Build-A-Bear Workshop - Why They're Successful

This video attempts to explain the success of Build-A-Bear Workshop while taking a look at the some of their lesser known controversies of the past.
To submit ideas and vote on future topics:
companymanidea...
Patreon: / companyman
Twitter: / mikecompany17
A very special thanks to this wonderful group of Patrons:
Amy Westacott, Angus Clydesdale, Brett Walton, Castor Poe, Chris Lion-Transler, Christian & Penny Gray, Dominique Dugas, Dustin Van Horn, Emerald Computers - Jason Dragon, Emily Findley, Fortunate Calf, Garrick Kwan, Jimmy1985, Julianne Beach, Logan Hunter, Marshall Kurtz, Meow Wolf, Michelle Chisholm, Mike Weaver, MyNameIsKir, Nicholas Murphy, Peter Wesselius, R, Sam Bennett, Sirpoptart, Sondre Grimsmo Sinnes, Stewart Tritapoe, Super Duper Paratrooper, Taylor LaBrier, Theodore cooke, Tristan Williams, Vincent Frame.
Company Declines:
Kmart: • The Decline of Kmart.....
Blockbuster: • The Decline of Blockbu...
RadioShack: • The Decline of RadioSh...
Solo Cups: • The Decline of Solo......
Toys "R" Us: • The Decline of Toys R ...
hhgregg: • The Decline of hhgregg...
Pan Am: • The Decline of Pan Am....
ESPN: • The Decline of ESPN......
Gibson: • The Decline of Gibson....
iHeartMedia: • The Decline of iHeartM...
Bon-Ton: • The Decline of Bon-Ton...
Kodak: • The Decline of Kodak.....
General Electric: • The Decline of General...
Woolworth: • The Decline of Woolwor...
Dell: • The Decline of Dell......
Sears: • The Decline of Sears.....
Payless: • The Decline of Payless...
Hostess: • The Decline of Hostess...
Redbox: • The Decline of Redbox....
Nokia: • The Decline of Nokia.....
JCPenney: • The Decline of JCPenne...
Quiznos: • The Decline of Quiznos...
GameStop: • The Decline of GameSto...
NASCAR: • The Decline of NASCAR....
Shopko: • The Decline of Shopko....
MoviePass: • The Decline of MoviePa...
Reebok: • The Decline of Reebok....
The Gap: • The Decline of The Gap...
Pier 1 Imports: • The Decline of Pier 1 ...
Sbarro: • The Decline of Sbarro....
______________________________
Website created by - fullertonmedia...
Intro Made By - / @jombo1

[@dubstepphene82]

My daughter loves this place. My wallet doesn't though

[@wisdoom9153]

Hey, at least she's happy 😉

[@dubstepphene82]

@@wisdoom9153 True.

[@PrydeWater901]

I know the words to that $ong!

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@Respected Public Intellectual Yagne Goosh Also true, but sometimes shopping is just as much about the experience as the item being purchased. Going to the specialty store to create her new friend will also create cherished memories that Wally World fails to provide. Also, if it would've really been a financial burden for the commenter to go to that location, I'm sure they would've directed their daughter to alternative options.

[@metaphoricdirigible1499]

That’s why I never got to go as a kid. Even when I was seven I would’ve been appalled at a $16 teddy bear shirt.

[@Tool0GT92]

I call my wife and tell her it's $5 build-a-bear day. She takes our daughter and comes back with two bears and $50 in clothes and accessories. -_-

[@nataleeisjustchilling2737]

@flutterverse some of my bears don’t have clothes aswell like my Pokémon and Star Wars bear but my other ones either have and outfit or an outfit and shoes my parents never spent too much money at a time there

[@shania5591]

*Laughs nervously as I am a 20 year old woman and I frequently spend $50 or more on clothes for my build a bear because I want to spoil him and have fun*

[@Ilovenancyw]

Lollolololol

[@shania5591]

@North-East I don't care

[@shania5591]

@North-East I made that comment 8 months ago so why are you commenting on an old comment anyway? Sounds like you are the one that is looking for someone to pick on which is very cringe of you.

[@MrGemHunter]

"and Advisory board of children" is one of the strangest yet most adorable ideas I've heard of in a long time

[@gagne6928]

The council will decixe your fate

[@uxbea]

market research lol

[@GeorgeVCohea-dw7ou]

I believe IHOP just had a commercial out with a similar concept. It didn't seem to last long. I believe it was just too cringey for audiences.

[@Wawagirl17]

I know, right? I can just picture it. "Hey kids! How would you feel about a place where you can make your OWN teddies?!" "COOL!!!" "YAAAY!!!" "It's unanimous! The focus group was a success!" LOL!

[@blueberry1vom1t]

I mean the idea is sound, how do you find out what your target audience wants? One easy method is to literally ask them.

[@peggyjones3282]

When my husband deployed, build a bear donated bears the parents could make, complete with an army uniform, scents and a recording from the parent. It was amazing. My kids could listen to Daddy singing to them before bed.

[@kloslim6894]

Wholesome

[@Allustar]

This is a really promotion. It gives you the impression that Build-A-Bear cares about their consumers.

