Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc. celebrated National Teddy Bear Day today by ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). The bell ringing comes on the heels of the recent Build-A-Bear Workshop store design and brand refresh at the company’s flagship store at Mall of America in Bloomington, Minn.
In attendance at the bell ringing were Sharon Price John, chief executive officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, and members of her executive team.
The revamped Build-A-Bear Workshop store at Mall of America was intended to offer a brand new look, increase productivity, and optimize space. Along with a sophisticated new logo, store set-up, and color palette, the storefront now features Build-A-Bear’s signature teddy bear silhouette. In addition, there is a 7-foot-tall stuffer prominently located at the store’s center, as well as a new Inspiration Wall for guests, which displays trends and fashions tied to pop culture.
The Mall of America store marks the third location to open in the new design, and a total of 11 stores are planned in the format by the end of this year.
In August, Build-A-Bear Workshop reported a consolidated comparable store sales increase of 8.7 percent—including a 6.5 percent increase in North America and an 18.2 percent increase in Europe—for the second quarter compared to the same period last year. The company also reported net retail sales had increased to $80.3 million during the second quarter, compared to $75.4 million for the year-ago period.
