The Journey of Build-A-Bear: From Penny Stock to Retail Success
Company Turnaround: Build-A-Bear Workshop has successfully transformed its business under CEO Sharon Price John since 2013, shifting focus to e-commerce and diversifying sales beyond malls, resulting in nearly all stores becoming profitable.
Stock Performance: The company's stock saw significant growth, reaching an all-time high of about $76 in September, with an increase of over 125% in the past two years, despite recent declines due to tariff impacts.
Challenges Ahead: Build-A-Bear faces challenges from tariffs, expecting an $11 million hit for fiscal 2025, and reported a slowdown in customer traffic during the government shutdown, leading to lowered revenue projections.
Unique Selling Proposition: Unlike competitors, Build-A-Bear offers a personalized experience where customers can create their own stuffed animals, which sets it apart in the retail market.
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Build-A-Bear Named to Newsweek's 2026 List of America's Greatest Workplaces
- Cultural Honor: Build-A-Bear has been recognized as one of America's Greatest Workplaces for 2026, highlighting the company's exceptional performance in culture, belonging, and community building, which underscores its leadership in the retail sector.
- Employee Feedback: The recognition is based on over 2.7 million employee reviews and more than 120 culture-related performance indicators, reflecting Build-A-Bear's strong advantages in employee satisfaction and work-life balance.
- Global Expansion: With over 650 locations across more than 30 countries, Build-A-Bear demonstrates the successful implementation of its unique corporate culture on a global scale, enhancing the brand's competitive position in the market.
- Strategic Vision: CEO Sharon Price John stated that this honor is not only a recognition of the team but also a reflection of the company's mission, emphasizing the importance of culture in driving long-term organizational success.

Build-A-Bear Named to Newsweek's 2026 List of America's Greatest Workplaces
- Cultural Recognition: Build-A-Bear has been named to Newsweek's 2026 list of America's Greatest Workplaces, highlighting the company's excellence in culture, belonging, and community building, which reflects the strong brand identity established in employees' hearts.
- Employee Engagement: The selection is based on an independent analysis of over 2.7 million employee reviews and 120 culture-related performance indicators, showcasing Build-A-Bear's outstanding performance in employee satisfaction and work-life balance, further enhancing its competitiveness in the retail sector.
- Global Expansion: Build-A-Bear currently operates over 650 locations across more than 30 countries, demonstrating how its unique corporate culture is implemented on a global scale, promoting sustained growth and market influence for the brand.
- Leadership Commitment: Company executives emphasize that culture is not just a statement in a handbook but a daily commitment aimed at creating a workplace where employees can grow and contribute, thereby enhancing employee loyalty and brand value.






