Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 by current CEO Maxine Clark. The first workshop was in the Saint Louis Galleria.
In 2006, the company acquired the Bear Factory, a London based business owned by Hamleys.
By 2007, there were over 400 stores and over 50 million bears had been sold.
The majority of Build A Bear workshops are located in shopping malls but the company has recently expanded to open some locations in MLB stadiums.
The company has recently partnered with other companies to produce special lines including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Wizards of Waverly Place and Shrek.
Build A Bear WorkshopBuild-A-Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 by current CEO Maxine Clark. The first workshop was in the Saint Louis Galleria.
In 2006, the company acquired the Bear Factory, a London based business owned by Hamleys.
By 2007, there were over 400 stores and over 50 million bears had been sold.
History
The majority of Build A Bear workshops are located in shopping malls but the company has recently expanded to open some locations in MLB stadiums.
The company has recently partnered with other companies to produce special lines including Alvin and the Chipmunks, Wizards of Waverly Place and Shrek.
Let me first state that I love Build A Bear. I took my Grandchildren a few years ago and they talked about it since. So I put money aside to surprise them on Saturday. We get there and the entire store is filled with people, large and small. Literally. We attempt to walk through, as a Grandmother having zero clue where to go, how to begin the process, and nearly unable to keep my wee ones close. We get in line ( guessing this may be step one) . I was so confused on how to proceed , not a employee around as they were so busy. My Grandchildren knew what to grab and we did this as we stood in line with someone holding our spot. ( they grab clothes, shoes, tiara, etc. We finally get our turn to fill, she did her best to make it fun but …… !?&$. We then stand in line ( again ) with zero direction, do not get our bears dressed, a birth certificate, or any direction of any kind.
I then pay $109.00, We get in our car and dress our bear! Please , find a way during busy times to help Grandparents know where to go, what to do and make EACH child’s experience fun , ( It should be for hundreds of dollar. Thank you.
I have been to the local build a bear here in Albuquerque about 6 times in the past 3 months, I have paid with my phone or watch every time but only after the staff argues with me that they can not accept that type of payment. every time it goes threw my bank and the receipt prints at the register. This is always done in front of my children and is disheartening. I own a retail and know that the cc possessing center that possesses their credit cards accepts my payment type.
What department is responsible for building Build A Bear Workshops?
When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new feedback are added- checkbox and now each time a remark is added I get four emails with the same comment. Is there any means you can take away me from that service? Thanks!
I arrived at Easton town center in Columbus, Ohio shortly after 9am, and we stuffed our furry friends at 6:30pm. Because of this deal, I was able to treat my children and my nephews and niece to a special day and an experience I could not have otherwise afforded. I’d gotten gift cards for half price at a prior visit, so for all 7 kids I spent a mere $25 out of my single momma pocket. I SAVED $160.00 according to my receipt!!!
I’ve heard horror stories of other locations. I’ve heard accounts about “devastated, inconsolable children”. I’ve read gripes about how a $15 voucher simply for showing up “didn’t compare to the pay your age deal”. NONE of this was my experience at the Easton location. Although they opened at 10 am and had likely had the most chaotic and stressful day of their employment, when it was our turn at 6:30pm EVERY SINGLE EMPLOYEE was as cheerful, helpful, patient, kind, and fun as they’ve been at every other visit. The manager, Amy, was outside mingling with the crowd from 9am when I arrived until I’m sure far past the time I left. She answered questions. She played with kids. She listened to angry rants. She passed out vouchers and I’m sure probably heard far more complaints than compliments and gratitude. And not ONCE did I see her lose her cool. Easton as a whole passed out hundreds of umbrellas to provide shade as people waited in line, began making FREE lemon shakeups to beat the heat and recharge us all a bit, and passed out countless bottles of water at no expense as well. A lady on stilts walked through the crowd posing for pictures with kids. Employees from other stores walked through the line giving offers for free samples to be redeemed on another day. And security was present all day to keep the crowd in order, traffic at bay, and even provide first aid on a couple occasions. And although I had some frustrating words with one in particular driving at unsafe speeds through the crowd ”because he could”, I later saw him dancing, laughing, & joking with kids in the crowd and am certain our interaction was just not his best moment.
