Build-A-Bear and Hello Kitty® Team Up in Los Angeles for First-Ever Collaborative Workshop

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New Retail-tainment Experience Brings Brands Together in LA's Premium Shopping and Entertainment Destination to Celebrate Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) is excited to announce the official opening of the first ever Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop on November 15, 2024, at the renowned Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. This one-of-a-kind retail destination was designed in collaboration with Sanrio®, the global lifestyle brand best known for pop culture icon Hello Kitty®, in honor of the beloved character's 50th anniversary this year. The retail-tainment experience celebrates Hello Kitty® and Friends characters with exclusive products and gives guests an opportunity to experience the personalized, memorable process for which Build-A-Bear is known. The opening of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop, in addition to exclusive new holiday Sanrio® designs, reflects the popularity of the Sanrio® collection among both adults and children alike. Notably, this opening falls during the same week as World Kindness Day, a day that celebrates friendship, kindness, and inclusivity – the core values that Hello Kitty® and Friends represent.

Build-A-Bear Workshop is excited to announce the official opening of the first ever Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop on November 15, 2024, at the renowned Westfield Century City in Los Angeles.
Build-A-Bear Workshop is excited to announce the official opening of the first ever Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop on November 15, 2024, at the renowned Westfield Century City in Los Angeles.

The Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop will feature exclusive offerings inspired by Hello Kitty® and her friends, ensuring fans of all ages can enjoy a unique and personalized experience. Guests can look forward to a festive atmosphere with pink aprons, pink and white shopping bags, and customized pink birth certificates for their new plush friends.

A grand opening event will take place on November 15, the same day the store officially opens its doors to the public and will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Hello Kitty to mark the official launch. Attendees will be among the first to witness this new take on the signature Build-A-Bear experience while the first 50 guests will receive a special gift.

"The opening of the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop is a meaningful moment for both of our brands," said Sharon Price John, President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "This workshop is about creating a space where guests of all ages can connect with their favorite Sanrio characters in a fun and memorable way. It's a special experience that brings together the magic of childhood with the creativity of today's culture, and we're excited to share it with the West Los Angeles community."

"Hello Kitty is a powerful source of comfort, nostalgia, and self-expression for her fans, and a partnership with Build-A-Bear is a natural fit for the Hello Kitty and Friends brand where guests can create their own custom plush to reflect their individuality," said Craig Takiguchi, Chief Operating Officer of Sanrio, Inc. "During this milestone 50th anniversary year, we've been focused on offering collectible products and experiences while building connection points for fans, and this special workshop provides Hello Kitty and Build-A-Bear fans alike the ultimate opportunity to make memories with their loved ones while creating one-of-a-kind special friends."

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