Press Release

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 11, 2006--The Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) second annual meeting of stockholders as a public company, was held today at the McDonnell Center at River Camp at the Saint Louis Zoo. Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Bear Maxine Clark, reviewed the company's fiscal 2005 activities and highlighted plans for growth in 2006.

In her remarks to stockholders, Clark stated, "Our fiscal 2005 performance showed our continued ability to drive superior sales per square foot, high gross margin and expense leverage, and to deliver significant net income growth, even on flat comp store sales. So far in fiscal 2006 we have made progress on several important strategic initiatives, including the acquisition of The Bear Factory and our franchisee in the United Kingdom. The construction of our new Ohio distribution center remains on schedule and on budget with plans to become operational in September 2006. And, we continue to grow our international franchise family with the recent addition of Russia and Singapore."

Clark also noted that Barney Ebsworth, a director of the company, has agreed to serve as director emeritus following today's meeting. Commenting on Mr. Ebsworth, Clark added, "Barney was my first business partner in developing our company. His support, sound judgment and savvy business sense have guided me over the years. Thank you Barney."

During the meeting, company stockholders elected two Class II directors to serve until the 2009 annual meeting of stockholders. The elected directors include, William Reisler, co-founder and managing partner of Kansas City Equity Partners, a private equity firm, and Coleman Peterson, president and chief executive officer of Hollis Enterprises LLC, a human resources consulting firm, and former executive vice president human resources, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

In addition, company stockholders approved the appointment of KPMG LLP to serve as independent auditors for fiscal 2006.

Build-A-Bear Workshop expects to open approximately 30 new Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) stores in the United States and Canada and approximately five new friends 2B made(R) stores in fiscal 2006. In the United Kingdom, the company plans to open three to five new Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in fiscal 2006; international franchisees expect to open up to 20 new stores.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currently operates more than 240 stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. The addition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia and Australia make Build-A-Bear Workshop the leader in interactive retail. In November 2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffed animals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made(R) stores, where Guests can make their own doll friends. In April 2006, Build-A-Bear Workshop acquired The Bear Factory Limited and Amsbra, Ltd. adding company-owned stores in the United Kingdom and Ireland. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $362 million in fiscal 2005. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com and www.friends2bmade.com.

TRADEMARKS

We would like to thank you for your interest in covering our business. As you write your story, we would ask that you use our full Name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) and that when referencing the process of 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.

CONTACT:
The Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.
Investors:
Molly Salky, 314-423-8000 x5353
or
Media:
Jill Saunders, 314-423-8000 x5293

SOURCE: The Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.