The day was long, hot, and too SO MUCH LONGER than I’d expected, but we enjoyed more electronic-free quality time than we’ve had in a long time, took a break to play in the fountains, had a picnic lunch, and met some great people around us. We sang goofy songs and looked at all our choice online (please bring the sharks & more dinos into the store! Haha) and danced in the street… I know this was much bigger than anyone had expected, no one could have predicted the insanity this offer generated, and sure, it could’ve been MUCH more organized. but Build-A-Bear Easton was so completely incredible!!! (and I’m certain they weren’t the only ones) Thank you for hangin in there with us, and for making the kids’ and families’ experiences just as special well into the evening as those at 10am. Pat yourselves on the back and have a bottle of wine knowing you did a spectacular job!!! We will be singing your praises for a long long time…
I’m an adult, we came to the mall and saw the several hundred other people already in front of us and the line cut off by police and mall security. We were given a $15.00 coupon so we came back the next day only to find out that you have to be a club member for ti to be any good. Do you think it would have been decent to be told that ahead of time. Brandon mall every employee there rude, unprofessional (children) that have made it factual that I will never pass that threshold again. We did meet one very nice employee and if I hadn’t been so aggravated before we got to her I would have ask for her name to give her some praise.
took my 2 yr old grandson to age pay event very disappointed on how little organized it was. if you had to go to bathroom lost place in line. a 2 yr old is not going to stand,sit in a line for hours. they get hungry and tired. I am disabled and on a scooter. plus i am 65 years old and have taken my kids and grand kids to many events and nothing as bad as that event . we did not get into store and left very upset saw many kids crying took my grandson to Kohls and bought him a toy
I was at your event yesterday at Valley River Center, Eugene, OR Great idea very poorly planned The mall was not prepared and seemed surprised by the turn out. There should have been more employees and it would’ve been a good idea to start earlier. There were only two girls there at the beginning then for but still not enough one girl was in tears. There was only one girl stuffing the Bears even though there are two areas that could’ve been used. I felt very bad for the employees they were put under a lot of stress. It was also hard on the small children parents did the best they could to entertain and keep them happy. Once we got up to the front and they marked my grandchildren‘s bears with their ages I asked if they could go home and I could just stay online and pay the manager said no the children have to stay until the items are paid for. I felt at that point it was not necessary to keep them there any longer.
Each member should list their children or grandchildren‘s birthdays and receive a voucher in the mail for that month to avoid the chaos that happened yesterday.
I’ve been a member for a very long time and enjoy visiting build a bear our area desperately needs a build a bear store not a kiosk it is small and in adequate for our area. People from Southern Oregon come up to Valley River to go to the kiosk I don’t understand why they don’t put one in the Gateway mall so that we have a larger build a bear store.
Thank you for your time
Brenda Stephenson
Hello my name is Scott I am 10. I was really upset over your pay your age day. My parent where unable to get near the mall and needless to say I didn’t get one. I really wanted the Jurassic Blue.
I have come up with a few great ideas to help redo pay your age day. First I think using kids to do advertising may work better. I feel that we know and understand what kids want. I am more than willing to do my part. (SPOKES Model)! Second allow the management to bring their kids in to help sell during your next pay your age day. Doing it this will give your company a more family friendly face too! I it’s a win! Win! situation.
If the company or the CEOs Maxine K. Clark, Tina Klocke
COO: Teresa Kroll has any questions please feel free to contact me. looking forward to hearing from you.
Sad Little bear Scott
Ive very upset about today i took off work to take my 2yr old granddaughter to build a bear got there really early bc i assumed i would have a long wait in line which was fine she was so excited i packed snacks,juice etc even put her a pull up just in case we couldnt get out of line for restroom breaks get to the Haywood Mall Greenville SC of course line is out of this world we get our place in line after hours of waiting only to be told they had cut the line off and they stated they would hand out 15 off coupons which never happened Im so disappointed why didnt you guys prepare for this I sure you realized school is out kids and some parents are free It was very disappointing to have to leave with a crying child bc shes been told shes going to get to build her very own doggie. I took off time from work for nothing stood in line for hours for nothing I feel you guys should make it right its bad business to advertise something then not be prepared for it..
I am writing due to the horrific experience I just went through this morning when attending your build a bear pay your age work shop @ knoxville tn . I am a grandmother of 3 girls ( ages 1,3,4,) this experince was unbelivable all what you did is lost costumers and leaving children crying you should ask one of the employers of the store to go to. kinkos and print 1000 vouchers and go thru the lines with a black marker and enter the child age and. parents name and pass them along to be render within 30 days
instead you offer a 15 % discount to over 1000 people waiting for hrs. with children’s , babies of all ages , you lost customer and left children crying what a horrible way to do buisness
Today was terrible….. I don’t know who had the idea of doing the pay your age and not being able to come through but this was sad . We stood in line for this event with a 7 week old newborn just to be told our efforts where for nothing and they were closing the door ! This is a shame and I’m
Not sure we will ever purchase from you all again .
I just wanted make sure it is recognized that Ashley and the staff at Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee were OUTSTANDING. My daughters and I waited in line for five hours before entering the store. The staff handled the situation with smiles on their faces, cheering Build-A-Bear cheers in the halls, and were very helpful. THANK YOU to Build-A-Bear staff at Mayfair Mall for making the most out of the situation that was at hand!
