Build-A-Bear set to open ‘one-of-kind’ destination in Orlando
Build-A-Bear Workshop is poised to unveil a multi-level retail and entertainment destination — its largest and most immersive location to date — featuring one-of-kind exclusive experiences.
Opening in November, the three-story Build-A-Bear is located in Orlando's Icon Park center, whose tenant roster includes Madame Tussauds, Sea Life Aquarium and Museum of Illusions. The new store’s attractions range from one-on-one design collaboration to cookie and cupcake decorating to a customization station.
The space houses three new concepts: Build-A-Bear Design Studio, Build-A-Bear Bakeshop and a "Personalize Me" station where custom embroidery and screen printing bring a final touch to customers' furry friends. For the project, the experiential retailer partnered with design firm Chute Gerdeman, whose work includes the FAO Schwarz New York flagship, where Build-A-Bear operates a shop-in-shop.
Build-A-Bear Design Studio
The Design Studio takes Build-A-Bear’s signature make-your-own experience to new heights. It’s designed as an appointment-only plush atelier where customers can collaborate one-on-one with a dedicated employee (“design consultant”) to create a one-of-a-kind furry friend. Every detail, from preferred animal style to fur type to eye color to paw and more, is selected through a highly-personalized design experience.
Interactive digital tools bring each creation to life before it is built, allowing customers to visualize and refine their design every step of the way. Once finalized, customers can watch one of Build-A-Bear's skilled seamstresses personally create their new furry friend.
The experience ends with a reveal of the designed bear, the retailer's signature “heart ceremony” and exclusive keepsakes, including a special birth certificate and “Design Studio Cub Condo.“
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(Rendering courtesy of Build-A-Bear) -
(Rendering courtesy of Build-A-Bear) -
(Rendering courtesy of Build-A-Bear)
Build-A-Bear Bakeshop
Unlike a traditional café or bakers, the Build-A-Bear bakeshop offers a hands-on experience where customers can frost and decorate their own cupcakes and cookies.
Personalize Me
Customers can add an additional personal touch to any furry friend's wardrobe at the 'Personalize Me' station, including custom embroidered initials, names, numbers and more for T-shirts and hoodies. They can also personalize further with patches and select custom screen prints.
"For nearly 30 years, Build-A-Bear has created memorable make-your-own experiences centered on connection, imagination and heart," said Chris Hurt, who took the reins as CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop in June. "Our Icon Park Workshop represents our most ambitious experience yet, a place where families can step into the world of Build-A-Bear, share meaningful moments together and create memories that last well beyond their visit. We can't wait to welcome guests from all over the world inside this truly one-of-a-kind tourist destination this November and continue our mission of adding a little more heart to life."
Build‑A‑Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries.
