Build-A-Bear improvements

IF YOU AGREE WITH THIS ARTICLE, PLEASE CONTACT BUILD-A-BEAR(the red text is a link to Build-A-Bear's e-mail). A short e-mail may be enough to change Build-A-Bear's thinking.

We all know by now about Build-A-Bear's most recent idea: Build-A-Bearville. Yes, it seems that Build-A-Bear is depending on Build-A-Bearville to leverage its sales. But is it really such a good idea? Today, I'm going to look into some ways Build-A-Bear could more effectively use Build-A-Bearville without creating resentment among loyal customers.

Let me explain where I'm coming from. In our household we have six Build-A-Bears from varying Build-A-Bear eras. We've made over 70 purchases - in our household alone there are probably 40-50 outfits. We've bought over $1,000 in Build-A-Bear stuff, even though we live a good 45 minutes to an hour away from the closest Build-A-Bear Workshop. Two of our Build-A-Bears will be married this summer, and we had planned a high budget for wedding supplies. And yet, we are excluded from the Bear Boutique and denied Build-A-Bearville privaleges. Why is that?

That is the question many Build-A-Bear fans are asking while being shut out of Bear Boutiques and sunny beaches. Why us? Why must we, the loyal customers, be excluded from the "fun stuff" of Build-A-Bearville, while others enjoy the luxury of exclusive online furniture and accessories? Why would Build-A-Bear reject its most loyal customer base?

Maybe because someone has to be excluded, or so Build-A-Bear thinks. The basis of Build-A-Bearville is "Buy more and you get more! Pamper yourself - having is better than wanting! You deserve more stuff, after all" and "Other people have it - you're entitled to it! Look at how much fun they're having. Don't you want to be better than them?" That theme doesn't work without exclusion. Instead of fostering a love for teddy bears and family relationships, Build-A-Bearville is fostering a generation of greed and an attitude of "Dogs eat dogs - do you want to be eaten?"

Build-A-Bear's original purpose was much different. Teddy bears are classic, and Build-A-Bear coupled that truth with valuable themes. You picked a bear, gave it a heart and the ability to love, you clothed it, and you brought it home to care for it. You made a friend, you believed in love, you spent time with your family, and you found meaning in caring for someone other than yourself. That's what Build-A-Bear was all about - so why has it changed?

Build-A-Bearville has added a new facet to the Build-A-Bear experience, and I'm sorry to find it a negative one. Build-A-Bearville has added competition and greed. What could Build-A-Bear have done differently to improve Build-A-Bearville and support the classic Build-A-Bear experience?

Here are a few things that might have worked better. It's not too late to impliment them, and I strongly believe they would increase sales and customers as well as love:

• Crafts with your bear: Build-A-Bear's core purpose was creating a friend, but what should a customer do when they walk out of the store? How do you actually "play" with a teddy bear? Build-A-Bear could easily fill that gap the way American Girl did: create an activity book for you and your bear. Whether provided online (without depending on the customer owning a computer printer) or given to the Guest at time of sale, craft booklets are the perfect thing to keep the Build-A-Bear spark alive. The more "bonding time" a child associates with their Build-A-Bear, the more alive the bear will seem. Soon, the child will be asking to go to Build-A-Bear not because "I need more stuff!" but because "Fluffy is feeling cold and needs a new sweater" and because "Fluffy has grown out of his old swimsuit and needs a new one" and because "Fluffy's my friend, and I need to help him!"


• Bear clubs: When Bear Bonding fails, socialization will draw a crowd. Build-A-Bear needs clubs - after-school clubs, on-weekend clubs, you name it - but bring your bear! The clubs could take place at Build-A-Bear, and club members wouldn't be pressured to buy anything. They'd be organized by age so that the older members weren't meeting with 8-year-olds, and each age group could do appropriate activities. They'd go through the "Be 100% Pawsome!" program together, they'd read age-appropriate books together, they'd go out for pizza together - they'd do lots of things together. Guests would be given a brochure about the clubs at the time of their purchase, and many mothers are be looking for the right drop-off place for their child. Cost would be minimal or null, and Build-A-Bear would provide a safe environment that encouraged family values. Oh, and the big deal for Build-A-Bear is this: those club members (especially teens) will love to indulge in Build-A-Bear products again and again with the excuse "I was on my way to the club, and I just couldn't resist!"