I am writing this short and sweet. I guess you know the event this morning was not planned very well. I know you tried to do something nice for all the kids. But it went wrong fast. I stood in line for 5 hours and had to leave because the line just never seemed to get shorter ? my babies became restless and I just couldn’t keep them there any longer. I hope you can try and make good on the people that stood and waited for as little by as they could. I had 2 six yr olds boys and a 3 yr old girl.
Thank you
Margaret Tellez.
cbarton1214@gmail. This was a horrible event!!!!!!!!! All these children excited to get bears and couldn’t waiting in lines for hours people fighting!! I my self was at this event today with 4 grandchild one with special needs !! After hearing build a Bear employee telling you stay in line pay for Bear and I can come back later !!!! For really they should of never host a event until them had a game plan !!!!!!!! This was worst than Black Friday!!!!!
The experience that my daughter and I had today was not a good one.
My six year old daughter and I attended the build-a-bear pay your age. We were excited as she wanted to make a bear for her unborn sister. While in line we were told that they were closing down the line and that we would be given a $15 off coupon for our next time in. We were also told after the line was closed we all needed to leave. When handed the $15 off coupon I asked why we were not all given a voucher for that day. After all we had all showed up to attend just the same as the people that were ahead of the line closure. I was told “well sorry we didn’t anticipate the turn out.” It was not even for sure that all the bears would be gone once the people in the front were done. This
is not acceptable to me what so ever. I felt my daughter and I were discriminated against. The promotion says nothing about a time limit or supplies limited or any such thing. I got there an hour and a half before opening it is not like we waited 5 minutes before closing. Behind me where 100+ people who got turned away and (because we had to have them with us for the promotion) 200+ upset children. This was incredibly unfair that we were there the same as everyone else but because of something we ourselves had no control over were treated differently than the line before us. I feel that there should have been rein checks given. It says a “one-day-only-deal’. That should be honored. I had only been in the store once a couple months prior, but after this experience I doubt I will be taking my kids here.
Amanda Nichols
Amanda_E_82@ msn.com
we went to the pay your age event and waited in line for a few hours and by the time the store opened the lines were already closed and I have to very upset kids who cried all the way home because they didn’t get one I’m very disappointed in your company for not having enough for everyone and some how you should make it right for the children who didn’t get one
my daughter is still at this event at the Columbia mall. she got there at 10:00 and it is now 5:00 pm, she has still not gotten into store. her children 3 and 5 have spent the entire day and now they are being told that she can only get $15.00 off coupon and not sure what will be available to even build a bear. this is outrageous on your part. why didn’t you plan better? why didn’t those who showed up given a rein check when you realized your promotion as advertised could not be completed. seems you are not a company that keeps it word or promotions. it is sad that all these children and parents, some who probably took time off from work will be disappointed. you should make this right. send my daughter a letter indicating that her two children can come to your store before Christmas and get the bear at the cost you said. step up and do what is right. angry grandmom….
I took my 2 young boys today to your build a bear pay your age work shop @ the Holyoke Malls in Holyoke, MA. We were in line from around 8am and at around 930am security cut the line. No one from the store came out to speak to us and we were promised coupons to come back at a later time.
Needless to say my 2 boys were very disappointed after waiting over an 1 hour and half, and then they almost witnessed a fight as people in line tried to cut past the security guard and other folks in the front of the line trying to be one of the few that got in to the store. The security guards were very disrespectful and not very helpful.
We were told those who could not get in would be given a coupon. We were turned away and didn’t my kids didn’t get the bears they came for and we didn’t get the coupon neither.
We finally left sInce the line was shut down and there were many parents swearing and being very nasty and aggressive. We are frequent visitors of Build a Bear and I would like to request two of those Coupons. Please email me at cresto@ hotmail.com. I would appreciate hearing back from you.
Carlos Resto – Dad
I was in line for the Pay your age promotion in Fresno, Ca. After waiting 3 hours, the employeesstarted, that the deal was over. They said, That they would pass out $15 vouchers. we waited longer. Nobody came out. When I asked an employee about it, the yelledout me, and told me to wait. That was very unprofessional. I left the line with my daughter broken hearted. I’m very upset, for the treatment.
