colors with soft cream fur, green eyes and shiny red paw pads, is a gift that can be perfectly personalized! Customize this furry friend with up to three lines of embroidery or a monogram to send warm wishes. Christmas Joy Bear is a holiday classic you’ll treasure for years to come. With festive paw pads, this online exclusive bear is the perfect present under the tree.

Check out all the Build-A-Bear Workshop holiday furry friends, plus new licensed products—including collections based on the hottest movies—by visiting the updated buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk.

MAKING SEASONS BRIGHT ACROSS THE GLOBE
Build-A-Bear Workshop is adding a little more heart to life this year with help from four charitable organizations: Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, which delivers a message of hope to less fortunate children through a new toy at Christmas, in the United States; Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, which helps young people achieve great futures in safe places where they can learn and grow, in Canada; Barnardo’s, which transforms the lives of the U.K.’s most vulnerable children, in the United Kingdom; and Barnardos Ireland, which works with vulnerable children and their families—and campaigns for the rights of all children—in Ireland.

From Friday, Dec. 1 through Sunday, Dec. 3, Build-A-Bear Workshop will host global “Stuffed with Hugs” events where Guests of U.S., Canada, U.K. and Ireland stores can make bears at no charge to be donated to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Barnardo’s and Barnardos Ireland, respectively.

Now through Dec. 10, Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can donate new, unwrapped toys to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation at U.S. stores; to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada in Canada stores; to Barnardo’s at U.K. stores; and to Barnardos Ireland at Ireland stores. Now through Dec. 24, Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can make a donation at checkout to benefit Marine Toys for Tots Foundation in U.S. stores; to Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada in Canada stores; to Barnardo’s in U.K. stores and at Barnardos Ireland in Ireland stores at checkout.

FA-LA-LA-LA FOLLOW ALONG
Don’t miss the Build-A-Bear “Discover Adventure!” float as it travels through Manhattan during the 91stAnnual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®. The Parade will air nationwide on NBC-TV, on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2017 from 9 a.m. – noon in all time zones. Join the new Build-A-Bear Bonus Club and follow Build-A-Bear on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram to learn more about events and special promotions—including hot Black Friday deals!—happening in stores and online.

Contact:

Maria Lemakis
314-4238000×5367
marial@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop

###

Posted on September 7, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Build-A-Bear Workshop celebrates National Teddy Bear Day

Build-A-Bear Workshop is inviting teddy bear fans of all ages to celebrate National Teddy Bear Day in stores on Sept. 8 and 9. During the two-day celebration, guests can make their own limited-edition National Teddy Bear Day Bear for $5.50 plus tax. (PRNewsfoto/Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.)

Survey Commissioned by Build-A-Bear Workshop Reveals Adults Hold on to Stuffed Animals for Decades

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Sep-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — In anticipation of National Teddy Bear Day on September 9, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination for creating customized furry friends, today announced results from a survey that revealed more than half of American adults still have their favorite stuffed animal from childhood. The survey of 2,000 adults, completed by Atomik Research and commissioned by Build-A-Bear, uncovered a number of surprising furry-friend findings, including:

The Majority Hugs. Across generations, more than half of all respondents surveyed mentioned they still own a stuffed animal. 40% of respondents sleep with their stuffed animal by their side.
Keepsake Teddy. 56% of respondents have owned (and held onto) their favorite stuffed animal for more than two decades. Additionally, more than 70% said they plan to keep their stuffed animal forever (72%).
Memories of Comfort. 30% of respondents said a feeling of comfort was the first memory that came to mind when thinking about a childhood stuffed animal, followed by the memory of the person who gave it to them (22%), and the stuffed animal’s appearance (19%).
Home is Where the Bear Is. Adults living in the southern United States are most likely to have a stuffed animal (75%), followed by residents of the Midwest (72%) and Northeast (70%).

Build-A-Bear shared the survey results with clinical psychologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Shefali Tsabary to learn more about the bond many adults have with items like teddy bears.

“As children develop independence from their parents, they still yearn for a secure bond with something. In many cases, children turned to stuffed animals, including teddy bears, to help them through this transition,” said Dr. Shefali Tsabary. “As we enter adulthood and leave home for the first time, it’s no surprise that the same object re-enters our life, providing comfort while also helping us work through feelings of uncertainty as we transition into a new life stage.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop welcomes Guests of all ages to the company’s interactive stores each day, including a surprising number of adults.

“At Build-A-Bear, we believe wholeheartedly that you’re never too old for a teddy bear, and we love that more than 25 percent of Build-A-Bear shoppers are 12 and older,” said Sharon Price John, president and CEO, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “It’s also fun to see older Guests incorporating teddy bears and other furry friends into the celebration of everyday and extraordinary moments in life – from birthdays and engagements to prom-posals. This National Teddy Bear Day, we hope the results of this survey and our exciting in-store and online offers empower people of all ages to go get that favorite teddy bear from childhood that’s been hiding in the closet, or make a new furry friend to cherish for years to come.”

On Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9, Guests of Build-A-Bear Workshop stores can make their own limited-edition National Teddy Bear Day Bear for just $5.50 (USD) / $5.50 (CAD) / £5.50 (GBP), plus applicable taxes, while supplies last. (Purchase limit of five limited-edition bears per Guest.) Build-A-Bear Workshop will also offer Traditional Cocoa Bear online for $10.50 (USD) / £10.50 (GBP) at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk.

In honor of National Teddy Bear Day and the brand’s 20^th birthday, which will be officially celebrated in October, Build-A-Bear Foundation is donating 20,000 furry friends to Boys & Girls Clubs of America. The Foundation will also donate 1,000 furry friends to Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada, as well as 6,000 furry friends to Childhood First and other children’s charities in the United Kingdom. Throughout the National Teddy Bear Day celebration on Sept. 8 and 9, Guests of U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores can also donate to Boys & Girls Clubs of America at checkout.

Throughout the week leading up to National Teddy Bear Day, fans can:

Visit buildabear.com/national-teddy-bear-day/ to learn more about the in-store event and find a nearby Build-A-Bear Workshop location.
Join the fun virtually! Build-A-Bear will bring the celebration to Facebook by streaming live on National Teddy Bear Day.
Follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and share a favorite teddy bear or Build-A-Bear Workshopmemory with hashtag #NationalTeddyBearDay and @BuildABear.