[@sweetleys]

My boyfriend made me one before he deployed 😭 I love it so much

[@astraightfemalewhodoesntma674]

@@Allustar yes but no some of them actually care about the military workers some of there parents were in the military its a small portion but still you can't say no builda bear workers had a close family member in the military

[@rosellastar468]

@@Allustar I’ve worked at a build a bear and we really do it’s just fun and heart warming to know you are making another persons day brighter

[@Kirky64]

When I was in the Marine Corps getting back from my first deployment (2008, I was 21 years old), a group of buddies and I went to the Devil Dog Mall (Oceanside, CA). When I saw the Build-A-Bear Workshop, I looked at all my buddies (all also Marines) and said "FUCK YA, I"M GOING TO MAKE ME A BEAR". I didn't care if they thought that I was being childish, dumb, or plain (to be more non-harsh here) R-wordED, I was going to build a bear. I went in and built a bear because of my sister. When I graduated boot camp, she gave me a Build-A-Bear that was dressed up as a Marine, she has given me a few presents that have meant more to me than anything else in the world, and this was 2nd on the list. I wasn't making the bear for anyone in particular (I don't even remember where it ended up), but I had to make a fool of myself and build one. It was absolutely a blast, I picked the basic bear, got it stuffed, gave it a squeeze to make sure it was filled enough, and then the lady said "Here, make a wish on this heart, give it a kiss, and put it in the bear." Without hesitation, I made a wish on that heart, gave it a kiss, and put it in the bear. I didn't buy any extra stuff for the bear, but when I walked out of the store and all the guys were just giving me a mix look of "really" and "WTF" expressions, I didn't care. That's how powerful Build-A-Bear Workshop can be.

[@Elenrai]

Honestly I am angry about this story. The idea of a section of marines sitting around in a build a bear workshop in full kit is uh.... :'D (any chance of it happening? xD)

[@MusicMan75636]

@@Elenrai yea and no marine would say R-wordED instead of retreaded

[@adnankazim88]

This is the gayest thing ever lmaoo

[@holden_7597]

Adnan Kazim ok? Don’t get what that has to do with anything.

[@ugh8723]

Adnan Kazim how is going to build a bear gay lmao it’s a store

[@BugsyFoga]

The history of Build a bear is Cheerfully depressing

[@ronstoppable5659]

@Nathaniel Foga Now that I look at your profile pic, I really wish that they would just remaster the original Ratchet And Clank trilogy already

[@catherineflores5025]

I guess you could say... it's BEARY depressing

[@Maxi25554]

I used to live in Singapore and there was a Build-a-Bear at my local shopping centre, and all my friends used to go there for their birthdays in grade 3. All of the bears just broke apart after a couple of years though.

[@celyne1820]

600th like!

[@Austin.D]

never would have thought Cheerful and depressing would go together

[@Paradigmical0]

I took my daughter to one for her birthday last month, and the store was in rough shape. But it was my daughter's first birthday, so I could get a birthday bear for $1

[@lkblondie8061]

The birthday bears are so cute

[@JT5555]

Sounds Like A Clever Way To Get Yourself A Cheap Bear.>;3

[@angelita2213]

Demonic Queen no now you have to show your birth certificate or something

[@syaaaz3015]

Idk why it sounds like things my dad would do, he's a cheapskate but still can provide me a decent childhood^_^

[@joshuajoe1419]

If you under 1, can you get a bear for free?

[@StealthheartDraws]

You forgot about Bearville!! By buying a BuildaBear in the 2000s-2010s you could use a code provided on the certificate to play with your bear in the online interactive flash game - almost exactly like Webkinz. You could play for free, but there were a lot of things that could only be unlocked with a Build-a-Bear and when you brought it into the game, there was a whole scene where the bear comes out from behind the curtain and jumps into your backpack (everyone who was there in the game can see too). I used to love the songs they put in and the house decorating aspect.

[@untilnow581]

I honestly don’t understand how people can dislike a company man video. Honestly most unbiased and informative channel out there.

[@ChevyCamaroIsBetter]

He highlights both the good and bad so evenly.

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

People who own stock in build a bear

[@eugenetswong]

They are probably just indicating to KZbin to stop recommending these videos.

[@RotoMiner]

Maybe some people think he’s kinda bland?

[@TheNascarfan999]

@@michaelmccarthy4615 Yep, I definitely had to do a double take when I saw it was titled "Why they're successful"

[@KAY-fz8uu]

okay please tell me I wasn’t the only kid embarrassed when they asked you to kiss the heart like I hated that part

[@pandaitis0157]

Same. I only convinced my parents to take me once and that part was so embarrassing. Especially cause it was st the mall so we weren't even in the privacy of a store, the whole mall could see. Thats why I've never gone back as an adult even though I totally want to make a bear cause I only got to do it once lol

[@galehunter2519]

The person I met, said I didn’t have to do it if I didn’t want to.

[@goldenpop6gamer]

They have the bear kiss the heart now, but I never was bothered by it cause as a kid I really thought my bare was getting the kiss of life like in a Disney movie or something hahahaha XD

[@princess_ama]

I used to hate all those little dances they made you do before putting the heart in. 😂

[@ShadeATV]

We just whisper our wish into the bear now.

[@sarahh6]

Anyone remember that iCarly had a parody store of Build-A-Bear called Build-A-Bra?

[@kabj06]

God damn it, Dan.

