Build-A-Bear Workshop names Stride Rite exec as chief product officer

St. Louis - Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. has appointed Jennifer Kretchmar as chief product officer. Kretchmar will lead the company's merchandising and product development teams and will report to Sharon John, CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop.



She will be responsible for product development, design, quality, sourcing, merchandising, planning, and wholesale. Kretchmar most recently held the position of senior VP of product and brand management with the Stride Rite Children's Group of Wolverine World Wide where she was responsible for the global product creation strategy for a diverse portfolio of children's footwear brands including Stride Rite, Sperry Top-Sider, Saucony, Keds, Merrell, Robeez, Jessica Simpson and Hush Puppies. She also has experience in a number of business models including specialty retail, wholesale and international franchising.