ST. LOUIS, Jan. 14, 2016 /PRNewswire/
-- Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), an
interactive destination where guests can create personalized furry
friends, has introduced a new collection of scented, make-your-own
Sweet Hugs gifts just in time for Valentine's Day. The new Build-A-Bear
Workshop Sweet Hugs Heart Bear, Sweet Hugs Swirl Bear
and Sweet Hugs Pup have candy-scented fur made possible by
Celessence™ Technologies microencapsulation, a license of Genius
Brands International (OTCQB: GNUS), which uses touch to
release an irresistible fragrance. The more you hug them, the
sweeter they smell.
Each Sweet Hugs friend can transform into a unique, huggable
Valentine with the addition of a Build-A-Sound®
recordable chip featuring a personalized message, plush
conversation hearts, and customized clothing.
From sweet scents to sweet dreams, the new Build-A-Bear Workshop
2 Fun 2 Sleep slumber party line includes new furry friends,
a make-your-own Rainbow Hugs Stuffable Pillow, plus matching
pajamas for kids and furry friends.
Build-A-Bear Workshop guests with a sweet tooth can also indulge
in an assortment of all-natural, premium chocolate bars from PRAIM
Group, Froose co-branded fruit snacks, Clever Cookie iced and mini
cookies, as well as new co-branded NECCO®
Sweethearts® candies.
Share Your Heart Program
Build-A-Bear Workshop is
starting the New Year in yet another sweet way by inviting guests
to support Save the Children through the company's Share
Your Heart program in the United
States, Canada and the
United Kingdom. From January 7 through March 2, Build-A-Bear Workshop
guests can share their heart by donating to Save the Children's
Journey of Hope program in stores or online at
buildabear.com. The Build-A-Bear Foundation will match all U.S.
guest donations up to $100,000. At
Build-A-Bear Workshop U.K. and Canada locations, guests can purchase a purple
satin heart, $1 of which will be
donated to Save the Children.
Launched in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Save the Children's
Journey of Hope program empowers children of all ages to identify
their own strengths, build coping skills, self-esteem and overall
resilience. The program has since been delivered to more than
85,000 children in the United
States, Australia,
Canada, Italy, Spain,
New Zealand and the United Kingdom.
"We want to make it easy for guests to start the New Year on a
positive note by sharing their hearts and doing something good for
others," said Gina Collins, chief
marketing officer, Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. "We believe all
children deserve a chance at a great future and our partnership
with Save the Children will help young people in the Journey of
Hope program to thrive."
At all Build-A-Bear Workshop locations, guests can fill out a
special Share Your Heart card to send positive thoughts and
encouragement to children in the Journey of Hope program.
"Following disasters and other traumatic experiences, children
often struggle to move forward, and they need support to develop
coping skills and strategies to deal with their emotions in healthy
ways," said Natalie Vega-O'Neil,
Save the Children's acting vice-president for U.S. Programs. "With
the support of Build-A-Bear Workshop, we will work with communities
to build on children's strengths and resiliency as we expand the
program and reach even more children in need."
For more information, visit buildabear.com and follow the brand
on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram.
About Build-A-Bear
Founded in St. Louis in
1997, Build-A-Bear, a global brand kids love and parents trust,
seeks to add a little more heart to life. Build-A-Bear Workshop has
approximately 400 stores worldwide where guests can create
customizable furry friends, including company-owned stores
in the United
States, Canada, Denmark, Ireland, Puerto Rico,
and the United Kingdom, and
franchise stores
in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, Mexico and
the Middle East. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best
Companies to Work For® list for the seventh year in a
row in 2015. Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW)
posted a total revenue of $392.4 million in fiscal 2014.
For more information, visit the Investor Relations section
of buildabear.com.
About Save the Children
Save the Children invests in
childhood – every day, in times of crisis and for our future. In
the United States and around the
world, we are dedicated to ensuring every child has the best chance
for success. Our pioneering programs give children a healthy start,
the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. Our advocacy
efforts provide a voice for children who cannot speak for
themselves. As the leading expert on children, we inspire and
achieve lasting impact for millions of the world's most vulnerable
girls and boys. By transforming children's lives now, we change the
course of their future and ours.
Media Contact:
Beth Kerley
Build-A-Bear Workshop
(314) 423-8000, ext. 5430
bethk@buildabear.com
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160114/322227
SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.