Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise News

Company Celebrates Friendship in Honor of 15th Birthday and 100 Million Furry Friends Made
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW):
Who: Build-A-Bear Workshop®…
What:
…invites Guests and their furry friends to join the company in celebrating the first ever Friends Count Teddy Bear Reunion. To RSVP for this special event, visit buildabear.com/rsvp by May 23. Guests who RSVP for the Friends Count Reunion will receive a free bear-sized commemorative t-shirt for their furry friend.
“We anticipate that our Friends Count Teddy Bear Reunion will be the largest Teddy Bear Reunion ever,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “We look forward to seeing our Guests and celebrating all the furry friendships that have been made at Build-A-Bear Workshop over the past 15 years...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 10, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that Thomas Pinnau has been appointed to the Company’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Pinnau, 47, will serve on the Audit Committee and the Compensation and Development Committee of the Board, effective immediately. With Mr. Pinnau’s appointment, the Build-A-Bear Workshop® Board will have eight members, seven of whom, including Mr. Pinnau, are deemed independent by the Board under New York Stock Exchange rules and other applicable regulations.
As previously announced, William Reisler retired from the Board on May 10, 2012, effective with the expiration of his term at the Build-A-Bear Workshop 2012 Annual Meeting of Stockholders...

Loss Per Share of $0.06 Compares to Loss Per Share of $0.12 Last Year


North American Comparable Store Sales Increase 3.6%


ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May. 3, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive entertainment retailer, today reported results for the 2012 first quarter ended March 31, 2012.
First Quarter 2012 Highlights:

Consolidated net retail sales of $95.2 million represented a 1.6% increase compared to $94.2 million, in the 2011 first quarter, excluding the impact of foreign exchange;
Consolidated comparable store sales increased 1.2% and included a 3.6% increase in North America and a 10.1% decline in Europe;
Consolidated e-commerce sales rose 9...

ST. LOUIS - (BUSINESS WIRE) - May. 1, 2012 - Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is transforming into a Farmers’ Market with a new collection of furry friends that are straight from the barn. The four new farm animals, available beginning May 4, include a Horse ($20), Sheep ($20), Pig ($18) and Cow ($18). Along with the Farmers’ Market collection, Build-A-Bear Workshop is launching build-a-bear smallfrys® Pig ($10) and Cow ($10), which are smaller in size, but big on fun. To celebrate the arrival of all these farm friends, Guests will receive a free Farmers’ Market tote bag with a purchase of $20 or more at Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in the United States and Canada starting May 4 while quantities last...

ST. LOUIS, Apr 19, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive, entertainment-based retailer of customized stuffed animals, will report results for its fiscal first quarter ended March 31, 2012, on May 3, 2012 prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will host its quarterly investor conference call to discuss the results at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.
The dial-in number for the live conference call is (201) 493-6780 (domestic and international). The access code is Build-A-Bear. The live Internet broadcast may be accessed at the Company's investor relations Web site, http://IR.buildabear.com. The call is expected to conclude by 10 a.m. ET.
Replays of the conference call will be available via the Internet and telephone...

ST. LOUIS, Apr 17, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE)  - Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is continuing its relationship with Major League Baseball Properties(MLBP) to bring fans a variety of ways to show their team spirit this season. This is the ninth consecutive year that Build-A-Bear Workshop has joined with MLBP to provide Guests with furry fun for the whole family and as the baseball season gets underway with opening day games across the country, the company is stepping up to the plate with a lineup of bear-sized MLBP merchandise that is sure to be a hit with fans of all ages. The merchandise is available at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores and online at buildabear.com(R).
Guests can create the ultimate stuffed animal fan with this baseball assortment, which includes club uniforms, tees and hats ranging in price from $6- $16...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 21, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today that it will raise funds for Autism Speaks with the help of Guests throughout the month of April. This is the eighth consecutive year that Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported the charity, which funds research into the causes, prevention and treatments for autism and advocates for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Guests can support Autism Speaks by donating $1 (or more) when they check out at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States or online at buildabear.com®. In Canada, Guests may purchase purple satin hearts for $1 throughout the month of April to support Autism Speaks...