• Fewer Build-A-Bearville exclusives: Build-A-Bear did the right thing when they allowed Welcome Passes for those guests with older bears, and they did the right thing when they restricted Cub Condo ownership to Build-A-Bear owners. However, I would make that the only restricted option. Have a non-Build-A-Bear owner visit a friend's Cub Condo enough, and they'll want one just like it. After they have their Cub Condo - the original reason they went to the physical Build-A-Bear - they'll begin to see Build-A-Bear's real purpose. And they'd see the love, the family time, the new friend, and they'd want to come back. All of this would happen simply because of Build-A-Bearville. After all, they're more likely to be playing on a website that's welcoming them ("Anyone can come and play on 99% of this website for free!!!!") as opposed to rejecting them ("What? No purchase? Oh, no, you can't survive here without a purchase! Yes, it says its free, but that's only 45% of the website. You have to pay for the rest.")

With these three Build-A-Bear improvements alone Build-A-Bear can make much more money. Shifting the direction of the website will not be seen as "Oh, we made a mistake" so much as it will be seen as "We love our customers so much, we decided to give you even more!" Adding the Build-A-Bear clubs and activity booklets will boost customer support, customer fun, and customer willingness to spend more money. And why shouldn't Build-A-Bear boost those things? It would make money, establish a customer base, and shore up Build-A-Bear's reputation.

New Accessories for Bears and Pets

Build-A-Bear recently came out with a new set of accessories: a dog backpack, a saddle, and new hats have all been introduced into the Build-A-Bear collection. Since Build-A-Bear hasn't announced this, I figured it'd be great to tell you.

Let's start with the pets section. No doubt you've noticed that Build-A-Bear has custom-made accessories for their stuffed dogs. This spring, Build-A-Bear came out with their Helping Paw Backpack, complete with zippered pockets and an "Assistance Dog" label (too bad they put "Dog" on the label; I can think of other animals who might be happy to own a backpack that looks like the Helping Paw backpack). No doubt this release is in connection with the author promotion: if you haven't heard, Build-A-Bearville will be hosting an author who wrote a book on assistance dogs.

Horse-lovers will be mad at me if I exclude this one: a brand-new Build-A-Bear saddle. Though not the first Build-A-Bear saddle to be released, it certainly is unique. It's made to accomodate a Build-A-Bear sitting in the saddle and a Build-A-Bear underneath the saddle, making it a double win for customers. The set comes with a matching bridle and cute stirrups, and it's all only for $6. Get it quick - this is one item I have a feeling Build-A-Bear will raise the price on.

In the way of bear accessories, Build-A-Bear's hats are my favorite. Build-A-Bear has re-released some of their old hats, yes, but they've also introduced some new ones (or ones that haven't been seen in awhile) that are too cute to miss. Take, for example, the Straw Floppy Hat. Though you may wonder why it's called "Straw Floppy Hat" instead of "Floppy Straw Hat," you can't wonder about how cute it'll look on your bear. Couple this hat with a Gingham dress or a pink-and-jeans outfit for a cute combination. Of course, I'm biased toward this hat because it reminds me of the hat Julie Andrews wore in The Sound of Music, which happens to be my favorite musical. :)

Other new accessories include a huge selection of purses and other hats (some made to mimick Build-A-Bearville clothes), but the accessories mentioned above were my favorites.

Thanks for reading my blog! Tune in on Thursday to read an interview with a fun-loving bear, and read up on Build-A-Bear news this Saturday during our main post. Thanks again and have a great day!

~Lilli

Pawlette Coufur's Birthday Celebration

On April 22, Pawlette Coufur will celebrate yet another birthday. And though Build-A-Bear doesn't want to tell us how old Pawlette really is (girls are like that about birthdays), we are all invited to celebrate her ump-eenth birthday.

Pawlette began her celebration on April 16th in Build-A-Bearville, where she began her private showings of her newest designs. Pawlette's very first fashion show pulled off with a bang - users flock to the runway to receive their private showing of the newest stuff. From plaid to dresses, Pawlette really thought out-of-the-box for these clothes. She jazzed up her most popular shoes - ballet flats and high heels - and added in some new guy clothes. She also gave away a one-of-a-kind fashion bag to every show-goer, and many users proudly flash these bags in the Town Square.

Pawlette also celebrates her birthday in stores. Pawlette appears at every single Build-A-Bear store this weekend - you won't want to miss it! And as a gift to all the guests shopping in Build-A-Bear stores, Pawlette has created "Fashion Dog Tags" to be handed out to the paying guests.

Pawlette's birthday hails the first in-store givaway with (almost) no strings attached. A small Build-A-Bearville reward, yes, and overlapping with the Hannah Montanna Build-A-Bearville promotion. But seen by itself, this promotion could pave the way for more in-store events. We should support this whole-heartedly, since it may mean fewer Build-A-Bearville "bribes" and more in-store fun.