[@Masterhitman935]

Isn’t that the show where the director\ producer had a number of weird fetish.

[@adamheitner2421]

Masterhitman935 speculated... but 100% yeah

[@edgelord8337]

@@Masterhitman935 dan he had a weird foot fetish. There's also been some bigger allegations against him but that hasn't been proved. He's just a very weird person but who am I to talk.

[@ThatGuy-vi8ch]

@@edgelord8337 When someone who calls themself edge Lord says someone is weird, that's pretty fucking weird.

[@rbfloat]

So I work at a Build-a-bear and I agree with all of this but I think another big thing is that the people who work at BAB or want to work at BAB enjoy their work. All of us are massive kids. We recently got Stitch in and we spent a good five minutes freaking out over how adorable he is. And as for the fluff machine, little babies LOVE it. They'll stare at the bear on top, completely hypnotized.

[@tallvictorieshr1783]

i remember as a kid when they took away the online game and i cried for so long ;-; honestly i think they have too many branded bears and not enough actual animals like they used to :/ i still give them my money though because they own my childhood lol i literally talked my parents into getting me over 30 bears (until i turned 13 and the refused to buy me toys lmao)

[@federico339]

@@AxxLAfriku you all right?

[@mariomaro7]

@@AxxLAfriku somebody kill it, now

[@alatussolanum]

TelevisionWorld Gacha They have a frog, a fluffy bunny, and variants of Pawlette online! There’s also the Woodland Friends collection which has original animals such as deer, fox, and a skunk.

[@katherinestepanski4776]

I agree about the license vs regular bears.

[@kelseywendell265]

omg i LOVED the online game, i had so many good things and it was just so fun. I loved pretending to be a server at the cafe. i thought i saw the other day that they still have the game up?? you just have to have adobe flash player or something like just search bearville or whatever :D

[@cirruscloud5198]

We could never afford it when I was a kid, and I went once as an adult. I was a little afraid the staff would be weird but they were really welcoming, and didn't insist I do all the steps since I was twenty. It was a great experience

[@RabbitsInBlack]

So she used Disney's Motto. Nothing like a knife in one hand and hug in the other.

[@mrmickeyrich]

Do you mean "motto"?

[@jadegrniz]

Do you mean MO (modus operandi)?

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

Disney owned my butt since birth Disney brings happy memories.

[@thirteenfox4948]

I thought disneys motto was, "why think up an original idea, when we can just buy all the original ideas?" Dont think, just buy.

[@societysmostambiguousgirlb1495]

When he said “Build-a-Bear workshop, it’s in the name” why did I think “EA sports, it’s in the game”

[@jasmineevic7232]

EA Games - Challenge Everything ,-- back when EA was good

[@angelita2213]

Jasmine Evic yep especially with The Sims

[@plumsparkles945]

😂

[@Jason-ft9gg]

If I had to guess maybe it’s because EA Sports’s slogan mentions the phrase “it’s in the game” and so when company man said “Build-Bear Workshop, it’s in the game” your brain automatically remembered the very familiar slogan of EA Sports. If you were to substitute “Build-a-Bear Workshop” from Company man’s quote with “EA Sports” you’d get “EA Sports, it’s in the game.” Which of course is the full non-altered slogan (as of today. January 11, 2021. Approximately 10:47pm Central Time Zone) of the video game development studio named EA Sports owned by the parent company Electronic Arts or simply EA for short. But idk, that’s just a theory.

[@ShadeATV]

@@jasmineevic7232 it never was

[@grumpyteeth9614]

does anyone else remember the build a bear online game? i was obsessed

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

Omg I remember I was Zoefestive51 my sister was Zoefestive52

[@bubbles_mly6614]

The online game was my life as a kid... I played it wayyy too much! I was AjApril30554 or something like that lol

[@sos2530]

Bubbles_ Mly how the heck do you remember that

[@thelizzievb]

@@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840 my sisters and I were ZoeRainbow! ❤

[@pr9334]

Well if it helps at all. People can scrape their cache from their old computers and submit it to the discord discord.gg/gSTvz3 we have basic assets, however the server needs to be completely rewritten.

[@solierafromtheultrareconsquad]

9:52 Fun fact, that step didn't use to be there, it WAS part of the Stuff Me step. It used to be the Fluff Me step, where you took your toy to a fake bath tub and used a brush and brushed it under a showerhead that blew down air. I'm not sure why they got rid of it, probably because it didn't have anything to do with the actual toy itself, and now every remodeled store no longer has it. There are some stores that aren't remodeled, so if they have that Fluff Me step, I'm gonna do it, I don't care how much lint gets injected into my toy's fur. It was an important part of my childhood, it just felt so much fun.

[@annikamatusch6474]

That was my favourite part of the experience! I’m so sad it’s gone now

[@solierafromtheultrareconsquad]

@@annikamatusch6474 Yeah, it was ultimately pointless since it more than likely made the toy MORE dirty, but there was something magical about it that you just can't really replace. It was definitely one of the more Build-a-Bear parts of building a bear; it was unique and iconic, and that's being pretty modest.