Company to make contributions throughout 2012 with the help of Guests.
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Mar. 1, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, is honoring the one year anniversary of its relationship with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, one of the world’s premier children’s research centers, by continuing its support of the hospital. Throughout 2012, the company and its Guests will help St. Jude through a number of key initiatives. Beginning today and throughout the month, Guests can add $1 (or more) to their total purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and online at buildabear.com® for St. Jude. In Canada, store locations will be offering purple satin hearts for $1...

Year-Long "Friends Count" Events to Honor Guests and Celebrate Friendship
ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - Feb 21, 2012) - Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, is celebrating its 15th birthday and 100 million furry friends made. To thank Guests for helping the company reach these milestones, Build-A-Bear Workshop is hosting a year-long "Friends Count" celebration to spotlight the emotional connection created with every furry friend made. The celebration includes in-store events, charitable activities, and the launch of a brand new website, buildabear.com/stories, where Guests can share and read stories about others who have made furry friends at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
"We cherish the many friends that we have made throughout the years and we could not be where we are today without our Guests, partners, and associates," said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear...

Build-A-Bear Workshop Seeks Service-Minded Kids as Huggable Heroes
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2012-- February is Youth Leadership Month, a time to celebrate young people who take on leadership roles within their communities, and Build-A-Bear Workshop® is searching for its next class of Huggable Heroes® -- inspiring young leaders who serve others and make a difference in our world. Now through February 27, nominate young leaders ages eight to 18 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or picking up an entry form at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The 10 selected Huggable Heroes will each receive $10,000 ($7,500 in the form of an educational scholarship from Build-A-Bear Workshop and $2,500 from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity or Canadian cause of their choice)...

New Collection of Mini Plush Stuffed Animals Available for a Limited Time
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 8, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today the continuation of its relationship with McDonald’s through the McDonald’s Happy Meal program. From February 10 through March 8, a new collection of Build-A-Bear Workshop mini stuffed animals will be featured in the McDonald’s Happy Meal. Guests who purchase a Happy Meal during this time period will also receive a coupon for $10 off a purchase of $30 or more at Build-A-Bear Workshop.
This program marks the fourth collection of mini-plush Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends to be featured in McDonald’s Happy Meals...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 6, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®,the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is opening a new store in Sinai Hospital in Baltimore, MD on Monday, February 27. Of the more than 400 operating locations around the world, this will be the second Build-A-Bear Workshop store located inside of a hospital.
“We are very excited to work with Sinai Hospital to bring Build-A-Bear Workshop to this unique location,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “When kids are sick or injured, making a new furry friend is a great way to take their mind off of their treatment and a teddy bear hug can help them feel better. We’re proud that Build-A-Bear Workshop can bring teddy bear hugs and a positive experience to the children of Sinai Hospital...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 2, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an interactive, entertainment-based retailer of customized stuffed animals, will report results for its fiscal 2011 fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2011, on February 16, 2012 prior to the opening of trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The Company will host its quarterly investor conference call to discuss the results at 9 a.m. ET on the same day.
The dial-in number for the live conference call is (201) 493-6780 (domestic and international). The access code is Build-A-Bear. The live Internet broadcast may be accessed at the Company’s investor relations Web site, http://IR.buildabear.com. The call is expected to conclude by 10 a...

New fashions in the Victoria Justice 4 BABW Collection also available
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 26, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, has launched the Victoria Justice Bear ($23), now available in stores and online at buildabear.com®. The company has partnered with Victoria Justice, the popular teen actress and singer, on several initiatives and product lines since October 2010. This bear will be the first Victoria Justice branded stuffed animal offered by Build-A-Bear Workshop.
“It has been amazing to work with Build-A-Bear Workshop and spread smiles all over the world,” said Victoria Justice. “I hope to share my love of fashion and friends with Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests through this new Victoria Justice Bear and Victoria Justice 4 BABW fashions...