Happy Birthday Pawlette! :D :D :D :D

I'll see y'all on Tuesday, when I'll post on...well, that's a surprise. ;) On Thursday, we'll interview another one of Black Bear's old friends in "Bears of the Past, Part I."

See you then!

~Lilli

Build-A-Bearville's decline and how YOU can help

Attention faithful readers! I have finally become exasperated with Build-A-Bearville, watching them decline into a website that's depending heavily on Build-A-Bear sales. I've sent them an e-mail with my opinion on selling products through an online world. Please help me out! Send Build-A-Bear officials a quick note (or a long e-mail!) asking for Build-A-Bearville reform.
You can e-mail Build-A-Bear at Guest.Services@buildabear.com. You can also send e-mails through the Build-A-Bearville website. All it takes is 15 minutes of your time and a small effort. Please make the subject of your e-mail informative, such as "Build-A-Bearville for free?" or "Suggestions for Build-A-Bearville." (that way, they can see your topic at a glance)
Please help us out! Let's get this news around and make changes happen!
~Lilli

Build-A-Bearville Communities DO exist

So, I bet you're wondering.....where are all the social people? Build-A-Bearvillle was supposed to be a place for kids to play games AND hang out, but no one is hanging out. So? Where are the communities?

Turns out, there are at least three great Build-A-Bearville communities around. I'd like to introduce you to them - they rock!

• Build-A-Bearville Blog: This is not just a blog. Frequent blog postings are EXTREMELY helpful and very well-written, and they serve as topics of conversation. Users ask questions, get answers, plan parties, and more! You can find this awesome community at buildabearvilleblog.wordpress.com
  


• Build-A-Bearville Quest: I just joined this forum not too long ago; nevertheless, it looks like a great place to socialize. From what I've seen, it's also a forum for finding answers and having fun!!! You can find this helpful forum at babvquest.proboards62.com



• Build-A-Bear Cub Club: The Build-A-Bear Cub Club is a brand-new place for Build-A-Bearville members to gather. Once a week, the club goes out for an activity (such as Bear-to-Bear Baseball, a day at the beach, etc). Every month, one of the activities is a party! Joining is free, and only requires that you be a member of Build-A-Bearville (with a bear) and a member of Wordpress. You can find this fun club at buildabearcubclub.wordpress.com

Those are my favorite three places to hang out. I hope to see you at one of them!

I'll see you on Thursday, when we'll interview another one of Build-A-Bear's very first bears. See you then!

~Lilli

Be 100% Pawsome enters Environmentally Savvy phase

Build-A-Bear's latest great idea, Be 100% Pawsome, was created to encourage kids into great lives. The first month, March 2008, was "Be Pawsome in your Community" month. (Build-A-Bear Buzz post "Build-A-Bear's newest way of helping kids.") This month, Build-A-Bear focuses on the classic theme of "staying green" with their newest phase, "Be Pawsome to the Environment."

Build-A-Bear's April program came with a brand-new recycling center for Build-A-Bearville, as well as a new booklet for participants to fill out and return to Build-A-Bear by May 31st. By the time participants have finished this month's challenge, the'll have talked over such issues as energy-conserving lightbulbs and paper-plasic-aluminum recycling, as well as creating bird feeders. Most will probably have recycled some Build-A-Bearville "trash" by the end of the month as well.

The positive impact of this program is amazing, and Build-A-Bear does a great job of handling the idea. Family time, money-saving, animal-helping....I'm all for those great ideas. Build-A-Bear doesn't drag in any issues about Global Warming, acid rain, and the like - those issues are just too complicated for kids, and they're much too controversial. All in all, I'm really excited about this month's program. I think it's way better than last month's program.

I would love to hear stories from people going through this program. If you're doing it yourself, or if you're going through it with your kids, or whatnot, send me an e-mail at buildabearbuzz@gmail.com

I'll see all of you on Thursday for the debut of "Bears of the Past."

See you then,

~Lilli

Build-A-Bearville decorating for parties and more

Lilli's Whimsical Post: Cub Condo interior decorating

Hey all! Lilli here, your guide to Cub Condo decorating. (of course, I'm referring to the virtual Cub Condos on Build-A-Bearville) I'll start out by telling you a few tips - you know, I expect you all to be trendsetters and follow what you want.
So, here we go!

