Build-A-Bear Workshop furloughs over 90% of workforce; reduces pay for remaining staff

Build-A-Bear Workshop furloughed the majority of its workforce, with the employees receiving benefits but not “direct compensation,” effective March 29.

The workers will continue to receive medical, dental and vision coverage benefits, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Build-A-Bear is also reducing pay for "nearly all" the employees not on furlough, according to the filing, with base salaries for executive officers reduced  20%. Annual cash retainers for non-employee board members will be eliminated for the first quarter.

The company's owned and operated stores in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Denmark, and Canada will remain closed until further notice.  And while Build-A-Bear’s is open for business online, the retailer warned that deliveries are likely to be delayed as it has closed its Ohio warehouse in order to review its processes around "workplace safety, including practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to the filing.