Build-A-Bear Workshop opens new ICON Park Orlando location on Nov. 5 with 3 exclusive experiences

Build-A-Bear Workshop will include three all-new immersive product experiences featuring Pokémon, Hello Kitty and Friends, and Promise Pet.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, the global retailtainment brand known for adding a little more heart to life, today offers a first look at three distinct Workshop experiences that will be inside its highly anticipated new multi-level location at Orlando's ICON Park, officially opening on Thursday, Nov. 5.

The new Build-A-Bear Workshop location will feature the first-ever Build-A-Bear x Pokémon Workshop, the brand's fourth Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, and the debut of Promise Pets by Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Each fully themed space will bring a distinct world to life through immersive storytelling, hands-on personalization, and memorable moments designed for guests of all ages

"ICON Park represents a defining moment for Build-A-Bear as we continue to evolve into a true destination brand," said Chris Hurt, Chief Executive Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

"By bringing beloved franchises and original concepts together in one immersive environment, we're creating new ways for guests to connect, personalize, and make lasting memories. This is the future of Build-A-Bear, where storytelling and emotional connection come to life in bigger, more meaningful ways."

A Preview of What's to Come: Discovery, Fandom and Play 

Each planned specialty shop will deliver a distinct experience while seamlessly integrating into the larger Workshop environment, encouraging exploration, personalization and shareable moments throughout the visit.

Build-A-Bear x Pokémon Workshop 

A first-of-its-kind Pokémon specialty shop for Build-A-Bear, this environment will bring the world of Pokémon to life through exclusive product experiences, recognizable iconography, and bold visuals. Designed as an immersive fan destination, the space will invite Trainers of all ages to celebrate their fandom with collectible plush, apparel, and photo-worthy experiences.

"Pokémon has always been about exploration, discovery, and the joy of connection, and this new Build-A-Bear experience at ICON Park will bring those elements to life," said Amy Sachtleben from The Pokémon Company International. "We're excited for our fans to step into a space designed just for Trainers, where they can celebrate their love of Pokémon through Build-A-Bear's distinct make-your-own experience, while creating unforgettable moments."

Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop 

This vibrant, highly visual destination will immerse guests in the world of Hello Kitty through dreamy pink visuals, custom fixtures, and unmistakable brand storytelling designed to delight fans of all ages. A curated assortment of Hello Kitty and Friends plush available only at ICON Park brings a sense of rarity and collectability that makes the visit feel extra special.

"We're proud to expand our relationship with Build-A-Bear after a successful past year opening three distinct Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty and Friends® Workshops that bring together the best of both brands," said Jill Koch, Chief Brand Officer, Sanrio Inc. "Having our fourth collab store inside Build-A-Bear's most iconic Workshop yet creates a powerful new stage to engage fans and bring our characters to life in fresh, immersive ways." 

Promise Pets by Build-A-Bear Workshop 

A heart-led, interactive environment centered on nurturing play, Promise Pets will invite guests to "adopt" their new plush companion in a thoughtfully designed adoption-style experience. The space is being built to spark imagination and emotional connection while encouraging empathy and storytelling through pet care play.

"Promise Pets is one of our most successful original concepts because it captures what Build-A-Bear does best: turning personalization, storytelling, and emotional connection into a meaningful experience for guests," said Kim Utlaut, Chief Brand Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Bringing this proprietary brand to ICON Park gives us a powerful way to showcase the strength of our own IP alongside beloved licensed franchises, while creating an adoption-inspired destination that adds even more heart, play, and imagination to the overall Workshop experience."

In addition to the three specialty shops, the new Build-A-Bear Workshop will feature a number of exclusive experiences.

Build-A-Bear Design Studio:

A first-of-its-kind, appointment-only plush atelier where guests collaborate one-on-one with a dedicated Design Consultant to create a truly one-of-a-kind furry friend. Guests explore an exclusive library of premium fabrics, textures, and materials available only here within the Design Studio. Every detail, from preferred animal style to fur type and shade, to eye color and paw design and more, is selected through a highly personalized design experience. Interactive digital tools bring each creation to life before it is built, allowing guests to visualize and refine their design every step of the way. Once finalized, guests can watch one of Build-A-Bear's skilled seamstresses personally create their bespoke furry friend. The experience culminates in an exciting reveal of the designed bear, Build-A-Bear's signature Heart Ceremony, and exclusive keepsakes, including a special birth certificate and Design Studio Cub Condo. The Design Studio builds on the brand's iconic make-your-own experience, taking it to brand-new heights to deliver an unforgettable design experience and one-of-a-kind memory.

Build-A-Bear Bakeshop:

An interactive dessert destination that extends the fun well beyond the make-your-own experience. Rather than a traditional café, the Bakeshop gives guests the creative freedom to frost and decorate their own cupcakes and cookies as they please, for a true hands-on experience that's hard to resist. Whether it's a birthday, a day out with friends, or a spur-of-the-moment treat, the Bakeshop adds colorful, photo-worthy moments to every visit.

Personalize Me:

Guests can add an additional personal touch to any furry friend's wardrobe at Build-A-Bear's 'Personalize Me' station, including custom embroidered initials, names, numbers and more for T-shirts and hoodies. They can also personalize further with patches and select custom screen prints or even embroider the ears of select furry friends. It's a lasting detail that makes every furry friend unmistakably their own.

Build-A-Bear's ICON Park location is being designed as a destination experience, combining immersive retail, experiential storytelling and customization to reimagine what a Build-A-Bear Workshop can be. Across the space, guests will be able to explore, personalize, and create, culminating in signature moments like the brand's iconic Heart Ceremony.

Additional details on the grand opening celebration on Nov. 5 will be announced in the coming weeks.

Learn more at buildabear.com/ICONPark.

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