I am not sure if anyone at cooperate will even reads this or care how many kids they disappointed and left crying today. I personally tried to call cooperate office numbers after all the insanity of their first pay your age day. I am a very frequent customer of build a bear workshops as I have raised my kids to build a bear experiences at least 3 or 4 times a year spending hundred everytime I go in to now rasing my 4 granddaughters on that same experience and been a member of the build a bear rewards system since it came out. While we do not have a build a bear in our town we drive an hour and a half to 2 and half hours to take the kids. So when we saw about the pay your age we found it a perfect opportunity to take the kids and they were so excited all week to go. For 2 of them it was gonna be their first time and their first bears from their, we have a 2 month old, 3 month old, 2 year old, 3 year old, and 4 year old. So for us this day was a great opportunity to walk out not paying the typically 200 we pay to take this. I have worked in management or own my own business for many years as a company your knew this was gonna be an off the chart day as a company at every location and you as a company were no where prepared. Media, social media pages, newsstations promoted this day to now leave millions of children disappointed and those who do not understand crying because they were turned away. Lines were crazy and closed down. After driving close to 100 miles to our closest build a bear with 5 children under the age of 4 we knew lines would be insaned but never expected to be turned away and told that lines were shut down and build a bear would not honor anymore children today. We left with 5 crying kids at the lakeline mall location in Austin. I called customer relationships and told that they were told that build a bear were handing out 15 off coupons but we never were offered any. This is unacceptable, there were not enough staff on hand, no security hired by the stores, stores were not no where prepared for what the company knew would be worse than a black Friday line. This event should have been a week long event and by email only for those members only and not to just anyone if as a company you were not prepared to handle the crowds. I am very disappointed with build a bear which is suppose to be a happy place for kids to enjoy ended up being a place that disappointed and left so many younger toddlers crying today. Shame on you……
Dear Guest Services
I am writing due to the horrific experience I just went through this morning when attending your build a bear pay your age work shop @ the Holyoke Malls in Holyoke, MA . I am a single working mother of two children, I missed worked today took out my son out his daycare program (he is turning 3 on 07/28/2018 ) I also have a 18 month old and I was in line until this very minute from the time of 8:00 a.m. Needless to say, that for children since they have to be present is a long time. We were in the middle of the line, when mall security (Holyoke Mall, Holyoke, MA) started moving people when moving people they allowed people to cut in front of several people that were waiting in line and when I asked they actually shooed me away and were very disrespectful.
We were they were shutting down the line and we should be happy we were able to get in. In addition, we were told those who could not get in would be given a coupon. One woman cut off two or three people when someone spoke up the woman was cursing in front of the kids, and mall security did nothing.
I went there with the expectation that I would have to wait several hours. I came prepared with snacks and carriage but this was managed to horribly. I would have had someone taking names of families as they showed up to cut down on people pushing and cutting, security showed have already had the lines designated where people would stand and let the families come in as they called by order on the list. You could have had extra staff come in once you got to the maximum number of persons you could serve they could have taken the names of the remainder of the people who would not be able to get inthan you ask people to write names for them to at least receive one coupon. This trip cost me a day wasted at work with the results my children and me leave about 5 hours in line empty handed.
The disrespect and disappointment I I experienced was devastating I was in the middle of the line and as security pushed to allow other mall traffic through me and my children ended up towards the end. I was afraid of retaliation by others in line if I spoke up because there were many parents swearing and being very aggressive. I am a frequent visitor of Build a Bear. I would like to request two of those Coupons. I have a 2 year old and an 18 month old. I had to after 5 hours after several people continued to cut and the mall security said nothing. I am not sure if the security guard felt threatened or just did not want to have any confrontations because of so many children around. Please you may contact me at my number
I would appreciate a response or acknowledgement from you or a company representative.
Respectfully Submitted,
Proud mom of two beautiful boys
we went to this event as well in michigan and i pretty much had the same experience they need to make this right for the kids who didn’t get anything
I am not sure who actually receives and responds to these messages. (IN regards to sending this via email amd FB message). I am also adding it here. Someone suggested I send this idea over. Usually, I just let ideas like this ride in my mind and they stay there. I am a stay at home mother of two. I have been out of the business world a long time. Since the birth of our second. I know the promotion turned into a chaotic situation. I also know you already have a birthday month bear. However, I posted on a friend’s page an alternative for a family friendly event that might blend well the promotion that just ran, but have built in crowd control. I wonder if it wouldn’t have a good 12 month run as well? With good upsale potentials. Which is about getting more people into the store and for those who desire the experience for their family, to have a more fluid and fun time. Win/Win The rest falls into place. I do not pretend to know how this works. I am taking a leap and throwing this out there. I am just copying and pasting most of my original post. “The smarter promotion could have been, get a bear for the price of your kids age on your birthday. Bring your kids in, show your license, and bam, you get the promotion and so do all your kids. It is the same promotion, just spread out. Rather than giving away the whole kit and kaboodle on the same day to everyone. It might have worked better in the long run and the upsales would have been good for the company in the long term. They could have run that promotion for a full year. Brings people in and has some crowd control built in. Plus, after a while lines would not have been as long. I do not think they would have had these sorts of lines to begin with. ”
With that idea stated, I am aware you are a large company. I know there are people there that come up with ideas daily. However, it never hurts to actually put an idea out there and see if works and where it goes.
On the positive. My oldest is a teen and has many build a bears from her past. I now have a second little one coming up in the world who will be given the same opportunity to enjoy the world of build a bear Our experiences have been pleasant ones.
