Press Release
How Kids Play Today... in the Real and Virtual World Build-A-Bear Workshop and Build-A-Bearville Presenting at Kids@Play, Consumer Electronics Show January 7-8, 2010
With over 200 virtual worlds for kids in existence or in development today, Build-A-Bearville(R) is one of the only virtual worlds for kids integrated with actual retail store locations in the United States. Build-A-Bearville, launched in December 2007, enhances the experience of Build-A-Bear Workshop, extending the social engagement that begins in the store with the creation of each new furry friend.
"Because of the unique perspective with our real world stores and the extension into our virtual world we see firsthand, how kids blend the way they play. This new generation of kids is changing the boundaries of play between traditional and virtual types of interaction," said Dave Finnegan, Build-A-Bear Workshop chief information and logistics bear.
Finnegan is a featured panelist and presenter at the 2010 Kids@Play children's technology program which takes place during the Consumer Electronics Show Jan. 7-11.
An example of how soft touch and high tech experiences can result in total brand engagement is demonstrated by recent survey results from Build-A-Bear Workshop:
- One out of every three Guests who visit buildabearville.com have recently visited a Build-A-Bear Workshop store.
- Forty percent of all girls eight through 12 and nearly 50% of girls age 10 through 11 registered their stuffed animals made at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores online in Build-A-Bearville.
- Nearly 17% of kids got their first furry friend from Build-A-Bear Workshop after they joined Build-A-Bearville.
Finnegan will discuss this topic as part of his presentation on the Build-A-Bear Workshop virtual world, Build-A-Bearville.
"The interactivity of the in-store Build-A-Bear Workshop experience is the foundation for our Guest engagement with Build-A-Bearville," said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. "Today's kids want to combine their experiences and the friendships they develop in the real world with those in the virtual world. This process is seamless for them and a part of their everyday lives. Our aim is to provide positive real and virtual world experiences to reflect children's imaginations and natural interest in learning, sharing and having fun."
Since opening its first store in 1997, the company has had a tradition of encouraging child and parent input to help guide the business. The first Cub Advisory Board, started in l997, was comprised of children ages five through 18, who offered their suggestions on products, services and programs. This group evolved to its present online form, and incorporated the Jr. CyBearGuide(R) program, which allows qualified, safety trained members to answer questions, and give online tours for buildabearville.com. The Build-A-Bearville Parent Advisory Panel was formed in 2008 to give input on products, services, in store and online programs and features. The online safety program is an example of this collaboration, developed in conjunction with parents, teachers, children and industry experts with "how to" information and tips for playing safe online. In 2008, Build-A-Bearville received the I-Parenting Award and in 2009 Build-A-Bearville earned the WiredKids Best of the Web - Award sponsored by WiredSafety.org and was honored with the 2009 Socially Safe Seal and Socially Safe Kids Seal from SociallySafe.org.
Build-A-Bear Workshop believes in the teddy bear philosophy of being good people and good bears by emphasizing programs that mirror community service in both its real and virtual worlds. A recent example is the Toys for Tots partnership which triggered over 100,000 toys given to the U.S. Marines to distribute to children across the country this past holiday. The company gives Guests a voice in supporting the causes that are important to them and through its corporate donations and foundation grant programs has given more than $25 million to children's health and wellness, animals, literacy and other important causes.
With new games and expanded content added frequently, Build-A-Bearville adds value by providing a variety of fun, educational and engaging content for kids and making the experience in both the real and virtual space better than ever. Whether it's The Chloe Show, featuring exclusive interviews with favorite celebrities, interacting with other kids in one of the mini games or quests, or attending special events, the 'world' is continuously changing with creative, fresh and original experiences to stay relevant to kids.
"Children and their parents have helped us develop a space that combines fun, learning and community service. We are in a new world of play for kids and we want Build-A-Bearville to be one of their top choices," said Finnegan. "We are committed to partner with parents, technology experts and other leading industry organizations to provide great value and high quality experience while making the space a safe and fun virtual extension of kids' real world experience."
For interviews or questions, contact Jill Saunders at 314-422-4523 or jills@buildabear.com
On Jan 7-8, - Dave Finnegan, Build-A-Bear Workshop chief information and logistics bear, is featured as panelist and presenter at 2010 Kids@Play children's technology program taking place at the Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas.
About Build-A-Bear Workshop
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the leading and only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in 1997, the company and its franchisees currently operate more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshopstores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and France, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia and Africa. In 2007, the interactive experience was enhanced - all the way to CyBEAR(TM)space - with the launch of buildabearville.com(R), the company's virtual world stuffed with fun. The company was named to the 2009 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For(R) list. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $468 million in fiscal 2008. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web site at buildabear.com(R).
Parental permission may be required to access buildabearville.com. Visit buildabearville.com for details.
TRADEMARKS
We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As you write your story, we wouldask that you use our full Name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R)and that when referencing the processof making stuffed animals you use the word "make" not "build."
Build-A-Bear Workshop is our well-known trade name and our registered trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc.Build-A-Bear Workshop(R)should only be used in capital letters to refer to our products and services and should not be used as a verb.
SOURCE: Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Jill Saunders, 314-423-8000, ext. 5293
Cell: 314-422-4523
jills@buildabear.com
or
Shannon Lammert, 314-423-8000, ext. 5379
Cell: 314-556-8841
shannonl@buildabear.com