Sanrio Adds Hello Kitty Friends at Build-A-Bear

In celebration of Sanrio's 50th anniversary, Build-A-Bear Workshop is adding three of Hello Kitty's friends—Chococat, Keroppi and My Melody.

Beginning Aug. 20, fans will be able to make their own Chococat, Keroppi and My Melody, as well as Hello Kitty, in stores and online at Buildabear.com. In addition, the retailer's virtual world (Buildabearville.com) will feature Hello Kitty and Sanrio friends with activities and virtual prizes. For every purchase of a Build-A-Bear character from the Sanrio collection, shoppers will receive Sanrio-themed rewards for their online character at Buildabear.com. When all four characters are collected, consumers will receive a virtual Sanrio dollhouse that opens into its own Hello Kitty virtual room at Buildabearville.com.

"Our longstanding partnership with Build-A-Bear Workshop delivers fun, original, unique experiences to Sanrio fans," says Janet Hsu, president of Sanrio. "They are a key partner in our 50th anniversary celebration and we are proud to collaborate with Build-A-Bear Workshop on a new collection that incorporates our iconic characters. All of our specially designed products are sure to bring smiles to kids of all ages."

In support of the launch, fans can also take part in a Sanrio event, beginning on Aug. 20, where they can receive two free Sanrio mini animals that can be clipped to backpacks and other items, as well as two virtual T-shirts for Build-A-Bear online characters.