Respectfully,
Amber
I am not in the habit of complaining about service at any establishment. On the contrary I like to report good service to employers and not mention service that was not up to par. Today I took my grandsons (ages 4 and 3) to the build a bear at West Farms Mall in West Hartford, CT to pick out toys as birthday gifts. They have a book that has been read to them many times that is a story about a toy puppy that is brought to a store to be repaired. This story book describes the build a bear process not mentioning name of any company. The boys were so excited. Entering the store and the boys picking out their toys a young employee did come up to us. She never smiled, greeted the boys or even acted interested. We went through the whole process prompted by my daughter and myself not the employee although she did operate stuffer and another girl, who was equally disinterested, sewed up the dolls. I had to track down second employee to help us with birth certificates as the first employee was nowhere in sight. I am familiar with your hiring process and the amazingly complicated application and screening process and am amazed that these young ladies managed to be hired and at their lack of enthusiasm and customer service. The toys we purchased, although very expensive, seem to be of high quality and the boys love them. I realize the high prices are charged for the experience which we did not receive as well as product. . Fortunately they are too young to have been upset by the service. It was a very disappointing experience for me. Thank you for Your attention to this matter. I look forward to your comments and or your action on my complaint. It is not my intent to have these young people punished but hopefully to prompt better service in the future.
Took my grandson to get a minion fluffy unicorn we had a talk before we left saying all he was going to get was the Unicorn and he was fine with that no special sounds sense or Heartbeats we got to the store waited until the doors opened he was so excited as was I we went in and we’re greeted very nicely he picked out his unicorn and went to the first station what I have a concern about is that as much as I know it’s Build-A-Bears job to sell certain things and Extras the lady helping us only talked directly to my grandson about the sounds station all the different sounds had him pick out a sound and then after the fact looked at me and said is this okay which left me in a very awkward position since my grandson had already picked one out at her prompting so that was an additional $7 we weren’t expecting then at the next station she had him smell all the different sense and told him to pick out a scent again picked one out and then she referred to me is that okay leaving me in another bad position the next station was the heartbeat and she said that the only way to bring the Unicorn to life was with the heartbeat and she showed him the heartbeat that you had to pay for he thought that was the only way to bring it to life was to get that one and then of course she looks at me again and says is that okay when I specifically say at least it’t a unicorn and we don’t have to buy clothes or anything she then prompted him to the area to buy brushes and other items when I said this specifically in front of her that we don’t need to buy anything else. I guess that the sales people are talking directly to the children I like that but there has to be some sort of way to look at the person the adult that’s with the child and ask them before you start having them pick things out whether or not it’s okay not after the fact it leaves a parent in a very awkward position both with the child and with the sales clerk it would just be nice if someone checked in with the parent first to make sure that the child is okay picking things out in my mind you don’t have a child picking something out until it’s okay with the parent not asking the parent after the child is already picked something out we went in there for a fluffy unicorn for around $26 and ended up leaving at $38 the last thing that happened was at the register when we were checking out she asked if he would like a sling bag he said yes after all that had happened that morning I finally said wait how much is it she says $5 I said no thank you he’ll take a box again that’s prompting the child without checking with the parent of course a child is going to say yes to as many extras as he could possibly get offered I think asking the parent first is a necessity I don’t like the way this new style of the store is and my child really really missed the bathtub station where you could fluff up the bear he told me the only interaction he had with making the bear was a pedal where they put the fluff in he liked all the other things where you head to kiss and hug the heartbeat before it went in and all of that fun stuff but really really missed the bathtub and brushing the bear after it was done getting fluffed. I have to say I was extremely disappointed when I walked out of Build-A-Bear today although my grandson was excited because he basically got everything he wanted originally thanks to the sales clerk I am the other hand was extremely disappointed because of all the extras my grandson had been talked into before checking with the adult in charge! Due to this new sales ploy I will not be visiting Build-A-Bear again in the future I understand you’re selling towards the child but you have to remember who’s paying for the items again I’m extremely extremely disappointed!
Charged 3 times on Saturday Feb 11, 2017 as debit and 1 charge on Feb 12, 2017. Have contacted customer service given them all my information. Have also emailed customer services. No one has contacted me back 168.01 was charge 3 times. One was credited back the other one was not. I am becoming impatient due to the fact that I paid you immediately for our build a bear experience. I didn’t hold your money- I don’t expect you to hold mine! I would like a call or email back confirming my money has been credited back to my account. ASAP. Thank you
Had a priceless moment at Build a Bear yesterday at the BAB Town Center in Kennesaw, Georgia. My son received a gift card to BAB from his Aunt and wanted to get a triceratops (and the other teenage mutant ninja turtles) he saw a week or two ago. When we went earlier this week they were all sold out of the triceratops. He was ok with it but kept saying how much he wanted it. The manager, Amanda, looked in the back and was unable to find one for him. She informed us that they may be getting a new T-Rex soon and said I could call to check so my son could at least get one dinosaur. My son was happy about it and we left with the last two TMNT he wanted. Before we left, he spotted a Grinch that he said he would like next time.