About Build-A-Bear
Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About Build-A-Bear National Teddy Bear Day Survey
The Build-A-Bear survey was conducted by Atomik Research on a sample of 2,004 consumers in the United States who have/had a stuffed animal and in accordance with MRA guidelines and regulations. The online survey was fielded between August 1 and 3, 2017. (Of the 2,004 survey participants, 500 respondents were parents with children, aged 5-10 years old). Atomik Research is an independent creative market research agency that employs MRA-certified researchers and abides to MRA code.

SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Marissa Eifert, 314-982-1739, Marissa.Eifert@fleishman.com

Posted on August 7, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop details new partnership with PBS KIDS

Partnership includes video messages aired during “Curious George” and “Wild Kratts,” digital messaging and content integration during in-store events

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Aug-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop today (Aug. 3, 2017) announced official details of a new partnership with PBS KIDS. In April, Build-A-Bear kicked off a corporate sponsorship of two PBS KIDS programs, Curious George and Wild Kratts. This is the first time Build-A-Bear Workshop has underwritten national programming on PBS. The ongoing 2017 partnership is being communicated during “Curious George” and “Wild Kratts” airings through custom, 15-second video underwriting messages, developed to convey the brand benefits of Build-A-Bear and its alignment with PBS KIDS.

“Like Build-A-Bear Workshop, PBS KIDS values the advancement of creativity and imagination,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Build-A-Bear encourages children of all ages to use their inventiveness as they experience our unique process to make their own special furry friend. And now, as we approach our 20th birthday, many of our Guests who were introduced to Build-A-Bear as kids have little ones of their own—not unlike PBS.”

Suzanne Zellner, Vice President, Sponsorship Group for Public Television, added, “PBS KIDS sponsors set themselves apart from competitors by showing support of public television and aligning with its values: love of learning, STEM education, social and emotional learning, appreciation of the arts and self-expression, and more. Research shows that parents overwhelmingly view PBS KIDS as the number one educational media brand, and we are proud to partner with a trusted family brand like Build-A-Bear Workshop.”

The underwriting messages from Build-A-Bear Workshop include videos that air during episodes of “Curious George” and “Wild Kratts,” as well as digital advertising on pbskids.org and pbs.org/parents. The on-air and digital messages, which encourage creativity and imagination, will run through the end of 2017 as part of an extended sponsorship.

Build-A-Bear also plans to integrate summer- and friendship-themed content from PBS KIDS into select events at U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores, including a friendship celebration weekend August 4-6 in honor of National Friendship Day. The PBS KIDS content includes activity sheets and booklets for kids as well as resources for parents to use in educating their children about friendship and empathy.

As it relates to the company’s continued commitment to television advertising as an effective communication channel, Build-A-Bear also recently unveiled a new TV commercial that features an original jingle and highlights the iconic, Make-Your-Own experience Guests can only find at Build-A-Bear Workshop. The spot is currently airing on a variety of networks that reach moms and kids; it also offers the brand an opportunity to develop inserts around seasonally relevant product stories.

For more information about Build-A-Bear Workshop, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About the Sponsorship Group for Public Television
The Sponsorship Group for Public Television represents the best sponsorships on PBS, with national program inventory from WGBH Boston and other producers of quality public television programs, across all genres. For more information on PBS sponsorship opportunities, contact the Sponsorship Group for Public Television at 800.886.9364, e-mail sgptv@wgbh.org or visit sgptv.org.

Contact:

Maria Lemakis
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Posted on June 28, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 57 on the 2017 Best Workplaces for Millennials list by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Jun-28 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW)—an interactive destination for making personalized furry friends—has been named to the Best Workplaces for Millennials list, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 57 out of 100 companies on the 2017 list, which is based on Millennial employees’ perceptions of their managers’ competence, respect and fairness in the workplace, meaningful work and other elements essential for an outstanding workplace. While many companies report high turnover among younger workers, an average of 85 percent of Millennial front-line employees at the Best Workplaces say they want to work at their organizations for a long time.

The Best Companies to Work For is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and FORTUNE: the 2017 100 Best Companies to Work For® list (for the ninth consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces in Retail list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Diversity (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Flexibility list; and the 2015 Best Workplaces for Camaraderie list.

For more information about Build-A-Bear Workshop, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear

Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the ninth year in a row in 2017. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $364.2 million in fiscal 2016. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Millennials

Rankings are based on feedback from over 398,000 employees at Great Place to Work– Certified™ organizations. An anonymous Trust Index© survey assessed Millennial employees’ experience of their managers’ competence, respect and fairness in the workplace, meaningful work and other elements essential for an outstanding workplace. Results were compared to colleagues’ responses from other generations. Rankings also take into account the consistency of experience for all Millennials, across various job roles and demographic backgrounds.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through its certification programs, Great Place to Work recognizes outstanding workplace cultures and produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies, industries and, internationally, countries and regions. Through its culture consulting services, Great Place to Work helps clients create great workplaces that outpace peers on key business metrics like revenue growth, profitability, retention and stock performance.

Follow Great Place to Work at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on June 24, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop launches Keely, the newest addition to its beloved Honey Girls collection

New Colorful Leopard Brings West-Coast Flair to Girl Band as they Hit Los Angeles

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Jun-24 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), an interactive destination where Guests can create personalized furry friends, today (June 22, 2017) launched Keely, the newest addition to its beloved Honey Girls collection, as the band takes on Los Angeles for the first time.

After performing on New Year’s Eve in New York City, the Honey Girls headed to L.A. to shoot their first music video! Original Honey Girls Teegan, Risa and Viv have always been brighter together. Now, they’re expanding their horizons by experiencing a new city and have expanded their friendships by welcoming Keely into their group.

Keely is a colorful leopard makeup artist from L.A. and loves nothing more than using her creativity to celebrate her life and the people in it. With pink, orange and yellow leopard spots; bright fuchsia and orange hair; and sparkly purple ears, she’s ready to give the Honey Girls a touch of L.A. glam. Guests can add her sequin top and pants set, her makeup apron set, sparkly hair accessories and black fringe boots!