[@ShadeATV]

My location has been open for the longest time and has every single ers of B-A-B crammed into it, mainly 2015-now with 1997-2013 furniture around the story and some old clothing items. The sign on the store is also from the 2013-2015 era. We have 2015-now brushes with the old shower still there

[@solierafromtheultrareconsquad]

@@gircakes I guess that works

[@skandigraun]

3:12 "She took $750'000 of her savings". Just wanted to mention.

[@mrmalio]

ikr lmao

[@flurrystrike2000]

Pay your age day!” 75 year old grandma who brought you and wanted to bring one: ;-;

[@kabj06]

7:31 Rule of Acquisition number 153: Sell the sizzle, not the steak.

[@ashtraysonsundays4274]

Thanks Kramer

[@horseenthusiast1250]

Didn't expect to run into fellow Trekkies in the comments of a video about Build-A-Bear, yet here we are

[@angelofmusic1992]

I was die-hard Build-A-Bear fan when I was a kid. I still have all the ones I made. Even now that I'm an adult, I still smile whenever I walk by one.

[@CZsWorld]

The dark side of Build a Bear Workshop...

[@companyman114]

Sort of, I didn't want that to be the focus of the video but some potentially shady things going on.

[@anaq661]

2 comment after 9 months?

[@lemplatinum]

@@anaq661 yupp

[@pupsenlalupsen7483]

@@anaq661 now 10 months

[@lm-ml]

I once adopted a kid from overseas To save him him from child labor factories And on his first birthday We took him to Build-A-Bear Workshop -Bo Burnham

[@MagdalenaRay61]

I loved it as a child. As a child growing up in the early 2000s I still miss Bearville

[@WDCallahan]

My Build-A-Bear has her own Twitter account.

[@astoldbynickgerr]

W.D. Callahan what’s her @? 😂

[@kat12444]

Whats her @

[@WDCallahan]

@@kat12444 Lisapolley5

[@WDCallahan]

@@astoldbynickgerr Lisapolley5

[@joanne-ly1pw]

legend

[@PenDragonKinz]

me: sad because I can't go to work company man: here's a video about your work! me: :,)

[@jos5241]

lol same but it made me feel corrupt

[@ronstoppable5659]

No joke, I’m watching this with a plush Rufus from Kim Possible on my bedside right now

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

Reading these comments, I'm finding they're more diverse than I ever thought.

[@jessaa444]

I loved build-a-bears growing up! I had so many, my mom knew they were my favorite. I loved being able to change their clothes and loved the whole process of building it

[@lukerinderknecht2982]

Maybe they need to design assemble-from-home kits, now that everyone's locked inside cause of the Coronavirus. *EDIT:* Also, it would be a really cool video in the future to see how companies adapted as a result of COVID19.

[@baranorak4080]

Don't they have an online way to build a bear on their website?

[@torigipson7598]

i distinctly remember having an "assemble-from-home kit" as a kid.

[@torigipson7598]

@@baranorak4080 yes they do, thats how i got my DeadPool bear.

[@embroideredragdoll]

They have technically but they’re not as good if we’re talking about the Walmart £20 machine

[@merrybright5732]

They have like a cheap build from home set, my sister had one. It comes with two bears, a plastic machine, and some stuffing with two shirts. It’s not really customizable like the real thing but it’s a cute fun thing for kids. The bears are miniature too

[@disneyfan5571]

I remember going to build-a-bear maybe 2 times when I was younger. I made a pink bear with a fairy outfit named Hazel, and the other time I created a dog (idk if I had an outfit for the dog). We stopped going b/c I got too old, and they were *EXPENSIVE*. The greatest thing was going on the website and bringing your stuffed animal to life with your own avatar to explore the world. As I grew out of the age where it was okay for a kid to have a build-a-bear, the stuffed animals got more better and creative, and I got more and more sad b/c I was too old D=

[@aquasomethingyouknowwhatever]

i still go to build a bear (im 15, a little old for it but not too old) and even had my 14th and 15th birthdays there. back when bearville was still up i played it constantly, and cried when it shut down. build a bear has a very close place in my heart, and these plushies mean a lot to me because of the hands-on involvement.

[@sofiabravo1994]

I remember always bugging my parents for one especially in the early 2000s *sigh* never happened. My daughter is 3 a perfect age for one!

[@josezaragoza3188]

Tell your parents to stop being cheap

[@absolutetrash8118]

On her birthday, you can get her a birthday bear for the age she is!! Bring her birth certificate and u can get a cute bear for 4 dollars

[@philltheotherguy1868]

Jose Zaragoza well considering how she already is considering getting one for her own child, I don’t think she would need to get it from her parents anymore.

[@aimee9287]

When your 18 and still have all your BAB and never threw them away 😭😭😭

[@trevorbills1950]

Personally, I live in Suburban Houston so there's a build-a-bear in every mall around here, but malls are such a hassle to get to that you have to really want to go there in the first place. That being said, my cousins are all a minimum of 6 years younger than me and they were in town for my 14th birthday a few years ago, and although I wouldn't take my teenaged friends to a build-a-bear birthday party, my cousins are all elementary-school-aged so I was most concerned with them having fun. So I brought them to a Build-a-bear in one of the Houston malls, they had the time of their lives building bears and dressing them in disney princess outfits and whatnot. Overall, I think i's a nice store and I expect that someday when I have kids I'll probably bring them to the store to make bears because it's a cool thing to do. Thanks for the great videos!

