Build-A-Bear Workshop Offers a Unique Piece to Support Autism Speaks

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Build-A-Bear Workshop^®, the interactive entertainment retailer of customizable stuffed animals, today announced the launch of a special bear to support Autism Speaks^® and its Light It Up Blue campaign during Autism Awareness Month. Throughout the company’s history, Build-A-Bear Workshop has supported causes that are important to its Guests, especially in the area of children’s health and wellness. The company is continuing its relationship with Autism Speaks, the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, for the ninth consecutive year.

“With this new Autism Speaks Bear, we hope to raise awareness and make a difference for children and families impacted by autism.”

“As the prevalence of autism grows, we know how increasingly important this cause is to Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests,” said Maxine Clark, Build-A-Bear Workshop founder and chief executive bear. “With this new Autism Speaks Bear, we hope to raise awareness and make a difference for children and families impacted by autism.”

The Autism Speaks Bear ($18) arrives on March 27 and $1 from the sale of this bear will be donated to Autism Speaks. An Autism Speaks bear-sized Tiny Tees^® shirt ($7) will also be available, with 50 cents from every tee sold going directly to the charity. Throughout April, Guests can also donate $1 (or more) to Autism Speaks when they check out at Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the United States or online at buildabear.com.

“Since 2005, Build-A-Bear Workshop and its Guests have raised more than $545,000 to support Autism Speaks,” said Alec Elbert, chief strategy and development officer at Autism Speaks. “Build-A-Bear Workshop has always been a strong supporter of our organization and families impacted by autism, and we are honored that the company and its customers are raising funds with this adorable bear to support our efforts.”

Over the years, Build-A-Bear Workshop has launched several special limited-edition bears to raise funds and awareness for various charitable causes. Since its inception in 1997, the company has shared the hug of a teddy bear wherever needed in local communities and abroad. Build-A-Bear Workshop gives Guests opportunities to support the causes that are important to them and through its corporate donations and foundation grant programs, has given more than $32 million to children’s health and wellness, animals, literacy and other important causes.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offers an interactive make-your-own stuffed animal retail-entertainment experience. There are more than 400 Build-A-Bear Workshop stores worldwide, including company-owned stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, and franchise stores in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa, the Middle East, Mexico and South America. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop is the leader in interactive retail. Brands include make-your-own Major League Baseball^® mascot in-stadium locations, and Build-A-Dino^® stores. Build-A-Bear Workshop extends its in-store interactive experience online with its award winning virtual world website at bearville.com^®. The company was named to the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For^®list for the fifth year in a row in 2013. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenue of $380.9 million in fiscal 2012. For more information, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning website at buildabear.com^®.

TRADEMARKS

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