Thanks for joining me Over Coffee
A writer by passion and profession, I've been writing since I was old enough to know how, so establishing a weblog
seemed a natural progression. By adding a blog to my site, I can speak about my passions and life, share my writing, art
and photos, and comment on current events.
Thursday, December 26, 2002
From the outside, I never thought much about it--sure, it's a cute store. When we were looking for a gift for our niece back in Ohio, we took a closer look at it. I'm talking about the Build-A-Bear Workshop, and it was the most fun we had picking out a Christmas present. You pick the animal to stuff, give it a heart and choose sounds, then you can select "wardrobe" (from probably hundreds of possibilities and accessories). You even get a birth certificate. Once given, the child can return to the store for new clothes and accessories. They can even print a badge for their stuffed "friend" so s/he won't be confused with a newly built bear.
Sure, it sounds like someone just thought up a great marketing idea, but I have to admit it was more than that. The idea that the bunny we made was unique made US feel like we were stuff with "kisses" and "hugs" (of fluff). And, in the busyness of the season, the staff was still just as friendly and funny. It didn't matter if they were talking to a child or a pair of adults like us, they were just as polite and sincere (sounding) as they ran through the script of building a very special bunny.
Oh! And for the socially conscience among us, BABW has partnerships with charitable organizations including the World Wildlife Fund and the Humane Society of the U.S. to share profits whenever particular animals are build for our favorite toddlers. I (half) joked with my husband that I wouldn't mind an cuddly animal of own...gee, the BABW website countdown clock says there are only 48 days til St. Valentine's Day... (nudge, nudge, wink, wink)
From the outside, I never thought much about it--sure, it's a cute store. When we were looking for a gift for our niece back in Ohio, we took a closer look at it. I'm talking about the Build-A-Bear Workshop, and it was the most fun we had picking out a Christmas present. You pick the animal to stuff, give it a heart and choose sounds, then you can select "wardrobe" (from probably hundreds of possibilities and accessories). You even get a birth certificate. Once given, the child can return to the store for new clothes and accessories. They can even print a badge for their stuffed "friend" so s/he won't be confused with a newly built bear.