[@QUEENJESSIEB]

I only went to Build-A-Bear once as a kid, I can't remember everything about my trip there, but I knew that it was lots of fun for 10 year old me. I am now 18 years old, and would love to go back to Build-A-Bear. I'd love to be able to experience the same excitement I had when I went there as a kid.❤

[@mayrose1058]

DO IT! Its worth it

[@mw29]

This video is gonna be STUFFED with info. Their success is gonna be quite a lot to BEAR for their competitors

[@Masterhitman935]

M. W. Hey, get out of town. :)

[@viviannemj4232]

okay, one more

[@whatwhywho]

Please leave.

[@305unleashedgraphix3]

fur real fur real thou

[@jamesle7180]

305unleashed graphix ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎💔❣️💕💞💓💗💖💘💝

[@cherienicoleatkinson31]

Once I went to build a bear when I was 4 and I sneaked into the “hibernation station” and I there were bear skins with no eyes so i left build a bear crying

[@ShadeATV]

I used to do that, but the manager has since left my local BAB and now works at the Chicago location

[@meepmoop2308]

@@ShadeATV the chicago location isnt even a real store anymore its a shitty little kiosk with pre-stuffed animals.

[@kimackerman2183]

I went to the store the first time when I was like 15 and still have my wolf plushie with me! It was one of the ones for exclusively for the winter I think. I love that store by unfortunately it can be quite expensive.

[@beyblade71]

One aspect I remember growing up that could have contributed to it’s success was the online game it promoted alongside the product. Once you made a bear, you could take home it’s “Birth Certificate” and enter the code on the store website. You could then explore this club penguin esque virtual world with the bear you made. It was a really cool concept and I remember the game fondly.

[@mitchellblake1475]

Build-a-bear: all the fun of a Chinese sweat shop without the sweat

[@chiptankgirl]

Please do the YMCA they are a very old and interesting organization.

[@KamisKisses]

I got one to help with my anxiety and agoraphobia. I'm in my 30's and it really helped me to adjust to a new place. That being said, their stores always seem empty didn't know they were making a profit. Glad they exist =)

[@nunyabidness117]

Careful Company Man. If you see a stuffed bear following you with a sniper rifle I'd run like Hell.

[@theenzoferrari458]

Lmfao

[@kuromon]

anyone remember build-a-bearville? that was one of the highlights of my childhood before it shut down

[@ec1628]

curiosityiskillingme My daughters were so sad when they shut it down.

[@Markimark151]

I was already too old for stuffed animals when Build a Bear first opened. But I bought a customized bear for my cousin’s birthday.

[@ariaalexandria3324]

NEVER too old.

[@DozingGreen-fz6rg]

How old are you? I'm 31 and have a whole bunch on my bed and on shelves. 😊

[@Markimark151]

@@DozingGreen-fz6rg I was in high school when Build a Bear opened in 2000-2001, I’m in late-30s.

[@dawnbestgirl17yearsago98]

@@Markimark151 never too old

[@Markimark151]

@@dawnbestgirl17yearsago98 it depends on the occasion, you can still buy teddy bears even if you don’t play with them, I was too old to play with stuffed animals when the store first opened.

[@ayupwhatsthis8339]

The first build-a-bear that opened up near me (UK) was around 2007 when I was about 12. There was a coupon in a magazine, so my mum suggested we go. Despite being probably the oldest child there, I absolutely loved the experience. They also do children's birthday parties, too, which I imagine is brilliant fun.

[@fizzypop1395]

I used to work at one in my local mall. People really loved naming their bears and getting the birth certificate. We also used to give out free bows for the bears ears. It was nice for when the kids didn't get outfits. People get a kick out of the bear condos, (the box you take them home in) too. Lastly, we would have a lot of kids shop but we also had plenty of adults. I still remember when we got our shipment of Rainbow Dash in...

[@ofgraham]

I loved build a bear as a kid. I had two birthday parties there and in total I think I have 6 or 7 bears from them. Over the years I still go into the store every once and a while but I think the bears and the clothes have gotten cheaper. The fabrics aren’t as nice but the prices have gotten more expensive. Still I think for a young kid the experience is worth more than the actual bear and the birthday parties I had at build a bear are some of my best memories.

[@DiVaLiVa9]

The clothes havent changed in quality too much from what I can tell, but if anything they have gotten a bit more intricate. And the bears are getting more intricate as well. I'd say the only one that isn't too well made is the $12 cub(s). Though they do definitely have more expensive clothing now, that's usually the licensed items. Regular BAB items arent really too expensive.

[@Copperflash]

As a younger kid, I loved build a bear. I got my first one for my birthday when I was 2 (my earliest memory) and for years after that I used to beg my mum to take me whenever we went into town. I used to save up all my Christmas and birthday money to get new bears and stuff for my existing ones. I even had a birthday party there when I was 5. As most kids do, I reached a certain age (around 9 or 10 years old) where I decided I was too old to keep getting them, mainly out of fear of judgement (but certainly not too cool or old to keep loving the ones I had) Recently, they brought out the collection of Harry Potter stuffed animals and, being the huge Harry Potter fan I am, I decided that at 14 years old I certainly wasn’t too cool (I’m definitely not seen as cool or popular by my classmates, I’m pretty unpopular) or too old to get one last bear for old times sake. I went with my friends and, honestly, I had as much fun there as when I was a kid.