Company supports The Children’s Heart Foundation for the third consecutive year and offers new furry friends for Valentine’s Day.
ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 25, 2012-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, is continuing its support for The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) this Valentine’s Day. For the third year in a row, Guests can donate $1 to congenital heart defect research when they check out at any Build-A-Bear Workshop retail location in the United States, online at buildabear.com® or by purchasing purple satin hearts in Canada throughout the month of February.
Last year, Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests raised over $187,000 for The Children’s Heart Foundation, bringing the two year total to over $420,000...

ST. LOUIS, Jan 19, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) --Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive entertainment retailer of customized stuffed animals, has been named one of FORTUNE Magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For." The full list and related stories appear in the Feb. 6, 2012 issue of FORTUNE and are now available at Fortune.com/BestCompanies.
"We are incredibly proud to be included on the FORTUNE '100 Best Companies to Work For' list for the fourth consecutive year," said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. "Our associates' spirit, dedication, hard work and commitment have made us the world's leading interactive retail entertainment brand. Together, we make Build-A-Bear Workshop a great place to work and play...

ST. LOUIS, MO--(Marketwire - Jan 12, 2012) - As the country prepares to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday with a Day of Service, Build-A-Bear Workshop® launches its ninth annual search for Huggable Heroes®. This group will be made up of inspiring young leaders who have a commitment to serve, help others, and make a difference in their community. Kids, ages eight to 18, can be nominated through February 27 by visiting buildabear.com/huggableheroes or picking up an entry form at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, and Canada.
The 10 selected Huggable Heroes will each receive $10,000 ($7,500 in the form of an educational scholarship from Build-A-Bear Workshop and $2,500 from the Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation to be donated to the 501(c)(3) charity or Canadian cause of their choice)...

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 22, 2011-- Build-A-Bear Workshop®, in a partnership with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products and Bagdasarian Productions, announced today the debut of Alvin and Brittany plush characters strutting straight off the red carpet and into stores nationwide. Beginning November 25, Guests can make their own Alvin and Brittany ($23 each), stars of the highly anticipated third installment of the blockbuster family film franchise, Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked! arriving in theaters December 16. Also available are mini Alvin and the Chipmunks friends Simon, Theodore, Jeanette and Eleanor ($12 each, or $10 each when Guests purchase two or more) in pre-stuffed mini form, all dressed in island apparel.
“Fans of Alvin and the Chipmunks will be excited to find these friends at Build-A-Bear Workshop,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear...

ST. LOUIS, Nov 01, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Build-A-Bear Workshop® announced today the arrival of Happy Feet Two characters just in time for the much-anticipated animated family comedy adventure Happy Feet Two, in theaters this Novemburr 18. Beginning November 1, Guests can make their very own Erik ($23), star of the new movie and son of Mumble, the world's most famous tap-dancing penguin. Also available are Happy Feet Two characters Lovelace, Sven and Boadicea ($10 each, or $7.50 each when Guests purchase two or more) in pre-stuffed mini form.
"We are thrilled to be working with Warner Bros. Consumer Products again to bring our Guests these furry friends," said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. "Our Guests will enjoy chilling out with these cool penguins for some frosty fun all season long...

ST. LOUIS, Oct 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), the interactive retailer of customized stuffed animals, announced today an initiative to raise funds for JDRF in honor of National Diabetes Awareness Month. Throughout November, Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests can support JDRF by adding $1 to their total purchase at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States and online at buildabear.com(R). All store locations in Canada will also be offering special purple satin hearts for $1 to support JDRF. The Build-A-Bear Workshop Foundation will direct the funds raised to JDRF and its chapters throughout North America.
"We are proud to support causes like JDRF that are important to our Guests," said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear...