Build-A-Bear Workshop to open 20-25 stores in 2013

St. Louis -- Build-A-Bear Workshop said Monday that it will open 20 to 25 stores in 2013, all under the newly introduced store design.



The retailer opened six stores under the new design in fall 2012, and said the success of the stores prompted an escalated rollout.



The first three stores to open in 2013 are at the Mall of Georgia in Atlanta on April 26; at Orland Square in Chicago on May 3; and at Northshore Mall in Peabody, Mass. on May 10.



The new store design is highly focused on technology, adding an interactive storefront enabled by Microsoft’s Kinect technology and interactive touch elements, along with a Love Me station that allows shoppers to customize bears on an interactive table, and a Hear Me station to add sound effects.



Other interactive elements include a Fluff Me station and a Name Me station.