[@rachel2919]

Hello Company Man! I would appreciate it if you could do the decline of Subway. Ever since competitors like Jersey Mike's and Firehouse Subs rose to the occasion, Subway has gone down and down every year. I would like to know what the future would look like for them if they do not change their concept.

[@noneofyourbusinessnosy2903]

Done

[@pickles3128]

They built a LOT of locations in my area (TEN within a five mile suburban radius) and it has lead to each location experiencing slower business which in turn causes the "fresh ingredients" to sit too long, becoming old nasty wilted lettuce. They stuff the sandwich with that cheap lettuce so they don't have to use many expensive ingredients to still "Fill you up" unless you ask for light/no lettuce. I used to get texts with good coupons from them, but now they're not even worth using. I much prefer Pickleman's or Potbelly Subs. He should cover Crazy Bowls and Wraps, that place is overpriced and not good.

[@marisam9803]

Also the controversy over Subways "meats" or rather, what was in them (hint: not meat) that made a lot of people question their "healthiest fast food choice" status.

[@Wawagirl17]

And then there was the whole...Jared...thing. I have a feeling if Company Man ever does a video about Subway, that would be the major elephant in the room.

[@centipede9999]

as a 17 year old, most of the time i walk into a store im immediately red-flagged as a delinquent. but whenever i go to build-a-bear ((which is more than i wanna admit)) the staff is always super nice and respectful and even encourages someone my age to go along with the 7 steps. its childish but still super fun lol

[@nunyabidness117]

Interesting how she is so defensive of an idea she herself stole from someone else.

[@DiVaLiVa9]

Maxine is a super genuine woman. As far as what she's said, she genuinely thought of it herself, and then discovered that something similar existed.

[@applesmith8129]

staples do you think it was more of an ease thing bc their one was already an established business ?

[@marisakowalski1033]

i work at a build a bear! one of the most important things that we stress on when working is that the customers are also paying with the experience along with the bears and I think that having that factor is a huge part of their success. i’ve talked to many of my customers and some are “regulars” they come back for the experience

[@DiVaLiVa9]

Ha! That pic at 3:07 is my old AWM. I instantly recognized her nails. Pretty sure I was the one to put that green bow on the one in the background.

[@Ella_A_Star]

Another reason for their success is the wide range of styles you can make their bears. I work at a Build-A-Bear and we get people coming in wanting bears for their kids who just got deployed, we have younger kids giving up their pacifiers to put in the bear, one woman came in wanting to get her niece a bear because she graduated Med school, and so much more!

[@harperoneal5]

Working at BABW, right now, our biggest selling point is nostalgia. The kids who bought bears when the stores opened are now adults with their own kids who want to share the experience. Also a big part of our training is upselling (obviously) and we have certain goals we have to achieve everyday and we get in a lot of trouble if we don't. Some of those include the money per transaction, units per transaction, if we can sell you are promotional offers, etc, but most importantly, email capture is one of the biggest things, so if a Bear asks for your email at the checkout, please give them one. Yes, we send super spammy emails, so just give us a junk account if you're willing. Thank you for reading my rambling.

[@itrthho]

Somebody from “Build A Bear” must have down voted this video. Not beary nice of them.

[@taaylor_marie23]

George McGovern I work for the company and thought it was a great video!

[@MaddieOlson1993]

Nostalgia! Every time you go in you’re reliving your childhood.

[@TheSameYellowToy]

Build-A-Bear got into entertainment venues long before the malls failed. I'm from STL where Build-A-Bear originated, and as a little kid I remember going to local tourist places like the St. Louis Zoo, the Science Center, and Busch Stadium, where you could get exclusive stuffed animals. I still have my Fredbird (St. Louis Cardinals mascot) Build-A-Bear around somewhere. Also, I don't know how far this has extended, but West County Mall in St. Louis now has a Build-A-Bear themed pastry shop where you build your own sweets.

[@joshfoustcommunity8928]

All of the times that I have been to build a bear has been a good experience! I have gotten a lot of iconic stuffed animals from my favorite shows and movies! It's the one place that you'll get the best experience, and I am happy for the stuff that I bought there!😊

[@emilyk3245]

I still have my first build a bear, I got her the day I turned 7, she’s still one of the first things I see in my room every day

[@annoythedonkey]

It’s finally here Wednesday at noon!

[@Xnate13X]

I built one when they first came out in my area(they took over the "Disney Store" location at the mall). I never went back after that one time because of the price. It was SO expensive that my parents said, "no." I didn't really mind because as a kid I felt like stuffed animals had feelings. So, I always was fine that they'd say, "no" since it means that the one I had wouldn't get sad that I got a new one.

[@anabee95]

There was a DIY teddy bear store called "Paws & Claws" in our local mall in NY when I was young, and I remember it closing and a "Build-A-Bear" store popping up in the mall a few years later. I'm assuming "Paws & Claws" was one of the competitors that you mentioned in your video that went out of business from BAB. I distinctively remember the P&C store theme being orange and purple, if you've come across it in your research. Great video!

