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.
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[@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.

[@hbmento8102]

the Build-a-bear experience in the 2000s was amazing. You chose your bear, stuffed it up, gave it clothes(optional), named it, and then when you got home you got to explore a virtual world with it . They did not need to do that much, but they did.

[@hbmento8102]

They straight up one-upd Webkinz. Sure it was expensive as hell, but it was worth it.

[@karenkiernan4642]

I haven’t been to the B.A.B. In a decade but im pretty sure you still do that

[@lemon-pop2923]

Karen Kiernan Well except the Virtual World part, that’s been deleted

[@jackeroni216]

I never did that as a kid, I wasn’t allowed to use the internet at that age. Was it any good?

[@phoenixmorphix]

Jackeroni Draws I remember the website. It was always empty. 😕

[@AGayCupOfJoe]

I still have all my build-a-bears one will be “turning” 15 years old, another concept I loved was the birth certificate.

[@Raskolnikov70]

Straight-up stolen from Cabbage Patch Kids from the 80's.

[@Wawagirl17]

@@Raskolnikov70 Those were "adoption papers" for Cabbage Patch kids though, so not exactly the same as birth certificates, but I see your point.

[@celyne1820]

@@Raskolnikov70 Hah!

[@foreverworld7674]

@@Raskolnikov70 Well Also 10000000000 other toy brand'a do that sooo...

[@murphie_4559]

AnotherCupOfJoe I have bears from the very beginning because of both my brothers getting a million and then me getting a million. I literally have too many.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@elainetracy9427]

I feel like every time I went to build a bear as a child my parents left pissed off lol

[@yamawun320]

THIS COMMENT >>>>>>

[@lolkayleen2757]

YESSS

[@emianna4936]

Now that you mention it 🤔

[@binamai6638]

I’ve only been once and it took ALOT of convincing

[@cookii.8369]

Same, I would always build the character bears and my mum would get really mad that I didn't just get a regular bear

[@ThatLoudCockatoo]

"They even have adults come in" My Build a Besr Toothless is literally two feet away from me while I remote in for work.

[@bryanc4054]

TheOnlyAra I always sleep and travel with mine; if I'm going to sleep someplace else, they come with.

[@darkerSolstice]

My partner and I (we're in our thirties) went to Build a Bear for our 4th anniversary. She got a Squirtle in Captain America pajamas, I got a reindeer in business casual attire.

[@asternightcore2545]

Relatable. My eevee is right over there

[@BewareTheLilyOfTheValley]

@@asternightcore2545 Eevee! Oh, I would so dress that one up! But I want a Vulpix or a Ninetails. Have always meant to get one of them as a plush but then life and bills happen, lol. Pokemon plushies are usually pricey.(try saying that 3x fast!)

[@mckayladill5551]

I have my genie next to me!

[@christophersalinas2722]

“and even some adults come and make their own bears” And 8 year old me thought I was gonna get bullied for having a build a bear lmao

[@karleekennedy6960]

I lowkey wanna do it again even though I’m wayyy to old LMAO🤚

[@tyedie4490]

@@karleekennedy6960 not so low-key, I've been walking past telling myself "nope too old" for like 10 years now; and ya know what? Fuck it. I am me, and Ima get me that cute Parasaur that just came out because this year has been shit and I need a hug. This is a year for fuck it. Try it, why not?

[@foreverfuturebound]

@@karleekennedy6960 I'm going for my 17th birthday next week sooooo yeah you're not too old

[@jenithesinger1]

Rip to all my bears in Build-a-Bearville

[@starsparkle78]

I thought I was alone on this.

[@bruhice6058]

jenithesinger1 didn’t k is they got rid of it until now. Anyone know why?

[@ShatterSound]

I was so salty that I never went back there again after they closed it. They lost a really loyal customer lol I had like over 20 bears

[@lyn1114]

Robot Jones People forgot about it but I cried FOR DAYS when bearville shut down and then they had the AUDACITY to replace it with BEARVILLE ALIVE. I’m still salty even though I’m far passed bear-building age! Lol

[@milomakesmusiccovers]

Lol yeah I tried so hard to be a jr cybear guide. I don’t remember if I ever got in...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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"

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@bisqwikbatter6486]

She actually stole the idea from Dr. Frankenstein.

[@companyman114]

Made me laugh.

