Headlines

Build-A-Bear Plans Multi-Level Store

An existing Build-A-Bear Workshop in New York; the chain plans a multi-level store in Orlando. Photo: wdstock/iStock by Getty Images

Build-A-Bear Workshop (St. Louis) has announced plans for a multi-level store in Orlando’s Icon Park. Construction on the retail-tainment location is slated to begin later this year and be completed in the first half of next year.

The company is partnering on the project with the design firm Chute Gerdeman (Westerville, Ohio), whose work includes the FAO Schwarz New York flagship where Build-A-Bear operates a shop-in-shop.

“The combination of a creative interpretation of Build-A-Bear’s famous ‘make your own’ teddy bear retail concept, situated in a major destination city, is lined up to be a must-visit attraction for our wide array of fans,” said CEO Sharon Price John. “From our core consumer base of children to our collectible market of teens and adults that represents 40% of our sales, we look forward to continuing to create memorable moments for our guests in this one-of-a-kind location.”

Build-A-Bear currently operates a 1360-square-foot store in Icon Park that opened in June 2021. Overall, the retailer has 500-plus stores.

VMSD Staff

Drawing on more than 125 years of history serving the retail design market, VMSD magazine provides retail professionals with the most up-to-date, innovative retail design ideas and industry news through its industry-leading magazine, website, social media channels and bulletins.