[@darkninjafirefox]

I was so excited to see that build a bear had Pokemon, I always dreamed of that when I was younger. I missed my chance to get a vulpix tho

[@darkwinter6028]

In times like these, even big manly dudes like me could use a bear hug... (obviously, from a sanitized bear )

[@bencarpenter8707]

Build a bear had a wonderful online game that I loved. Now it holds a special place in my heart

[@benreilly595]

Thanks for coming through during this time while every other KZbin is taking a break or pushing shitty videos

[@kellym9190]

When you forget your playback speed is at 2x, so the intro music jump scares you 😭

[@emperortbw402]

Thank you, switching to 2x is just as easy to follow, but takes half the time.

[@rachaellj5781]

Wow I love this one! I put off watching it but there are so many useful bits of information in here and it’s a crazy interesting story. Hopefully you’ll be coming out with tons of content to pass time during the quarantine :D

[@BlueGirl0922]

I actually work at Great Wolf Lodge. Before Build-A-Bear Workshop we had "Creation Station" which was like Build-A-Bear, but with our characters. Now that we have Build-A-Bear we have a lot more outfits and some more skins. We even have better stuffing machines. We still use our characters, but we were able to add more. Build-A-Bear is strict on us doing the heart thing for every guests. The story and make a wish on the heart. Its part of the Build-A-Bear experience.

[@pnkrose7195]

No one: My mom after spending $100 at build a bear: don’t ask for anything new for awhile

[@cupcake18429]

I have so many Build A Bears because we used to frequent this thrift store that had everything in bins and charged 25 cents for each stuffed Animal. I think two or three of them might even be from 1997 according to the year printed on their tags (not sure how accurate that would be though). I do have a couple of special ones that I made myself though like the first one that I made which is a white bunny, the one I made for my 8th Birthday, which I think was the generic brown bunny named Pawette, and an Eevee as well. I loved printing out the birth certificates afterwards so I could adopt them online. we didn't get to do it every time though since (understandably) my mom wanted to get out as fast as possible lol.

[@fightingfaerie]

I think another important point is they know their audience. They know there are adult fans and they embrace that. Which sorta ties into the licensing, what little kid is going to want a FRIENDS bear? It’s the adults with their own paycheck and fans that are buying the limited release collectible licensed bears. They even have a separate area of the website especially for adults called the Bear Cave where they sell the more mature clothes and items. Like margarita wristies or silky lingerie clothes. Or shirts that reference getting drunk.

[@BassMatriX]

"I did my best to handle it with care, because, again: I don't know the whole story." About 7 minutes earlier: "they are very litigious." Hey man, we aren't here to judge.

[@jamesoniris2647]

I honestly still have my Build A Bear Kermit from when The Muppets (2012) came out. Its a full puppet that you can stick your arm in and controll its mouth. Im pretty sure that's what got me hooked on puppetry.

[@TeddEdd]

In Mexico. Pay your age would be the cheapest day in history

[@ritaevergreen7234]

This place was everything to me as a child. Once I transitioned out of store bought babies then it was bears from build a bear. I used my own bear that wasn’t from the store but got gifted outfits from there. I remember saving my allowance to go on a shopping spree to buy outfits for my bear. I felt like I was a parent and I truly took so much pride in it. I did have two actual bears from it that I got to use in the virtual world. Looking back on it now the online virtual world really was a great way for kids to feel a part of something while it being age appropriate. This reminded me of so many other online games where you could care for something. I did grow out of this by middle school. I am 24 now and miss that time period where kids could just be kids.

[@GlobalDigitalEmpire]

I love build-a-bear! Can't wait to bring my kids some day when they're older Haha I remember going at age 9 and building a bear for my not-yet-born baby brother. It was a very special trip 🥰

[@jaustill237]

Actually, the 'Hug Me' step is essential. This is the point where you quality control the product to ensure that it has the right amount of stuffing.

[@arianna-dg7cm]

when i was younger i was obsessed with BABW. my favorite part was truly just the fun of picking out your own bear/anything else’s and watching it become stuffed up and then taking it home. another amazing part that made me kept wanting to go back was their online game bearville, when the new CEO took over build-a-bear she took the game aswell and that was one of the most devastating game shut downs of my childhood besides the club penguin shut down. when you would get your birth certificate you would get an online code to enter in on bearville, and then your bear you just made in the workshop would be right next to your virtual avatar or on your back (in a backpack). build-a-bear will be forever one of my favorite places but ever since bearville shut down i haven’t gone back. the magic is there when making it and taking it home but you can’t go any further like the way you used to. i feel the virtual game was a big factor in their success story.

[@londongirl2399]

I will be 50 years old in June and I have four Build-A-Bears I love them they have that cute face and they're very soft and I like the fact that you can dress them up and get all kinds of nice accessories great video I really enjoyed it

[@680production]

Nahh, build a bear is over priced. Yet, I remembered my cousin's kids had their birthday party there, so I can see how they are successful.

[@Butterism]

A Build-A-Bear just opened up Downtown Boston and I'm so excited. I'm ready to go all out on my birthday.