[@horseenthusiast1250]

Frankenstein wasn't a doctor though, he was a college dropout! So she's stealing the ideas of downtrodden youths!

[@joshuajoe1419]

True time for build-a-bear to start paying royalties

[@ZeepAtomic]

I thought the exact same thing.

[@C.K.Productions]

I currently work at Build a Bear. When I was a kid, we got to go on a summer daycare field trip to build a bear. We each got to pick out bears. I still have mine, she’ll be turning 14 this year. I also used to play the Build a Bear workshop Nintendo DS game. Working at Build a Bear feels pretty surreal. I genuinely love making the kids that come in feel happy and feel welcome. I hope that those kids are able to look back and remember when they made their first “furry friend.” But there’s also a darker side to everything. I’ve had to stuff plenty of memorial bears. It’s heartbreaking. I’ve put in the recording of an in-utero heartbeat before the fetus had passed, I’ve put in recordings of dead relatives’ voices, and doing the heart ceremony for those bears is absolutely gut wrenching. It takes everything I have not to cry. It’s the worst when they’re dedicating a Bear to a dead child, or when they’re making a Bear for a child who isn’t coping well with the loss of a loved one. I’ve seen so many people break down and sob during this, I try my best to comfort them as much as possible. I’m not too sure if I’m going to stay with the company for a super long time, I’m still a college student. But I just hope that I’ve made a difference. I hope I’ve brought happiness and comfort to at least one person. Yes the corporate side of BAB sucks, having to meet sales goals, party goals and having to upsale our bears, sounds, scents, and clothing puts a bad taste in my mouth. But I understand that this is how corporations work. I just really hope I at least made one person happy though.

[@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

[@skandigraun]

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

[@mrmalio]

ikr lmao

[@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.

[@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.

[@michaelray4033]

My mom used to work for them. She made me a giant teddy bear when I was born. I've grown up of course, but I still have it.

[@nodesire9291]

that's so sweet

[@bladeschmitt5908]

Michael Ray awe cool story

[@sweetnsour3693]

How cute!

[@Katt-ci6gw]

“I’ve grown up of course” *hmmmmmmmmmmmm*

[@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

[@elihilbert1258]

I loved the website they used to have. I spent almost all of my "computer time" on it as a kid before it shut down.

[@hawk977]

Same. I wish it didn't shut down

[@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.

[@ShadeATV]

I did too, however I only have faint memories because I started olaying when I was three abd it shut down when I was five

[@flurrystrike2000]

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

[@grenbaygrl1]

Huh, I never knew about Build a Bear's shady start, but I always thought it was weird how there weren't more stores with similar concepts. I never got to go to Build a Bear growing up, but it did look like fun and I do know of adults who would go to get a limited addition bear or even just for shits and giggles. Another very interesting video!

[@catonfire5010]

Oh, it's FUN alright! I recommend

[@mariluzgallardo24]

Downtown Disney or disney springs as it’s called now have something similar with their dinosaur themed restaurant/store where u make ur own dinosaur it’s basically build a bear but Dino version

[@AnneIglesias]

My Pay Your Age experience was phenomenally weird but awesome. I was told about this by my mom, who said she’d like to come with me to help since my daughter was barely 2 years old. I was skeptical about going because my baby was too little to participate and I’ve always thought that BAB was more about the interactive experience rather than getting an actual bear. But I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity of having a nice quality bear for just two dollars. We got there a few minutes before the store was meant to open and yes, I definitely underestimated how many people would be there. The line snaked around the entire mall’s interior. I thought, “I can’t stand in a line like this with my little baby!” It was literally going to be HOURS. Because I was curious of its length, I asked my mom to take my baby to a quiet spot while I literally walked through half the mall just following the line. I made it to the very end of the line just as a BAB employee came up and said that they’re starting to turn people away. Because I got there just as she did, I was the very first person to receive a voucher for $15 off a bear, which I heard they ran out superquick. I waited almost a month to let the hype die down and redeem it. My little one fell in love with a bunny that was only $16, so I just paid a buck fifty for a plush she still loves today.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@anthonytorres4926]

I always laughed thinking this concept was too silly to be profitable. Then at DisneyWorld I stumbled into a workshop with ‘Baymax‘ and an adorably small Gangnam preppy shirt on. $80+ later I became a believer.

[@frenchwaffl]

I haven’t heard about anything about build a bear in a long time Ever since that day...

