Headlines

Build-A-Bear Workshop Plans 20 Closures

The company looks to diversify its portfolio

Published

5 years ago

March 15, 2019

St. Louis-based Build-A-Bear Workshop announced that, amid a fourth-quarter loss, the company plans to close 20 stores over the next two years, with half of those closures taking place in locations throughout North America.

The company, instead, intends to grow its brand by diversifying its portfolio in a number of ways. For instance, it plans to expand the partnership it launched last year with Bentonville, Ark.-based Walmart as well as its partnership with Great Wolf Lodge to operate Build-A-Bear shops in select third-party locations.

According to Chain Store Age, the company plans fiscal 2019 to return to profitability thanks to these changes as well as improving markets and trends.

MasterClass: ‘Re-Sparkling’ Retail: Using Store Design to Build Trust, Faith and Brand Loyalty

HOW CAN WE EMPOWER and inspire senior leaders to see design as an investment for future retail growth? This session, led by retail design expert Ian Johnston from Quinine Design, explores how physical stores remain unmatched in the ability to build trust, faith, and loyalty with your customers, ultimately driving shareholder value.

Presented by:
Ian Johnston
Founder and Creative Director, Quinine Design