Yesterday (Dec. 30th) he decided he wanted the Grinch he saw there so we went back before they were all gone and unfortunately they were out. Amanda was working and again, went to the back to check if there were any in the back. When she first came back she told us that there were no more Grinches but remembered that we were the ones asking about the triceratops. She went to the back one more time and came back with something even better than the Grinch.
She knew how much my son wanted the triceratops and when she was looking for something different, she found one under some other animals. She put it in a bag and saved it for us. When she came out she hid it from Devon and said they were out of the Grinch but she had something special for him. She then pulled out the triceratops from the bag and his face lit up. His smile was from ear to ear and he seemed stunned that she had it for him. He gave her a big hug and has been the happiest boy ever since then.
The manager, Amanda, at the BAB Town Center went above and beyond to make my son happy. Not only did she remember my son wanting a triceratops, she saved the last one for him and made sure no one else sold it. Amanda, the best manager I have ever met at BAB Town Center, you are amazing!
My daughter is a college student and began working at the Greenwood, IN shop several months ago. The managers at the shop are inconsiderate and lash out frequently to their employees. My daughter never work a “true schedule”, her schedule is typically like 11-5pm extended to 8. So you are scheduled but plan on working an additional 3 hours. What the heck is that. For the holiday season, she is scheduled to work 5 to midnight Friday and then come back in at 7 a.m. to 1 pm extended to 3pm. Very inconsiderate; she doesn’t need this job but she has always loved Build a Bear and likes her job but a little respect would be nice. The thing that has set me off was that my husband and I have been driving her to and from work because they were told that during holiday season, not finding a place to park in the mall is not an excuse for being late and they are supposed to be there 5 minutes before their scheduled time. She was to work there until 5 last night; I left my job 15 minutes early to go pick her up. I waited for her until 6, I entered the store and she went to ask the manager how much longer she would be there and the manager told her she didn’t have time for this…get back to stuffing! So, I went back to my car and waited until 7 at which time she finally sent me a text and told me she was there until 8:30. I went to the other side of the mall and just came in and did some shopping. At 8:20 I came back to where I would be picking her up. At 8:45 she still had not come out. I went back in and the manager on duty said she had just released her and finally at 9:05 we left. So disrepectful! Wish the undercover boss was at this store!
Ms. Maxine,
This evening i was fortunate to catch the episode featuring you in undercover boss and Build a Bear. I was impressed by the quality, care, concern, positive attitudes your workers displayed while interacting with these small children, their parents and each other.
The children looked like they were having a great deal of fun, even with the little “mishaps” made by the adults. I thought that your showing these workers the recognition and respect for their future plans by you was simply amazing. I was tickled to see such positive responses. It was very inspiring and uplifting to see. Keep up the good work, it can be very difficult and trying, to appease some customers, no matter how hard you try.
Sincerely,
Laura G.
horrible customer service! Its impossible to reach anyone! I’ve sent serval emails as well as called only to be put on hold for over 50 mins! All I want is my PAID order. I was sent the wrong order!!!
I am a nurse at a Children’s Hospital on a pediatric cancer unit, a fellow nurse called today about getting a build-a-bear for a child with cancer and having a central line placed in the bear when the bear was built, so that the bear would be “like the child.” The local store stated that they were no longer able to do this because it would potentially cause “harm” to the “integrity” of the animal. What about this poor child who is suffering from cancer???!!!
So I have a bear that was bought in 2011/2012. However the dress on the bear turned brown and turn the bear brown all over. I took it to the build a bear in the St Charles Towne Center in Waldorf Md, and got three of the WORST manager and supervisors in the world. The manager that was there decided to spray some kind of chemical on my bear (with the stuffing inside) to clean it, all without my constant. Once I notice what she was doing and spoke to her about it then the attitude started. I left my bear in the shop and reach out to customers service ( big mistake). Both the store and customers started this trend of lies and once I showed doXXXXentation that they were lying then they stop returning my emails and calls. This is just so horrible and disgusting. Once this is all resolve and I have no intention of purchasing another bear. Thanks build a bear for showing me how you treat your customers
I wanted you to see this post off of Facebook & hopefully you will recognize this employee. I feel & special needs bear named after her would be awesome. I truly hope u care about your employees, I have spent a lot of money over the years at Build a Bear.
