#United States #St. Louis #Workplace Culture #Build-A-Bear Workshop #top honors

Build-A-Bear Workshop: A Beacon of Workplace Excellence

In a significant recognition of its workplace culture, Build-A-Bear Workshop has recently been named by Newsweek and Plant-A Insights Group as one of the “America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging, and Community” for 2026. This prestigious accolade highlights not only the brand’s commitment to its products and profits but also its profound dedication to the people who contribute to its success.

Founded in 1997, Build-A-Bear is well-known for its unique retail experiences where guests can create their own stuffed animals, affectionately known as “furry friends.” As the company approaches its 30th anniversary, this acknowledgment places it alongside the most revered organizations in the nation, emphasizing the vital role of a positive workplace culture in sustaining a successful enterprise.

Understanding Impact and Culture
Sharon Price John, the President and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop, expressed that for her company, this recognition transcends being just another award. She highlighted that it represents a celebration of the teams and individuals who infuse passion and heart into the brand and their interactions with customers on a daily basis. John remarked, “Since our first store opening, we have believed that culture matters, and that community thrives where creativity and communication are fostered.” This recognition reflects the essence of Build-A-Bear’s ethos—championing a workplace where communication is encouraged and creativity flourishes.

Build-A-Bear has witnessed remarkable growth over the years, expanding to over 650 locations in 30 countries. This international presence is a testament to how the company’s distinctive culture resonates globally. From retail clerks on the store floor to corporate teams behind-the-scenes, the company believes that culture is a living commitment that shapes how employees support one another and engage with customers.

Voices from Within the Organization
In alignment with John’s sentiments, Roz Johnson, the Chief People Officer, emphasized that the culture at Build-A-Bear is not merely words on paper but a commitment reflected in daily practices. Johnson articulated, “It shows up in how we support our teams, how we honor every voice, and how people feel when they walk through our doors.” The company aims to create an environment where individuals can grow, contribute purposefully, and feel connected to a mission larger than themselves.

This esteemed award is the result of a thorough analysis conducted by Plant-A Insights Group in collaboration with Aniline. They assessed over 120 culture-related performance indicators, considering aspects like leadership quality, integrity, equitable compensation, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Importantly, the evaluation drew on feedback from more than 2.7 million employee reviews submitted nationwide. The focus on insights from underrepresented groups, including women and minorities, ensures that the results of this study reflect a comprehensive understanding of workplace experiences across diverse demographics.

The Build-A-Bear Experience
Since its inception, Build-A-Bear Workshop has strived to create an immersive and memorable experience for customers of all ages. At Build-A-Bear, visitors are given the opportunity to participate in the whole process of creating their own unique stuffed animals. This interactivity fosters a profound emotional connection with the brand, often turning casual customers into lifelong fans. With its reach extending beyond retail, Build-A-Bear has embraced e-commerce and diversified its product offerings through licensing agreements and strategic partnerships with leading manufacturers.

As the brand gears up for future adventures, its latest campaign, “The Stuff You Love,” commemorates over 25 years of creating cherished memories. With a consolidated revenue of $496.0 million for the fiscal year of 2024, Build-A-Bear Workshop illustrates that a focus on culture and employee satisfaction indeed translates into business success.

To explore more about this dynamic brand and its significant workplace accomplishments, visit the Investor Relations section of their website.

About Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear continues to be a multi-generational favorite, dedicated to its mission of “adding a little more heart to life.” With their playful and engaging approach to retail, Build-A-Bear not only provides customers the joy of creation but also establishes a sense of belonging and community, embodying the essence of what it means to be a beloved brand worldwide.