Build-A-Bear to Debut in Italy

Build-A-Bear Workshop (St. Louis) has unveiled plans for its first store in Italy, in Milan, in partnership with franchisee Giochi Preziosi (GP Group, Olgiate Comasco, Italy). The new location, in the recently opened Hamleys toy store on the Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, is the first of several locations in the country planned by the partners.

“We are thrilled to bring to Build-A-Bear to Milan and in a beautiful and historic shopping gallery, where we can serve even more guests from around the world, and be part of creating special memories for them,” said Build-A-Bear COO Chris Hurt. “This location and our partnership with Giochi Preziosi is an example of our commitment to continued international growth. As a global brand, we strive to find opportunities to bring our renowned bear-building experience to more locations.”

An exact opening date for the Milan store was not disclosed. Earlier this summer, a Build-A-Bear workshop opened in Hamleys’ Regent London store.

Build-A-Bear operates nearly 500 interactive brick-and-mortar locations. GP Group currently holds franchising agreements with around 400 Italian toy stores and during the last two years has opened five direct stores under the Giochi Preziosi and Giocheria flags in several major Italian cities.