Being Build a Bear is a children’s store, why do you not offer a restroom???…I’m in Greensboro N.C.. –friendly shopping center—spending money on overpriced foreign made goods…really …smh
Well this is not something I really wanted to do but here it goes, my wife has been employed there for about 8yrs and loved every minute of it, she loves kids and has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever known, between the daily gratification that she got knowing she made a difference in a child and or parents life whether it be the extra attention she gave, to the extra effort she made to partner with every charity, hospital or cause she could and the relationships and Partnerships she has created over the years it may not be like much but down here in Alabama it counts, especially to the people that it matters to, such as a local organization that helps women and families that have dealt with the cancer, and even had a partnered mascot named pinkie, the time and effort put in by her was amazing, and anyone that has ever been to her store or has ever met her there would agree that above and beyond doesn’t even come close to what she gave. she took a mediocre store and made it #1 in the company for many years and was able to show positive in every metric they had, on top of winning countless awards not bc she tried her best to but winning bc it was how she ran her team like a family that cared, now a new DM has came in and was so threatened by her that she made up false accusations about her of anything and everything she could and then forced her to turn over her resignation without even getting a chance to be investigated. I for one cannot believe that a company built on the same values that she lives by would even allow this to happen. Believe me I’m furious about it, not bc she lost her job but bc of the way it was handled, complete bullXXXXX!! But of course none of this will even matter, no one will know the truth behind it all they will know it and a few short years, that this store will become just like all the other big box stores around no care or feeling just hey give me your money and GTFO, and all the charities and hospitals for women and children will be squandered bc of no one wanting to put the love in that she did, she has no idea that I am writing this nor would she want me to, she’s a bigger person than I am and she’s too good for that. I just had to get this out, if you have ever been to the beaches of Alabama and been in her store and met her you would agree.
B
How can I purchase or find. The pink penguin . My granddaughter Addison 6 accidentally put her punk penguin in the donation bag and was given to the homeless shelter . She is so upset and cries about not having her penguin . Help me help her and get this . Her birthday is Jan 30 and it would make a great surprise . Thank you from Nanny ( Beverly Campbell
Facebook there is a group that sells and buys build a bears that are no longer being sold at the stores. Also Amazon and eBay but I recommend Facebook group.
Tulsa Oklahoma Woodland Hills location about 71st and Memorial
My 2 year old grandson ran off in the mall that build a bear is located in. My daughter ran in there reporting her son missing and a young girl employee said they didn’t have time to watch for kids. I consulted the manager on duty and she seemed sincere in her concerns until I went to walk away and she started laughing. I’ll never go there again and I’ll yell everyone I know about their only concern being about making money and not the safety of children.
To whom it may concern
I belong to a local volunteer fire department in New York and are in the beginning stages of designing our float for next years Bohemia Holiday Parade. I was wondering if we did a Build-A-Bear float design if you could support us with items and product to help infer the cost?
Thank you in advance for passing along as needed.
Ann Warnecke
Islip Terrace Fire Department
631-875-****
i have been standing in line at somerset
Build a bear for an hour and a half to get a bear repaired and it is rediculous how long it is taking. Three young girls r working and they say they r short staffed!
I think it is rediculous to have to wait for a repair on a bear I bought two days ago
the cutestCHRISTMAS TEDDY BEAR SONG has been submited to you for your listening pleasure and consideration for adding it to your line of assores.Thus for nothing has been received .THIS WAS DONE IN SEPTEMBER LAST .Please advise on the disposition of this matter thank you very much for your attention ADRIAN L. TORREY ,PRES.
I am particularly interested in sitting down with Maxine Clark or Ken Wine in an informal meeting to avoid any of the scary Confidentiality and Non-use legalities that prevent us even talking to each other. I want to present an idea I have that might increase the success your Company already has. This meeting would last not more than 15 minutes, and could be well worth the time. We could meet outside of Company property if necessary, such as at breakfast or lunch.
Kindly Reply,
William Winter
Did they ever get back too you?
I’m trying to find the most direct
route to speaking to someone as well.
I have an idea for a new plush toy that fits perfectly into the philosophy of you company, about a toy that is appealing to young people and partially made by them.
This product will take over this country and even the world just like Build A Bear has, or perhaps more so.
I would like to speak with Maxine Clark about this idea.
Sincerely,
Wm. Winter
Hello everyone. I wanted to share an incident that depicts another example of people with disabilities being mistreated. A few weeks ago, we were excited for my daughter to have been told she had a job at Build A Bear on Fifth avenue. She and the case worker, from an agency that works with people with challenges, were told to come back the next week to fill out paperwork. There was never an application filled out because some companies customize the position for this population. As a result it did not seem odd when she was asked to come back to do so. My daughter had gone for an interview and a pseudo-training day. There was much communication between the manager and job liaison -unfortunately all via phone. She was even told to wear specific clothes ( which we had to purchase) for her training day.
When the agency went back to get the paperwork the manager that had promised the position had left unexpectantly leaving the assistant manager scrambling. After numerous phone calls the district manager spoke to the missing manager who claimed that none of what had transpired was true.
Suffice it to say we are outraged and my daughter is saddened. It’s surprising that a children’s toy store wouldn’t try to make this right after all the emotional ups and downs she went through.