• Many users theme their bear's rooms. A bear named "Snowflake," for example, might have a light blue room with a snowflake bed. One of my sisters (remember, I'm a Curly Teddy!) is named "Peppermint." Her bedroom includes a pink bed, candy-cane chairs and a red table, a candy-cane dresser, pink tile and pink walls. (it looks a little like an Ice Cream Parlor, actually!)


• When decorating for a party, let yourself off the hook! Put as many balloons in your front room as is possible, don't forget about cake and pizza, and paint your walls a bright color!!


• When decorating with a classy style in mind, swirly carpets in not-so-bright colors look like hotel waiting rooms. When decorating with a homey or sweet style in mind, use hardwood floors and pastel or earth-tone wallpaper. (in the light flower pattern) Don't forget about color association; blue and brown make a user feel differently then peach and brown.


• And finally, buy furnature that fits!!

I hope that helps you get started on your designing - so go design away!!! E-mail me at buildabearbuzz@gmail.com with snapshots of your designs, and I may post them in a later blog post!

See you on Saturday for the main post on the latest Build-A-Bear news,

~Lilli

April surprises!!!

How time flies! Build-A-Bear has already released their April calendar, even though it seems like just yesterday that they released the one for March. This month's calendar cooperates with my computer! (no loading problems this month!!) So, without further ado, here are some of the events to keep your eyes open for:

• One new limited-edition bear


• One re-released bear


• One in-store givaway


• One continued promotional


• One new shop in Build-A-Bearville


• One new Build-A-Bear Workshop store in Moscow

As you can see, Build-A-Bear's new theme seems to be "one." Though I'm not against that number in any way, I don't think it should define some of Build-A-Bear's fun events! Read more later this month to hear details on each of these events.

So, that's the latest news. Tune in next time to hear Lilli say....if you don't know what I'm referancing, Build-a-Bear needs to come out with some VeggieTales bears. ;)

See you on Thursday,

~Lilli

More Build-a-Bearville Fashions arrive

The newest Build-a-Bearville fashions have arrived at the Pawlette Coufur boutique, designed by Miss Coufur herself. From skirts to tanks, from hats to bags, these fashions are sure to rock your world.

For starters, Pawlett has created a set of girly top-and-skirt outfits to match your style. Whether it's hearts or swirls, polka-dots or modern squares, these are sure to jazz up your favorite outfit. If you prefer shorts, Pawlette has designed some athletic teeny shorts for you. If you don't like wearing halter tops (as many of the new tops are), you can pick out your favorite tank top from Pawlette's new selection. The possibilities are endless - but most require some compromised modesty.

Personally, as a modest dresser, I would rather not wear them. There are plenty of choices in the Build-A-Bearville fashion world that are much more modest. With a little creativity, you can create endless possibilities that suggest nothing but "Trendy Girl" to all you meet. (see my March 6th post on Build-A-Bearville Trends for ideas)

That's my two-cents for 2day! (at least, until Saturday's post!) Toodeeloo!

~Lilli

Adorable Elephant makes her debut

If you've been to the Build-A-Bear website recently, I'm sure you've seen ads about their newest bear, Adorable Elephant. And she is adorable. Short, gray fur and floppy ears makes this elephant cute in almost any outfit - especially pinks and other light colors. For the money-motivated, Build-A-Bear has included 3,000 Bear Bucks (Build-A-Bearville currency) into the deal. She's a great size, even - 16 inches. But for those of you looking for a less-expensive bear, she's a bit on the high side for a Build-A-Bear - $20. The Nevertheless, I'd say the price is worth it. She's just as cute (or cuter than) several of the other bears priced similiarily, and if you've got an extra $5 to spend on a bear I'd buy her.

As to her lineage, Build-A-Bear elephants have quite an interesting history. Floppy Elephant, Adorable Elephant's predecessor, was the first of its kind, introduced in April of 2001. Floppy Elephant, though cute, was considerably less cute than the new bear because of its dark fur. This elephant stayed with Build-A-Bear for two years, until Build-A-Bear retired it May of 2003. As far as I know, there haven't been any elephants since then. But Build-A-Bear has bounced back the idea, and it's sure to be a sucess.

If you think Adorable Elephant is cute in that picture, wait until you see others of her! But here's what's in the picture for this post:
16" Adorable Elephant
Heart Tank
Pink Skirt
Pink Gem Flip Flops
White Quilted Purse

On Tuesday, I'll blog on Build-A-Bear's spring catalog. On Thursday, (for my whimsical post) I'll talk about how to multi-task outfits.
Thanks for reading today's blog!! Come back soon!
~Lilli

Beach party, coming up!