[@mianovak9700]

This just makes me want to build a bear and I'm 17 and haven't been in years

[@juliepoirier1320]

I am so bummed you didn't talk about Build-a-Bearville! That was such a great online world, on par with Webkinz back in it's day!! In the early 2000's, each Build-a-Bear came with a web code on the bottom of their birth certificates that you could sign in online in Build-a-Bearville and bring them into the online world. Each different bear that you logged in online would come with unique, special edition items, so adding bears had advantages in the game, so I can see why the game could have contributed to certain bears becoming popular and increase their sales. They had all kinds of special events on the website too, like the Christmas Village and Summer Camp every summer that always kept it engaging. I have 4 Disney Princess Build-a-Bears, my ex boyfriend bought me 3 Build-a-Bears while we were together, my childhood friend gave me a personalized bear when I was 11, and I had 4 Build-a-Bears of my own when I was a child. I definitely had a Build-a-Bear childhood.

[@TheHornet44]

I only have one build-a-bear from when I was little. It’s a white dog with brown over its eye and it looked a lot like the dog I had. When I eventually got rid of all my other stuffed animals that one was the only one I kept because it felt special to me. It’s still sitting on my shelf right now because it reminds me of the best dog I ever had

[@telephonewyre]

I'd love to hear if there's any drama between build a Bear and walmart? I'm not sure about in the States but here in Canada some Walmart's have knock off build a bear stores in them...

[@MadMaddiii]

Our Walmart has one inside as well

[@4ebunker]

One of my most prized possessions is a teddy bear I made at the basic brown bear factory in San Francisco as a little kid. I’ve always wondered what happened to that place. Their bears were really well built. Mine is pushing 30 years old and shows no wear and tear.

[@chocolatemusicgirl]

aw really was hoping u would talk about the website they had : '(( n they used to be a build a bear at downtown Disney n now its gone. it was the best one!

[@tallvictorieshr1783]

Mangoslush the downtown disney one was so awesome! and i miss the online game too :(

[@starsparkle78]

@@tallvictorieshr1783 I've met someone who used to work at the Build a Bear in Downtown Disney in Disneyland

[@FasterJTG]

My sister used to be obsessed with that game, I myself was more of a club penguin guy

[@Lord_Ocram]

I remember having a birthday at an arcade place called fun castle. They had a build-a-bear section in there with a cart with the stuffing machine in it. I don’t remember too much about the event, but everybody was surprised when out of all the options I choose the red lobster

[@ahmjothe]

Hey company man can you do a video on victorinox I love there’s products and I would like to see a video on them

[@bee_sylvester]

When I was little I went to build a bear a lot, I often received gift cards for it for birthdays/Christmas/etc. As a 6 year old, nothing was more exciting to me than getting to carry that house-shaped box through the mall. I still have all of mine somewhere, even though I haven't seen them in years. I spent ages playing the online game they had too, and I have fond memories of the DS game that existed. I do remember being scared of the stuffing machine because it was really loud lmao. My local one was right next to the Disney store, practically paradise for any child lmao. I also remember having a panda one with the heartbeat sound- at some point the battery died and I was haunted by the thought that my bear had "died" lmao. I think my parents took it back to get a new sound put in.

[@LoganFlores]

Build A Bear is still being loved and i enjoy going to see it when i walk in the mall i applied there 2 months ago and got a call yesterday saying they wanna interview me and look over my application saying if i'm still interested i'm so excited to work at my favorite place i hope i get the job!

[@Nemo-Nihil]

I'm 31 yrs old, I made my first BAB back when I was 12 or 13, and I love this store. I have a small collection of BAB plushes. The most precious ones to me are my Captain America bear and my Black Widow bear. :)

[@Pain__points29]

I remember making one for my little sitter and she got to make one for the littlest one. Thats was kind of cool bond. They both still have theirs. I know alot of families who really bonded to the add a voice feature so if a loved one died the kid could still hear daddies voice. I even have a friend who her and her husband take them every where and post a pic of them in every new travel place they go to. Weird ik. They were in their engagement pics and at the wedding.

[@cosmoreed3461]

It’s always been too expensive for my parents so I’ve only been twice

[@ccrozz99]

toothless ekans same lol and even now that im older it just doesn’t call me attention :(

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

3 times

[@Coralskipper]

I remember when the very first store opened here in St. Louis. I was ten and remember the local media making a big deal out of the concept. Gotta be honest, it's kinda weird seeing how successful the company became. It was such a novelty at the time

[@dpscorpiobrio]

This video came out at the perfect time for me, as this is my second weekend not working at BABW due to COVID. I have been missing it a lot.They treat their employees so well. I’ve been a fan of the brand since I was little, and I’ve been working there almost two years now. I survived pay your age within my first month working there-and it was my first retail job! It was stressful, but they sent us a gift basket of treats and we each got one free bear for surviving what I like to call Bearmageddon (I got a Bulbasaur lol). They’re being very upfront and as helpful as possible during the COVID pandemic when we can’t work. They even give you little presents for the holidays as well as your annibearsary of when you work there. The best part of the job? I get to make everyone laugh and groan with the same unBEARable puns all the time. And no, it’s not a requirement. It’s for my personal enjoyment. If anyone has questions, I’ll answer to the best of my ability. It’s a good way to curb how much I miss my job right now!

[@jpolar394]

I just love it, something that costs literary pennies to make and people are paying a arm and a leg for. I love watching this. 😆😆😆 When we were growing up, we were happy with a 20 cent packet of crayons and a 15 cent coloring book.