I will be taking my business elsewhere and encourage all to think twice before supporting an organization like this one.
Do not hesitate to pass along.
Thanks for reading.
I had gotten build a beat gift cards fir my girk scout as an incentative to sell cpokies. I am trying to get the build a bear patches but I was told that New Jersey doesn’t carry tgem anymore. Csn I purchase them direct from your headquarters? I can be reached XXXXxx8@comcast.net or cell (text or call) 973 699 XXXXx.
I have what I think is a pretty cool idea for build a bear, as I’m sure so many do. I was wondering If anyone from the build a bear company cared to here. I know most company do not look at any body’s idea unless it is patented. We have got our child a couple dozen over the years and have always been really pleased. I have never seen my idea on build a bear or anywhere else and think it would be a great seller like everybody’s ideas would be. I just figured I’d put it out there just in case there might be a interest. We have always been pleased with the products we have got from u. Thanks Eric
To Tyler Feb.12th. 2013,
You are a dumb a** and for starters you are the one that can’t spell. Second who cares what you say. A customer pays hard earned money on a defective product from a company they d*** well do deserve the correct customer service and have the product either replace, repaired, or returned without question. You Mr. Tyler are the idiot. Get a clue and have some respect. The company Bud-A-Bear appears to be a company of defective products, inapropriate management, from what I read they are racist, discriminating. This company has not had very many good reviews from my understandings. I have 4 children and I would never ever spend a dime in that store and my kids are aware of there services hands on.
I have a complaint of sexual discrimination at a build a bear employment interview. I was told by the group interview manager that she wasn’t going to be hiring any men in her store. I took it as a joke at first and called about a week later to check on the status of the job she said she wasn’t going hire anyone at the moment. Then about a month later I noticed one of the girls working were one of the girls at the interview. I asked her when she got hired and she said about a week. She also told me that the manager hired another women from the same interview but I’ve never seen her working. I feel discriminated by the hiring manager when she said that she won’t hire any men at the moment.
I have told all my friends about the sexual racist management and they as well won’t be buying from this company as well. I am sickend by this.
Jeremy Oster,
I can tell you first hand that this company is a joke. Being a past employee, I have inside knowledge on how they work, operate and want from you. it is all about the greedy dollar and not the experience, plain and simple.
‘
They do discriminate against men. I was mistreated, trained poorly and then talked down to constantly by the manager in charge of the store.
I overheard the manager and her assistant manager talking ill of most of their employees, making age discrimination comments, plain mean comments.
I was treated so poorly, I had panic attacks just thinking of going into work, knowing I would be mistreated and belittled again when I go in.
Stay away from this store and company.
I was wondering if you have any services that can bring build a bear to a hospital site for medically fragile children? We are located in Whittier, California 90605.
Thank you
Laura M. Perez CTRS
Whittier Hospital Medical Center
The Children’s Center
9080 Colima Rd.
Whittier, Ca. 90605-1898
PH (562) 907-1726
FAX (562) 907-7168
I just want someone to know that i purchased a gift card of 60 dollars 2 was for 10 and the other was for 40 on march 31 it was for my godchilds birthday well this past weekend she went to redeem the purchase at build a bear in lafayette LA where i got the gift cards and the one for 40 dollars didnt work cause management said the card was use that is not the case cause it wasnt i dont know whats going on but the money from the gift card has been taken out of my account i dont no if one of the workers swap the card gave me a different card or what but they where saying the card had been redeem i need someone to get in contact with me so we can get to the bottom of this i need a refund or another gift card cause this is crazy i dont think no one should go thru this it was suppose to be a special moment in my godchilds life and yall ruined it fingers are being pointed but none of the store employees or wanting to take the blame
Lady, your an idiot. I have no association with build-a-bear. Actually I’m doing a project on how great of a company they are. Lets start with spelling. Never will I actually listen to a review from somebody that cannot spell correctly. Second of all, how will a company make money if they give you a new bear just because it broke? You going and ranting wont solve anything and giving the company bad reviews will not slow them down, I can guarantee that. I’m sure the girl there was following company policy of NOT GIVING AWAY FREE PRODUCTS; which obviously makes perfect sense. Calm yourself down and quit your XXXXXXing.
My husband and I are very disappointed in the service and the quality of the product we received. We open this bear up for him every Christmas so he can hear the message his father and I recorded for him when we first purchased this bear. Now nothing on the bear works. We took it into our local store to see if they can fix it or at least give him a chance to get a new bear. The lady that was helping us flat out told my husband and I that there is nothing they can do about the bear not working. Then we had to turn around and walk out with a very exspencive but BROKEN bear. Then tell our son that there is nothing they can do which broke his heart. This is a sham and this company will be reported to our Better Business association. In addition we will be telling all our friends and family who have shown an interest in Build A Bear what has happened and this company’s disregard of their faults.