Teegan, Risa and Viv have become even more camera ready with Keely’s help! They now have brighter, more vibrant fur and sparkles all over. Teegan and Risa are available online as well as in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores, and Viv is available exclusively at buildabear.com and buildabear.co.uk. The updated Honey Girls furry friends are accompanied by exciting new outfits and accessories perfect for the L.A. scene.

While in L.A., the Honey Girls shot a music video featuring a remix of their popular song “Gotta Go Big”! Join in the fun by watching the new behind-the-scenes video of their adventure here. Check out all the Honey Girls songs and videos at buildabear.com/HoneyGirls as well as on YouTube, and sing along to your favorite hits!

Fearless lead singer Teegan; talented inventor and drummer Viv; and creative guitarist Risa met and formed their band, the Honey Girls, while they were in school together. Each has her own signature song and strengths that help the friends “be brighter together.”

Guests of all ages are invited to visit their local Build-A-Bear Workshop store July 14-16, 2017 to celebrate “Honey Girls Brighter Together Weekend” and participate in fun Honey Girls activities and special offers! More information will be provided at buildabear.com/events next month.

To learn more about the Honey Girls collection and story, visit buildabear.com/HoneyGirls.

For more information about Build-A-Bear, visit buildabear.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on June 7, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop to roll out Pop-up Shops and On-location Experiences this summer

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Jun-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — This summer, Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) fans can find the brand’s one-of-a-kind experience in a variety of new and exciting locations, from select AMC Theatres and Carnival Cruise Line ships to Gaylord Hotels and Beaches Resorts.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Pop-Up Shops at Select AMC Theatres
Build-A-Bear Workshop seasonal pop-up shops opened in late March at select AMC Theatres locations in Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The in-theater shops offer an abridged version of the traditional Build-A-Bear Workshop store experience. Movie-goers can make their own furry friends—including characters from some of the summer’s hottest movies—and watch them come to life at the mini stuffer before choosing from a small assortment of clothing, accessories, scents and sounds, each sold separately. A selection of pre-stuffed plush are also available for patrons in a hurry to catch the previews. Ten additional pop-up shops opened June 1 at AMC locations in Texas, Kansas and Missouri.

Carnival Cruise Line Presents Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea
The Carnival Cruise Line Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea experience, which launched in summer 2016, is now available aboard all 25 Carnival ships. Building upon Carnival’s position as the family cruise leader hosting nearly 800,000 kids a year, Build-A-Bear Workshop At Sea provides children of all ages an opportunity to make their own cuddly bear that can be customized with a variety of outfits and accessories, from tutus and high-top sneakers to, appropriately enough, vacation wear like bathing suits and sunglasses. The selection also includes a signature Carnival bear, Carnival tees and backpacks, and an exclusive Make-Your-Own Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat.

Build-A-Bear at Beaches Resorts
Build-A-Bear Workshop and Beaches Resorts have partnered to elevate the ultimate family-friendly vacation offered at all three of the company’s luxurious resorts. The first Build-A-Bear Workshop Beaches experience opened in December 2016 at Beaches Turks and Caicos, and two additional locations will open this month in Jamaica at Beaches Negril and Beaches Ocho Rios. Vacationers can choose from a wide selection of Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends, outfits and accessories—including bathing suits and sunglasses as well as special Beaches backpacks, hoodies, tees and more.

Build-A-Bear at Gaylord Hotels
As part of the magical winter wonderland experience at Gaylord Hotels during the 2016 holiday season, Build-A-Bear Workshop offered visitors the opportunity to make their own furry friend. On Memorial Day weekend 2017, Build-A-Bear Workshop returned to Gaylord Palms Resort in Orlando, Fla.; Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville, Tenn.; and Gaylord Texan Resort in Grapevine, Texas, offering even more furry-friend fun through Labor Day 2017 as part of the resorts’ annual SummerFest event. Several signature teddy bears, licensed characters and more are available and completely customizable with the perfect summer outfits and accessories.

“Whether it’s catching a movie at AMC Theatres, taking a Carnival Cruise Line cruise, or hanging out at Beaches Resorts and Gaylord Hotels, summer is a great time for families to travel and make memories together,” said Sharon Price John, president and CEO, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “As we approach our 20^th birthday, we are offering new and expanded experiences from Build-A-Bear Workshop in even more places. Each of these partners offers our unique make-your-own-furry-friend experience in hot spots where families will be going this season to spend time together and be entertained.”

For more information about Build-A-Bear Workshop, follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. For a list of all Build-A-Bear Workshop locations and to find a store near you, visit buildabear.com .

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop

Contact

Maria Lemakis
(314) 423-8000 ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

Posted on March 13, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Build-A-Bear Workshop and Saban Brands announce Power Rangers Collection

Power Rangers Collection Now Available at buildabear.com, buildabear.co.uk and in U.S., Canada and U.K. Build-A-Bear Workshop Stores

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Mar-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), an interactive destination where Guests can create personalized furry friends, and Saban Brands, creator of the 24-year Power Rangers franchise, today unveiled two new Make-Your-Own Power Rangers furry friends, as well as an exciting line of costumes, accessories and a sound chip, all based on the original, hit TV series, “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers.” This launch marks the first time Power Rangers furry friends have been offered at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Starting today, a Make-Your-Own Power Rangers Red Ranger Bear and a Make-Your-Own Power Rangers Pink Ranger Bear are available at buildabear.com, buildabear.co.uk and in U.S., U.K. and Canada Build-A-Bear Workshop stores.

The complementary Power Rangers costume and accessory line was designed to fit classic Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends and includes:

Power Rangers Red Ranger costume (U.S., U.K. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers Pink Ranger costume (U.S., U.K. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers Blue Ranger costume (U.S., U.K. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers Black Ranger costume (U.S. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers Yellow Ranger costume (U.S. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers blaster (U.S., U.K. and Canada stores; U.S. and U.K. web)
Power Rangers pajamas, slippers and sleeping bag (U.S. and Canada stores; U.S. web)
Power Rangers “Theme Song” sound chip (Select U.S. and Canada stores; U.S. web)

“The Power Rangers franchise has resonated with fans of all ages around the world for 24 years largely in part because many people see themselves within at least one or all of the Rangers,” said Janet Hsu, chief executive officer, Saban Brands. “With Build-A-Bear Workshop, fans can now use their creativity to further identify and personalize their experience with the Power Rangers.”