[@Trd2020]

The one in my local mall was closed a few years ago. I never really seen anyone in there

[@mariomaro7]

What day?

[@Raskolnikov70]

When you were in 'Nam and the bears came out of the trees? Yeah, I can see how that would be traumatic.

[@sweetnsour3693]

*flashbacks*

[@alexislennon4973]

@@mariomaro7 it must not be named #notaharrypotterrefrence

[@Blak2blue]

Also! Idaho had “create a critter” for a while... guess Maxine found them and put an end to them ):

[@embroideredragdoll]

Cindy Dahl we had one of those in Beaumaris (North Wales) were I got a cute little flamingo from

[@Raskolnikov70]

Nailgun to the back of the head? I hate when that happens......

[@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

[@carolinegatos]

I got my first bear when I was 9, I’m now 20 and I still sleep with it.

[@JoseRamos-hp2vg]

cute

[@jadas8686]

I got mine when I was 5 and I'm 16 today

[@izurukamukurasgf2439]

Aww!!! My sister works at build a bear and she has so many 😂

[@ShadeATV]

I got my first bears when I was 2. I only have 1 now (it’s the rabbit). I used to have a panda

[@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

[@MagdalenaRay61]

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

[@godminnette2]

I'm in my twenties. I went back to build-a-bear a couple times for Pokémon. They're so cute.

[@stephenbarabas6286]

Then you need therapy.

[@xtensioncordtv1969]

@@stephenbarabas6286 I really wish youtube didnt remove downvotes

[@elnabarboosk]

Stephen Barabas ok boomer

[@SynZ777]

@@xtensioncordtv1969 They have the thumbs down, which does jack shit these days.

[@PinkLady4]

For valentine's i ordered a pikachu for my bf.. gives me a reason to shop for outfits throughout the year now.

[@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

[@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

[@SparkHomeschool]

Anyone else remember “Teddy Crafters”? There was a teddy crafters store at our local mall and then it became a Build-a-bear... 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@RaymondJiang444]

For my elementary school class's 5th grade graduation, one of the gifts that every one of us got was a stuffed bear wearing a t-shirt with our class year printed on it. And yes, all those stuffed bears came from Build-A-Bear-Workshop.

[@aimee9287]

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

[@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

[@Wawagirl17]

As a 28-year-old girl who is obsessed with teddy bears and has a decent teddy bear collection on my shelves (none from Build-a-Bear, I think all of my old ones from when I was a kid got donated), this was a fun, adorable, and pleasant video!

[@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.

[@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.

[@hotwax9376]

Wow, I never knew that they'd used such underhanded tactics to get rid of their competition. I don't know if that changes my opinion of them too much, but it's certainly unsettling.

[@ariaalexandria3324]

Every company makes similar attempts. You have no idea how many patents there are over the most mundane things in technology.

[@breonawarren1507]

You’d be surprised at how many people do the same

[@sweetnsour3693]

Their “buy one get one free” deal was reeeeaaally good for Christmas, especially for 2 brothers. No matter how old you are, making a bear is always super fun. I even got one of those pink & purple closets for my animals by my aunt in Arizona! My cousin over there also had one, except she had way more items. This Christmas we went over there and she got her little brother a dodgers’ paw patrol dog.

[@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!

[@mitchellblake1475]

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

[@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.

[@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=

[@OfficeSupplyRobot]

My perception of the company has changed a little. However, I don't think I'll stop being a repeat customer of theirs. I'm always Build-a-Pokémon.

[@taaylor_marie23]

Brian Walsh we are coming out with two more in the summer!!

[@blemblem4502]

Taylor Smith is one a bulbasaur 🥺

[@cupcake18429]

@@blemblem4502 sorry for the late reply, but they do have a bulbasaur Build A Bear, although its an online exclusive. I think what the other person is referring to is the Jolteon that came out back in May (I think) and the Vaporeon thats coming out towards the end of this summer.

[@Allustar]

@@cupcake18429 Is that all you can say about the Vaporeon plush?

[@katylepetsos7512]

I’m planning on getting the Jolteon in stores because the on online doesn’t give you the option to just get the plushie without all the extra crap that comes with it.

[@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.

[@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 ❤️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤🤍🤎💔❣️💕💞💓💗💖💘💝

[@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

[@InfectedChris]

I haven't even started this yet but I needed something like this on a day stuck in my apartment.

[@garywilliams6124]

@Leah Gladue ???

