Build-A-Bear Anywhere This Holiday Season

Shortly before Thanksgiving, Build-A-Bear will launch its new permanent shop within the new FAO Schwarz New York City flagship. Visitors can make their own fluffy companions and get their hands on exclusive FAO-branded plush and New York-themed accessories. Store visuals will include a giant Build-A-Bear rocket ship that spans two floors surrounded by a construction bear and two astronaut bears floating around it.

Great Wolf Lodge will open permanent shops in four locations including Minneapolis, Minn.; Colorado Springs, Colo.; Boston, Mass.; and Sandusky, Ohio beginning in mid-November. Inventory will consist of a wide assortment of plush, clothing and accessories as well as Great Wolf Lodge characters Wiley the Wolf, Brinley Bear, Sammy the Squirrel and Violet the Wolf, with corresponding outfits.

Build-A-Bear will establish seasonal pop-up shops at six Bass Pro Shops in Clarksville, Ind.; Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.; Springfield, Mo.; Fort Meyers, Fla.; Harrisburg, Pa.; and Denver, Colo., ; as well as four Cabela’s in Hamburg, Pa.; Wheeling, W.Va.; Lehi, Utah; and Buda, Texas starting in November. The pop-up locations will be open through Christmas Eve, Dec. 24 and will appear alongside the retailer’s Santa’s Wonderland experiences. Inventory will include a Bass Pro Shops bear as well as store-themed outfits and accessories.

“Build-A-Bear is working with some of the best family-focused venues in the country this holiday season and beyond to bring our unforgettable Make-Your-Own experience to even more places people go for fun and entertainment,” says Chris Hurt, chief operations officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop. “From permanent installations to seasonal shops, Build-A-Bear and our world-class partners are helping loved ones create memories and spend more time together.”

Finally, Build-A-Bear will feature a holiday pop-up shop in St. Louis, the city where the company is head quartered. The shop will be a part of the Polar Bear Express Train Ride event at St. Louis Union Station. For the second year in a row, a seasonal pop-up will also take place at Fairmont Scottsdale Princess in Scottsdale, Ariz. during the resort’s yearly Christmas at the Princess festivities. Pop-ups will appear at Gaylord Hotels in Dallas, Texas; Nashville, Tenn.; Orlando, Fla.; and National Harbor, Md. as a part of the lodging company’s holiday celebrations as well.