Build-A-Bear Details First Design Studio

Build-A-Bear Workshop (St. Louis) is bringing its largest and most immersive “retailtainment” experience to Icon Park in Orlando, a three-level location set to open in November The first-ever Build-A-Bear Design Studio will be spread over three levels and offer a premium, appointment-only experience where guests work one-on-one with a design consultant to create fully customized, one-of-a-kind furry friends.

The space’s offerings will also include baked goodies from an interactive Build-A-Bear Bakeshop and customize their furry friends and apparel with embroidery, screen printing, patches and more at the new “Personalize M” station.

“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,” said CEO Chris Hurt in a news release providing some of the studio’s design details. “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.”

To bring the vision to life, Build-A-Bear partnered with design firm Chute Gerdeman (Westerville, Ohio), whose project portfolio includes including FAO Schwarz’s New York flagship that houses a B-A-B shop-in-shop.

In addition to the first Design Studio, Build‑A‑Bear operates more than 650 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise experience locations across more than 30 countries. (About half those stores are in the U.S.)