[@HYDRAdude]

I can't believe you didn't point out the terribly irony in having a business based around Teddy bears engaging in shady monopolistic practices, considering the Teddy was named after Teddy Roosevelt, the same man known as the "trust buster" for breaking up monopolies.

[@chiptankgirl]

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

[@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

[@FlowerMama23]

There's a Build-A-Bear inside my local Wal-Mart.

[@bleeploughly6311]

FlowerGames same, I thought it was kinda weird when I first saw it but it’s kinda perfect.

[@jaustill237]

Evilception!

[@theroadtocosplayandcomicco5840]

@• SouthernBellsBunny • mine has a KFC

[@ChuckE.CheesesIllinois]

There's a Chuck E Cheese with a Build-A-Bear

[@amoonnotfound6439]

The nearest build a bear location in my country is the Doha festival city

[@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 ?

[@whitbychick911]

I'm 27 and I had my first Build a Bear experience during my first date when I was 14. We definitely went for the experience of it all, exchanged bears we built eachother, it was a cute outing at 14. Not something I would buy into still today. Except, that I totally do! My nieces and nephews only recieve Build a Bears from me! They are very high quality bears, but most importantly, will repair or restuff any Build a Bear you return to the store, making them last forever. I love that they can stand behind their product like that. My 14 year old relationship obviously didn't last, but I still have the Build a Bear, and he looks as good as the day I (first) stuffed him!

[@nunyabidness117]

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

[@theenzoferrari458]

Lmfao

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 =)

[@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!

[@averyhamilton4945]

I still have my first Build a Bear I made in ‘98 or ‘99 I believe, and it is still in good condition. I plan on passing in down to my kids (when I have them) and taking them to make their first bears too one day.

[@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.

[@Copperflash]

As a younger kid it used to feel like the most magical experience on earth. Most weekends my mum would take me to the shopping mall, and I always asked to go in Build a Bear, usually I’d go in to pick an outfit for an existing bear, but every once in a while, maybe if it was a special occasion, or I got a good report at school, I’d be able to get a new bear. I always loved it because it was like a reward to me. And I loved how the teddy bears felt warm after they’d been stuffed. I think overall the thing that makes build a bear so special to so many kids is how personalised and engaging the experience is, but I think the success of that particular company (since there have been other, similar, businesses) is mainly down to a mixture of pure luck and good leadership. But seriously, when I was little I loved Build a Bear so much that I had my 5th birthday party there!

[@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.

[@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.

[@rea1cyru5]

I love how the number of Locations at 3:19 is measured in increments of half a location. What's the going rate for half?

[@Otterplus]

I guess that’s referring to the kiosk style. My local mall recently got one and it’s weird.

[@Zestrayswede]

That probably happens 'cause he's so zoomed in on the graph and maybe the software does that automatically.

[@companyman114]

No reason for showing halves there. That's just how the graph was generated and I didn't realize how silly that was until it was too late. Doesn't make anything incorrect, just unnecessary. My fault.

[@taaylor_marie23]

I work for the company, BABW is a fantastic company to work for. This video was pretty accurate and very well done. I worked the Pay Your Age Day, and not only did corporate take care of the guests by sending every Bonus Club Member a coupon, but they also gave every employee a free bear because of the craziness. That right there is enough for me to know that we are actually cared for as employees! And even now during the whole Corona Virus, they are paying all of their employees. I’m so thankful for this company.

[@IftiAlam1999]

That Darth Vader bear kind of changed my perspective towards the character

[@nickhelder212]

I worked in the mall during pay your age day.... It was absolutely crazy, but they actually gave out the coupons relatively quickly and I saw lots of happy kids throughout the next month beaming with their new friends. I think it just stressed out parents in the moment

[@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.

[@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...

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!😊

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@annoythedonkey]

It’s finally here Wednesday at noon!

[@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!

[@TeddEdd]

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

[@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

[@darkwinter6028]

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

[@Hawkfire360]

Build-a-Bear Workshop was a huge part of my childhood, and I still have a high appreciation for the concept as a dorky adult. I always appreciated the personalized component of the product, superficial as it may be. Even if this Pikachu I bought at age 19 was mass produced, I stuffed it, put it in a Ghostbusters costume, and named it Voltzmann, so it's unique.

[@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.

[@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.

[@AverytheCubanAmerican]

Their promotions like the Child certainly keep them alive. Still relevant