“For more than two decades, the Power Rangers franchise has inspired imaginations and spurred creativity in children and young adults,” said Jennifer Kretchmar, chief product officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “As we celebrate our 20th year in business, the new Power Rangers collection at Build-A-Bear Workshop will allow original enthusiasts and the next generation of adventure-seeking fans to hug and play with the iconic rangers.”

The collection is launching just weeks ahead of Saban’s Power Rangers, Lionsgate’s highly-anticipated feature film releasing on March 24, 2017. To celebrate, Build-A-Bear Workshop stores will offer Mighty Morphin Power Rangers paper masks to Guests who visit U.S. and Canada locations from March 24 – 26, while supplies last. Guests can also visit buildabear.com/power-rangers/ to shop the entire collection, watch Power Rangers video clips and find downloadable coloring sheets and activities.

After the hit series “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” launched in 1993, Saban’s “Power Rangers” quickly became a pop culture phenomenon. The series is one of the longest running and most-watched kids action series in television history, spanning more than 800+ episodes and 24 seasons of “Power Rangers.”

For more information on Power Rangers, visit powerrangers.com and follow the franchise on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

For more information about Build-A-Bear, visit buildabear.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTubeand Instagram.

About Saban Brands
Formed in 2010 as an affiliate of Saban Capital Group, Saban Brands (SB) acquires and develops a world-class portfolio of properties in the entertainment and lifestyle sectors. SB applies a global 360-degree management approach to growing and monetizing its brands through content, media, marketing, distribution, licensing and retail to markets worldwide and consumers of all ages. Saban Brands Entertainment Group (SBEG) develops innovative branded content that resonates with consumers across all media platforms. SBEG’s growing entertainment portfolio of brands includes Power Rangers, Popples, Glitter Force, Cirque du Soleil Junior – Luna Petunia, La Banda and others in development. Saban Brands Lifestyle Group (SBLG) drives major expansion within the company’s diverse portfolio of fashion and lifestyle properties. SBLG’s portfolio currently includes Paul Frank, Macbeth, Mambo and Piping Hot. SB operates a global network of offices in Los Angeles, London and Sydney. For more information, visit www.sabanbrands.com.

About Saban’s Power Rangers
Saban’s Power Rangers franchise is the brainchild of Haim Saban, creator and producer of the original “Mighty Morphin Power Rangers” hit series that launched in 1993. Following its introduction, “Power Rangers” quickly became the most-watched children’s television program in the United States and remains one of the top-rated and longest running kids live-action series in television history. The series follows the adventures of a group of ordinary teens who morph into superheroes and save the world from evil. It is seen in more than 150 markets, translated into numerous languages and a favorite on many key international children’s programming blocks around the world. For more information, visit www.powerrangers.com.

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on March 13, 2017 by EPR Retail News Editors

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked among 2017 Best Companies to Work For list

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Mar-13 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW)—an interactive destination where Guests can make their own personalized furry friends—was just named to the 2017 Best Companies to Work Forlist, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune. This is the ninth consecutive year the retailer has been recognized.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 76 out of 100 companies, based on employee ratings of workplace culture, including the level of trust employees feel towards leaders, the pride they take in their jobs and the camaraderie they experience with co-workers. This year marks the 20th year in business for Build-A-Bear Workshop, as well as the 20th anniversary of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list. Great Place to Work research shows that list winners continue to beat industry rivals when it comes to talent retention and demonstrate higher levels of productivity than peers.

“Being named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for nine consecutive years is an incredible honor in our 20th year in business,” said Sharon Price John, chief executive offer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Our associates create unforgettable experiences and help our Guests make memories every day. We are grateful for their contributions that have made Build-A-Bear Workshop an incredible place to work for nearly two decades.”

The Best Companies to Work For is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work® and Fortune based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and Fortune:the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces in Retail list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Diversity (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Millennials list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Flexibility list; and the 2015 Best Workplaces for Camaraderie list.

For more information about Build-A-Bear Workshop, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About The Fortune 100 Best Companies To Work For®
To identify the 100 Best Companies to Work For®, each year Fortune partners with Great Place to Work to conduct the most extensive employee survey in corporate America. The ranking is based on feedback from more than 232,000 employees at Great Place to Work–Certified™ companies with more than 1,000 employees.

Winning a spot on this list indicates the company has distinguished itself from peers by creating a great place to work for employees – measured and ranked through our analysis of the results of our Trust Index© survey and Culture Audit© questionnaire.

Through the Trust Index©, employees anonymously assess their workplace, including the honesty and quality of communication by managers, degree of support for employees’ personal and professional lives and the authenticity of relationships with colleagues. Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5% or less. Companies’ results on the Trust Index© survey are compared to peer organizations of like size and complexity. The Culture Audit© includes detailed questions about benefits, programs and practices.

To be considered for our Best Workplaces lists, companies must become Great Place to Work-Certified™. Details are available at https://www.greatplacetowork.com/certification

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies and over a half dozen different industries. Great Place to Work® provides executive advisory and culture consulting services to businesses, non-profits, and government agencies in over 50 countries across six continents.
Follow Great Place to Work online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

###

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on February 6, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop to host quarterly investor conference call on February 16

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Feb-06 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), today (Feb. 2, 2017) announced that the Company will report results for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year 2016 ended December 31, 2016, on Thursday, February 16, 2017, prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will host its quarterly investor conference call to discuss the results at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.

The dial-in number for the live conference call is (201) 493-6780 (domestic and international). The access code is Build-A-Bear. The live Internet broadcast may be accessed at the Company’s investor relations Web site, http://IR.buildabear.com. The call is expected to conclude by 10 a.m. ET.

A replay of the conference call will be available via the Internet and telephone. The replay of the conference call webcast will be available at the investor relations Web site for one year. A telephone replay will be available beginning at approximately 12 p.m. ET on February 16, 2017, until 11:59 p.m. ET on February 23, 2017. The telephone replay is available by calling (844) 512-2921. The access code is 13654086.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.:

Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

Contact:

Build-A-Bear Workshop
Voin Todorovic
314-423-8000 x 5221

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on January 19, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop celebrates 20 years in 2017 with monthly Parties on the 20th and Make-Your-Own 20th Birthday Celebration Bear

: Build-A-Bear Workshop celebrates 20 years in 2017 with monthly Parties on the 20th and Make-Your-Own 20th Birthday Celebration Bear

Retailer unveils commemorative bear and thanks Guests for 20 years with lots of heartfelt fun

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Jan-19 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), an interactive destination for creating personalized furry friends, is celebrating 20 years in 2017 and thanking fans across the globe. The company is also marking the milestone with a new, commemorative Make-Your-Own 20th Birthday Celebration Bear and hosting monthly Parties on the 20th.

The 16-inch 20th Birthday Celebration Bear was created as a tribute for this special year, features a Build-A-Bear Workshop® 20th birthday logo on its paw pad, and has posable arms and legs. Guests can make their own limited-edition bear at U.S., Canada and U.K. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores, or purchase the bear at buildabear.com for $25.50 (USD) / $27 (CAD) / £19.50 (GBP), plus applicable taxes.

In appreciation of two decades of furry-friend fun, Build-A-Bear Workshop invites fans to attend in-store Parties on the 20th leading up to the company’s official birthday on Oct. 27, 2017. The events will take place on the 20th of each month at all U.S., U.K. and Canada stores and will feature special offers and excitement for all ages! Guests can visit buildabear.com/20th-birthday for more details and to find a nearby store.

“Since 1997, more than 150 million furry friends and countless memories have been made at Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We are incredibly grateful to those who have shared cherished memories, meaningful moments and furry friend hugs with us over the last 20 years. Many of our Guests, who discovered Build-A-Bear Workshop as kids and teens, are now bringing their own children to our stores to experience the joy of making a new furry friend. Today, we invite Guests of all ages to join us in making our 20th year the best one yet and to help us continue to ‘add a little more heart to life’ for years to come.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded in St. Louis on Oct. 27, 1997, as the first retail experience offering kids and kids at heart the opportunity to make and customize their own stuffed bears and animals. Today, the company operates more than 400 stores worldwide and offers a wide array of classic animals, popular characters and, of course, teddy bears. A photo gallery featuring furry friends through the years is available at buildabear.com/20th-birthday.

Guests can join in the 20th birthday fun by:

Attending Parties on the 20th at local Build-A-Bear Workshop stores each month;
Visiting buildabear.com/20th-birthday for complete details and to find a nearby location; and
Sharing favorite Build-A-Bear Workshop memories on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by tagging @BuildABear.

20th birthday shopping bags, Cub Condo® carrying cases and birth certificates will begin arriving at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores across the globe in the coming months.

About Build-A-Bear
Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

Contact:

Maria Lemakis
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on January 14, 2017 by Retail News Editor

Celebrate Valentine’s Day with personalized gifts from Build-A-Bear Workshop

: Celebrate Valentine’s Day with personalized gifts from Build-A-Bear Workshop

Celebrate Someone Special and Support a Heartfelt Campaign for Save the Children

ST. LOUIS, 2017-Jan-14 — /EPR Retail News/ — Love is in the air at Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination where Guests can create personalized furry friends. New thoughtful gift ideas—from scented furry friends and ready-to-go gift sets, to traditional teddies and treats—help Guests of all ages share their heart this Valentine’s Day.

The new Sweet Scent Collection includes three new Make-Your-Own furry friends—Sweet Scent Panda, Sweet Scent Leopard and Sweet Scent Teddy—with candy-scented fur made possible by Celessence™ Technologies microencapsulation, a license of Genius Brands International (NASDAQ: GNUS). The technology uses touch to release an irresistible fragrance; the more you hug them, the sweeter they smell!

With soft brown fur, light brown paw pads and love-struck blue eyes, the candy-scented Sweet Scent Teddy will steal any Valentine’s heart!
Sweet Scent Panda is ready to hug! Soft pink and white fur and an all-over heart pattern make this furry friend extra lovable.
The wildly adorable Sweet Scent Leopard turns heads with bright pink leopard-print fur and expressive blue eyes.

Each Sweet Scent furry friend is available for purchase separately or as part of a gift set that includes an outfit and accessories, such as a plush heart with a cute printed message. Several additional gift ideas—from a traditional teddy with a tuxedo tee and a rose, to items from our hottest licensed collections—are available for every kind of Valentine in select Build-A-Bear Workshop® stores and at buildabear.com/gifts.

For a truly one-of-a-kind gift to cherish, add a personalized message that your loved one can play over and over again to any Make-Your-Own furry friend. With a Build-A-Sound® recordable sound chip—available in stores and online—you can share your voice and your sentiment with a special someone.

For Guests looking for sweet treats this Valentine’s Day, Build-A-Bear Workshop has partnered with Cookies by Design to create a gourmet Valentine’s Day gift basket filled with customizable handmade and hand-decorated heart-shaped cookies, and a cuddly pre-stuffed Build-A-Bear Workshop teddy sporting an “I Love You” tee. The basket is made to order and is available in two sizes—with either six or eight cookies—at cookiesbydesign.com and in select Cookies by Design stores now. Same-day, one- and two-day delivery options are available, depending on the level of customization.

Share Your Heart: Support Save the Children with Build-A-Bear Workshop

For the second consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Build-A-Bear Foundation have partnered with Save the Children in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, helping to provide schools and communities with structured programs designed to support emotional development.

Launched in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Save the Children’s Journey of Hope program empowers children of all ages to identify their own strengths and build coping skills, self-esteem and overall resilience. The program has since been delivered to more than 85,000 children in Canada, the United States, Australia, Italy, Spain, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.

Now through Feb. 28, 2017, Guests can make a donation in stores or online at buildabear.com to support Save the Children. All donations made in the U.S. will go to Save the Children’s Journey of Hope program in the United States. Build-A-Bear Foundation will match each Guest donation made in U.S. stores, up to $100,000. At U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop locations, Guests can also sign a Valentine’s Day card and place it in a special Cub Condo® carrying case to be delivered to children in the United States through Save the Children.

“As we begin our 20th birthday year, we are grateful to everyone who has helped us reach this milestone,” said Sharon Price John, president and chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We invite Guests around the world to help us kick off a year-long celebration by supporting Save the Children’s Journey of Hope program and sharing a little more of their hearts to make a difference in a child’s life.”

“Every day, children in the United States and around the world struggle with poverty, community violence, stressful home lives and traumatic experiences, which threaten their chances for academic success and a bright future,” said Bill Corwin, Save the Children’s vice president of U.S. Programs. “Save the Children’s Journey of Hope program helps children of all ages to explore their emotions and develop newfound coping skills and self-esteem, and we are excited to continue our partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop to make sure more kids feel safer and more supported.”

For more information, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear

Celebrating 20 years of business in 2017, Build-A-Bear is a global brand kids love and parents trust that seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where Guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About Save the Children

Save the Children invests in childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In the United States and around the world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and achieve lasting impact for millions of the world’s most vulnerable girls and boys. By transforming children’s lives now, we change the course of their future and ours. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.

Contact:
Maria Lemakis
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

###

Posted on December 7, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop named one of the Best Workplaces for Diversity for the second consecutive year

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Dec-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the second consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (NYSE: BBW)—an interactive destination where guests can make their own personalized furry friends—is one of the Best Workplaces for Diversity, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 8 on the 2016 list, which is based on employees’ perceptions of their workplace fairness, opportunities for training, and access to senior leadership, among other factors. The 50 companies on the 2016 Best Workplaces for Diversity list average 24 percent higher year-over-year revenue growth than other Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM workplaces that didn’t earn a spot on the ranking.

The Best Workplaces for Diversity is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work® and Fortune based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and Fortune: the 2016 100 Best Companies to Work For® list (for the eighth consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces in Retail list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Millennials list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Flexibility list; and the 2015 Best Workplaces for Camaraderie list.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About The Best Workplaces for Diversity 2016
Published together with our partner, Fortune, The Best Workplaces for Diversity ranking is based upon feedback from 448,456 employees at Great Place to Work-Certified companies who completed our Trust Index© Employee Survey. Employees from all backgrounds answered 58 questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, considering everything from how comfortable they are being themselves, to the degree of favoritism or insider politics they observe in the workplace, the fairness of promotions, the feeling of honest connection with co-workers, their access to senior leadership, and who receives information and professional development and who doesn’t.

To determine the winners, Great Place to Work analyzed how positively women, minorities and LGBTQ employees reported experiencing their workplace overall, paying special attention to an index of factors where these employees tend to have a less positive experience than their colleagues. Rankings take into account how favorably women, minorities and LGBTQ employees experience their workplace relative to their male, Caucasian and heterosexual colleagues’ experiences. The list also considered the degree of representation women and minorities enjoy within the workforce as a whole, as well as in management and executive roles. Organizations needed to have at least 50 employees to be considered and were compared to peers of similar size.

Follow Great Place to Work online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on December 5, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop announces new licensed partnership with SEGA® with the launch of new Sonic the Hedgehog™ line

Build-A-Bear Workshop Announces New Licensed Partnership With SEGA® and Unveils Make-Your-Own Sonic the Hedgehog™ Furry Friends and Accessories
Online Exclusive Bundle Available Now, In-store Furry Friends and Accessories Arriving December 3 at U.S. and Canada Build-A-Bear Workshop Stores

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Dec-05 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination where guests can create personalized furry friends, today (December 1, 2016) announced a new licensed partnership with SEGA® with the unveiling of a new Sonic the Hedgehog™ line. 2016 marks the 25th anniversary of Sonic, and this is the first time SEGA furry friends and accessories have been offered at Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Starting today, an online exclusive bundle—featuring a 17-inch Sonic the Hedgehog furry friend, a plush gold ring wrist accessory and a limited-edition Sonic print—is available at buildabear.com/SONIC (U.S.); the online exclusive bundle will launch on December 8 at buildabear.co.uk (U.K.). The full-color print was designed by Sonic Team™ in Japan exclusively for Build-A-Bear Workshop; the print and plush gold ring wrist accessory are only available as part of the online exclusive bundle. A Sonic furry-friend tee, a 13-inch pre-stuffed Tails and a Sonic 3 Special Stage Background Music digital sound chip are sold separately and can be added to online exclusive bundle orders. Quantities of the online exclusive bundle are limited.

“Our partnership takes this momentous occasion to a whole other level,” said Anoulay Tsai, Director of Licensing at SEGA of America. “Build-A-Bear has ingeniously formulated a way to capture the collectors market, and we’re honored to be afforded the opportunity to (pun intended) build this unprecedented program in SEGA history. We hope to captivate devoted fans and introduce Sonic to a new audience with this furry friend!”

The make-your-own Sonic the Hedgehog furry friend, pre-stuffed Tails, Sonic tee and digital sound chip will arrive at U.S. and Canada Build-A-Bear Workshop stores on December 3. The in-store Sonic offerings will be available at U.K., Ireland and Denmark Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in March 2017.

“Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the most iconic characters in the gaming world, and SEGA is a fantastic addition to our world-class portfolio of licensed partners that continues to appeal to Build-A-Bear Workshop guests of all ages,” said Gina Collins, chief marketing officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We worked closely with the team at SEGA to create an online exclusive bundle and in-store offerings that appeal to Sonic fans, and we’re excited to launch them in time for the holidays.”

From the day Sonic the Hedgehog launched, June 23, 1991, he quickly became one of the most popular characters around. He is well-known for his super-fast speed, cool edgy attitude and readiness for all types of adventure. To date, the “Blue Blur” has sold more than 350 million copies of packaged and digital games. The success and awareness of Sonic spans animations and video games on multiple platforms, and resonates strongly among thriving fan communities and social media networks.

To stay current on Sonic the Hedgehog news, follow Sonic on Twitter and Instagram, like him on Facebook, and subscribe to the Twitch channel and the YouTube Channel. For the latest in Sonic merchandise and other exciting updates, follow the Instagram account @SonicStyles.

For more information about Build-A-Bear, visit buildabear.com, and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. The company has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, and the United Kingdom, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the seventh year in a row in 2015. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $392.4 million in fiscal 2014. For more information, visit www.buildabear.com.

