Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty Workshops to Expand

Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshops will open early next year at the American Dream mall in East Rutherford, N.J., and the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn. That announcement was made jointly by Build-A-Bear (St. Louis) and Hello Kitty proprietor Sanrio (Tokyo).

The decision to add those two locales comes on the heels of last year’s opening of the first such workshop at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, the companies noted.

“From the moment we opened in Los Angeles, it was obvious that fans connected with this experience in a meaningful way,” said Build-A-Bear COO Chris Hurt. “Bringing the Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop to American Dream and Mall of America gives us the opportunity to welcome guests from around the world who travel to these iconic destinations throughout the year.”

Adds Jill Koch, SVP of Brand Management and Marketing at Sanrio Inc.: “This partnership with Build-A-Bear brings our characters to life in a way only the Workshop experience can. The success in Los Angeles proved how powerfully fans connect with this hands-on, heart-filled approach, and expanding to American Dream and Mall of America lets us deepen that connection and create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.”

Each Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop will offer touches from both brands, including pink shopping bags and aprons, custom Cub Condos and more. Guests choose their favorite character, take part in the stuffing experience and Heart Ceremony, then personalize their new friend with themed outfits, scents, sounds and accessories inspired by Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, My Melody and other Sanrio characters.