Press Release

Beary Special Cause Programs Allow Customers To Financially Support Children’s Wellness, Literacy, Wildlife Preservation and Animal Shelters

St. Louis, MO (October 16, 2003) - This holiday season, Build-A-Bear Workshop provides gift-givers an opportunity to give back when purchasing one of nine beary special animals. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each of these nine furry friends is donated to support causes that are important to Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests.

Nikki's Bear - A portion of the proceeds from the Sales of this un-bear-lievably soft furry friend help children with cancer and their families through programs that provide support, treatment and research.
World Wildlife Fund Collectibear® Friends - The beary limited edition Lion, Leopard and Panda complete a series of World Wildlife Fund co-branded plush animals that support efforts to protect endangered animals and their habitats.
Bearemy's Kennel Pals™ - A portion of the proceeds from these beary playful pups, the Beagle, Westie, Golden Retriever, and Black Labrador, are specifically targeted to support local animal shelters and also provide funding for animals in crisis situations.
Read Teddy™ - Children's literacy is a cause Build-A-Bear Workshop supports through this furbulous friend. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this friend helps provide new books to low-income children through First Book®.
A complete list of Build-A-Bear Workshop furry friends is available at www.buildabear.com.

This season, Build-A-Bear Workshop provides a variety of ways for gift-givers to bring smiles to the faces of friends and family while giving back to the community.

"Something magical happens when you visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop, you discover the fun of creating something new," said Build-A-Bear Workshop Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark. "This creative experience is enhanced through our cause animals. The response of our guests, of all ages, tells us they care as much as we do about these important causes."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is the innovator and leader of the make-your-own-stuffed-animal concept for mall-base retailing and operates a very successful e-commerce business. By the end of 2003 there will be more than 150 locations in the USA including four stores in Canada. Build-A-Bear Workshop aims to establish a global brand over the next five years, with franchise plans across Europe, the Middle East and the Far East. For more information, call (888) 560-BEAR (2327) or visit the company's Web site at www.buildabear.com.