About SEGA of America
SEGA® of America, Inc. is the American arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA Games Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops, publishes and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. SEGA of America’s website is located at www.sega.com

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on November 11, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop kicks off its annual Merry Mission charitable program benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of America

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Nov-11 — /EPR Retail News/ — ‘Tis the season for giving and giving back, and Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination where guests can create personalized furry friends, is kicking off its annual Merry Mission charitable program this week through a new partnership supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America. In the spirit of the brand’s mission to “add a little more heart to life,” Build-A-Bear Workshop is providing guests with a number of opportunities to give back in stores and online throughout the holiday season.

WHAT: Build-A-Bear Workshop invites guests to join the Merry Mission by making furry friends and donating funds to support Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which helps young people achieve great futures in safe places where they can learn and grow. This is the first year Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Build-A-Bear Foundation have teamed up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America in a national partnership. Build-A-Bear Workshop and the Build-A-Bear Foundation have also partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (BGCC), as well as Barnardo’s in the United Kingdom, for the 2016 holiday season.

HOW / WHEN: To encourage the spirit of giving all season long, starting this week, guests can participate in the following ways:

This weekend, Nov. 11 – 13: Visitors to every U.S. Build-A-Bear Workshop location can help make bears at no charge to donate to local Boys & Girls Clubs, up to 70 bears per store.
Now – Nov. 23: Help Build-A-Bear Workshop make the merriest “nice list” holiday paper chain for Boys & Girls Clubs of America. For each of the first 50,000 paper links created and signed with a guest’s name in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores, the Build-A-Bear Foundation will donate $1 to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, up to $50,000. When finished, the links will be sent to local Boys & Girls Clubs for children to create holiday garlands.
Now – Dec. 31: Throughout the holidays, guests can make a donation to Boys & Girls Clubs of America at checkout.
Ongoing: Ten percent (10%) of the net profits from the sale of Life is Good furry friend T-shirts, up to $20,000, will be donated to Life is Good Kids Foundation to support their work with Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

Funds from the U.S. holiday campaign will be split 50/50: 50 percent of funding will go to the national Boys & Girls Clubs of America organization and 50 percent will go to local Boys & Girls Clubs.

WHERE: Build-A-Bear Workshop stores For store locations, please visit: http://www.buildabear.com/shopping/storefinder/findAStore.jsp

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 150 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (www.bgca.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,200 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Nielsen Survey of alumni, 54 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at Facebookand Twitter.

Contact:

Maria Lemakis
Build-A-Bear Workshop
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5367
MariaL@buildabear.com

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on November 3, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. among Best Workplaces in Retail according to Great Place to Work® and Fortune for the third consecutive year

Saint Louis, MO, 2016-Nov-03 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the third consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (NYSE: BBW)—an interactive destination where guests can make their own personalized furry friends—is one of the Best Workplaces in Retail, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 3 on the 2016 list, which is based on employees’ perceptions of their work environment, leadership, cooperation, compensation and other factors essential to employee well-being.

The Best Workplaces in Retail is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work® and Fortune based on employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work®-CertifiedTM organizations. Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the following lists by Great Place to Work® and Fortune: the 2016 100 Best Companies to Work For® list (for the eighth consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Millennials list (for the second consecutive year); the 2016 Best Workplaces for Flexibility list; the 2015 Best Workplaces for Camaraderie list; and the 2015 Best Workplaces for Diversity list.

Methodology
The Best Workplaces in Retail ranking is based entirely upon feedback from more than 23,000 employees at Great Place to Work–Certified companies in the Retail sector who completed our Trust Index© Employee Survey. Employees answered questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, which include management’s honesty and ethics, camaraderie among employees, and fair and respectful treatment and clear expectations from management. Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5% or less. The total score for each company is based entirely upon this employee feedback. The companies with the highest employee ratings compared with organizations of the same size were selected for the list.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About The Best Workplaces in Retail 2016
The Best Workplaces in Retail ranking is based entirely upon feedback from more than 23,000 employees at Great Place to Work–Certified companies in the Retail sector who completed our Trust Index© Employee Survey. Employees answered questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, which include management’s honesty and ethics, camaraderie among employees, and fair and respectful treatment and clear expectations from management. Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5% or less. The total score for each company is based entirely upon this employee feedback. The companies with the highest employee ratings compared with organizations of the same size were selected for the list.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity and over a half dozen different industries.

Follow Great Place to Work® online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Press Contact:
bethk@buildabear.com

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop to announce 3Q FY2016 results on October 27, 2016

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Oct-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW), today (Oct. 13, 2016) announced that the Company will report results for its fiscal third quarter ended October 1, 2016, on Thursday, October 27, 2016, prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will host its quarterly investor conference call to discuss the results at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.

A replay of the conference call will be available via the Internet and telephone. The replay of the conference call webcast will be available at the investor relations Web site for one year. A telephone replay will be available beginning at approximately 12 p.m. ET on October 27, 2016, until 11:59 p.m. ET on November 3, 2016. The telephone replay is available by calling (858) 384-5517. The access code is 13647254.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.:

Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland,Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and mainland China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe,Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE:BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit the Investor Relations section of buildabear.com.

Contact:
Voin Todorovic
314-423-8000 x 5221

Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on October 15, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop introduces a trio of spooky characters and fun costumes for furry friends this Halloween

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Oct-15 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination where guests can create personalized furry friends, introduces a trio of spooky characters as well as fun costumes for furry friends this Halloween.

The Halloween collection is currently haunting the Build-A-Bear Workshop website and stores while supplies last and will include: Mummy Teddy, an ancient friend wrapped in white cloth with a heart and a sweet smile; Bear-o-Lantern, who comes straight from the pumpkin patch with a jack-o’-lantern face and pumpkin vines on the paws; and Night Sky Kitty, a cat full of good luck with midnight black fur and purple stars on the inner ears and bottom paws.

Skeleton, witch, pumpkin and zombie outfits – as well as Day of the Dead-themed accessories – allow for a number of mix-and-match costume possibilities fit for any of the Halloween friends, as well as most other Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends.

Trick-or-treaters looking for a miniature companion can choose from three new Halloween Build-A-Bear Buddies™: a 7-inch Howl-o-ween Werewolf, a 6-inch Black Bat and a 7-inch Zombear. These petite friends may be small, but they pack quite the fright! They are perfect pals and can be dressed in Build-A-Bear Buddies accessories for a big-time Halloween celebration.

For the latest brand news, visit buildabear.com and follow Build-A-Bear on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

Media contact:
Beth Kerley
Build-A-Bear Workshop
314-423-8000 ext. 5430
bethk@buildabear.com

Source: Source: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on October 7, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils line of Make-Your-Own plush based on DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls characters

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Oct-07 — /EPR Retail News/ — Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive destination for creating personalized furry friends, today (Oct. 6, 2016) unveiled a hair-raising line of Make-Your-Own plush based on the stars of DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls, in U.S. theaters November 4. The collection includes huggable Trolls characters Poppy, Branch and Guy Diamond, in addition to a pre-stuffed Cooper. Guests can customize their Trolls and other classic Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends with a fun collection of outfits, hair accessories, backpack clips, sound chips and more, now available in U.S., Canada and U.K. Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and at buildabear.com.

A “Bunch of Characters”: Meet the Make-Your-Own Trolls
The gang’s all here – with playful updos and upbeat attitudes! Guests of Build-A-Bear Workshop can choose from three 15-inch Trolls plush characters to stuff and customize. The line-up includes: Poppy, the positively upbeat queen of the Trolls; Branch, who is practical and always prepared; and Guy Diamond, a popular and glittery Troll who knows how to kick off any party.

Express Yourself (and Your Trolls)
The Trolls march to the tune of their own DJs, and Build-A-Bear Workshop guests are encouraged to style the Trolls in a way that is uniquely theirs using accessories, costumes and sounds. Poppy wouldn’t be Poppy without her hair and headband and, as the “living disco ball,” Guy Diamond has heaps of confidence but not a stitch of clothing! Guests can add his auto-tuned phrases for even more fun. Costumes, character voices and more – including Branch’s costume and hoodie with hair as well as the Trolls “Get Back Up Again” song – are featured in the Build-A-Bear Workshop Trolls collection (all sold separately).

Friends, Cupcakes and Sprinkles
Troll Town is a colorful place with crazy happy friends, cupcakes and sprinkles on the side! Build-A-Bear Workshop brings all the magic of Troll Town to its collection with a Trolls lip gloss wristband set, a Trolls cupcake wrist accessory for the plush characters, Trolls backpack clips – including Fuzzbert – and even Hug Time pajamas and Trolls hair extensions that fit most Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends! Cooper, the mystical Trolls character that shows off his crazy dance moves and wicked harmonica skills in the film, is also available as a 12-inch pre-stuffed plush.

“Just like the Trolls, we believe in the power of a hug, a song and a dance, and that’s exactly what everyone can experience at Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Gina Collins, chief marketing officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “We’re bringing the fun, hair-raising spirit of what’s sure to be a big-screen hit to life with the only Make-Your-Own Trolls plush, as well as accessories, that offer opportunities for expression, imagination and, of course, heart.”

For more information and to experience Build-A-Bear’s new interactive Trolls puzzle, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland,Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About Trolls
From the creators of Shrek comes the smartest, funniest and most irreverent animated comedy of the year,DreamWorks’ Trolls. This holiday season, enter a colorful, wondrous world populated by hilariously unforgettable characters. Discover the story of the overly optimistic Trolls, with a constant song on their lips, and the comically pessimistic Bergens, who are only happy when they have trolls in their stomach. DreamWorks’ Trolls is a fresh, broad comedy filled with music, heart and hair-raising adventures. In November of 2016, nothing can prepare you for our new Troll world.
For more information, visit DreamWorks.com/trolls.

Media contact:
Beth Kerley
Build-A-Bear Workshop
314-423-8000 ext. 5430
bethk@buildabear.com

###

: Build-A-Bear Workshop unveils line of Make-Your-Own plush based on DreamWorks Animation’s Trolls characters

SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Posted on September 16, 2016 by Retail News Editor

Build-A-Bear Workshop one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women according Great Place to Work® and Fortune

ST. LOUIS, 2016-Sep-16 — /EPR Retail News/ — For the second consecutive year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. (NYSE: BBW) —an interactive destination where guests can make their own personalized furry friends—is one of the 2016 Best Workplaces for Women, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work® and Fortune.

Build-A-Bear Workshop ranked No. 3 out of 100 companies on the list, which is based on employees’ assessments of communications with management, options for development and training, and support for work/life balance, among other factors. The ranking also takes into account how well-represented women are within the workforce overall and in management and executive positions. Build-A-Bear was selected among hundreds of companies vying for a spot on the list.

Both women and men at Best Workplaces for Women feel their employers provide ample opportunities to grow and advance in their careers, and provide them with the flexibility they want to balance their work and personal lives.

“Cultivating an environment in which all employees can thrive, in both their work and personal lives, is important to us,” said Sharon Price John, chief executive officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “As a company founded by a woman and led by talented men and women, we are thrilled to be named a Best Workplace for Women and honored to be among so many incredible companies on the list.”

Build-A-Bear Workshop also ranked as a best workplace on the 2016 Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® list by Great Place to Work and Fortune for the eighth consecutive year.

The Best Workplaces for Women ranking is part of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based upon employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work-Certified™ organizations.

About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust, seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores in the United States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and China, and franchise stores in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list for the eighth year in a row in 2016. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted a total revenue of $377.7 million in fiscal 2015. For more information, visit buildabear.com.

About the Best Workplaces for Women
Published together with our partner Fortune, the 100 Best Workplaces for Women rankings are based entirely upon feedback from more than 137,762 women at Great Place to Work–Certified companies. Women completed our anonymous Trust Index© survey, answering questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, including, for example, their assessment of how fairly they’re treated regardless of gender, the quality and authenticity of communications with managers, and equitable pay and promotion practices. Women’s anonymous responses resulted in a total score for each company, which was compared to the benchmark for organizations of that size, and ranked accordingly.

Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 6% or less. Winning a spot on this list indicates the company has distinguished itself from peers by being a great place to work for women, and has a workplace where women have high representation in the total employee population and in management positions. The 100 companies with the highest employee ratings and female representation were selected for the list.

About Great Place to Work®
Great Place to Work® is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work® provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work® produces the annual Fortune “100 Best Companies to Work For®” and a series of Great Place to Work® Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies and over a half dozen different industries.

Follow Great Place to Work® online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Source: Build-A-Bear