Build-A-Bearville is quickly growing. More and more users are joining, and it's getting difficult to find an empty den. So that's why Build-a-Bear is expanding the horizons of their town - by adding a beach.

Summertime is on its way, and many of us love to spend a hot day going for a swim or a tan at the beach. Soon, Build-A-Bearville users will be able to visit a virtual beach during their stay at Build-A-Bearville. Build-A-Bear has kindly offered to let the users vote on the new beach name - users can choose from Bear Bay, Cub Coast, Sunshine Shores, or Teddy Tropics. Currently, Sunshine Shores is leading with 42%. Teddy Tropics and Bear Bay follow close behind with 28% and 16%, respectively. Cub Coast is trailing with only 11 out of every 100 votes.

To kick off the opening of the new beach, Build-A-Bear is holding an exclusive beach party at the new beach, with Lucas Grabeel as the guest of honor. To get into the party, customers must purchase something at their local Build-A-Bear workshop. This party is only available from March 14 to March 30, so hurry in! Take note, though - beach-party Lucas is run by a computer.

That's all for today. Join me on Thursday for Lilli's Whimsical Post as I go over the new fashions at Build-A-Bear Workshop, and again on Saturday for a post about the newest edition to the Build-A-Bear Furry Friends.

~Lilli

Build-A-Bearville Peanut Hunt and Maxine's B-Day

In case you haven't heard, March 6th is Maxine Clark's (the Founder of Build-A-Bear's) birthday. She made special appearances and gave out exclusive gifts while visiting Build-A-Bearville on Thursay, March 6. (I didn't get to see her)

If any of my readers sighted Maxine Clark during her stay at Build-A-Bearville, could you e-mail me at buildabearbuzz@gmail.com? Tell me your first name, what it was like, if Maxine said anything, and if she gave you anything (and if she did, what did she give you?). If you can remember, I'd also like to hear what den you were in, (Clouds, Bear Boulevard, etc) where you were (town square, coffee shop, etc) and what time EST it was when you saw her. Thanks!

Build-a-Bear is heralding the arrival of Adorable Elephant with a short quest for Build-A-Bearville users - simply "visit" Adorable Elephant in the Neighborhood, (click on her) and find the five peanuts to recieve a "special prize." Peanut locations are as follows:
TOWN SQUARE: Near the top of the screen, near where the road ends, on the left side of the road
BEAR UNIVERSITY: There is a plant in-between the library and Bear University, near the top of the screen. The peanut is near that plant.
SKATE PARK: The Brown Sugar Puppy is standing in front of a plot of dead grass; near the upper left corner of this plot you'll find the peanut
FRIENDSHIP FOREST FARM: On the left side of the screen there's an apple orchard. The peanut is beneath one of those trees.
FRIENDSHIP FOREST PATH: On the left side of the path, before you get to the bridge at the top of the screen.

When you're finished with the quest, return to the Neighborhood and click on Adorable Elephant to get your reward. Which happens to be 500 Bear Bucks and not a material prize. (I prefer the accessories and other stuff like that)

On Tuesday, I'll post on the new Build-A-Bearville Beach. On Thursday, I'll post about the 40 new Bear fashions Build-A-Bear has added to their physical stores, and I'll try to compile a complete list of them. Next Saturday, I'll have a full post about Adorable Elephant, similar Build-A-Bears in the history of Bears, and more.

CU on Tuesday!
~ Lilli

Build-A-Bearville Trends

Lilli's Whimsical Blog Post (like on all Thursdays, I decided just to have fun with this post)

Build-a-Bearville is a little town where bears and children laugh and play a serious community with trends and popular people. Build-A-Bearville has been growing, and it's a good idea to keep up with the current trends.

Styles change from location to location: users with more complex hairstyles and accessories tend to hang out at the Pawforming Arts Center, while more simply-dressed users hang in the Town Square. Sunglasses and other accessories are worn more often in the Friendship Forest than Bear University, and pants are more common in the Pawforming Arts Center. Shorts are common in Paw Park, as well as skirts. If you're going to the Sportsplex, you can find a mix of them all. But three styles dominate all locations: extreme, complex, and simple.

"Extremes" usually have exagerated hairdos in all kinds of colors, wear either all black or crazy-colored clothing, and carry as many accessories as possible.

"Simples" wear summer clothing in simple colors - colored t-shirt, blue skirt or shorts, and matching ballet flats or flip-flops for girls and tennis shoes for boys. Occasionally, they'll have an accessory or two, but not often.

Complex styles strike a balance. They push toward reality and complexity, and current fads in the complex world are sunglasses, hats, and skateboards.

Whatever you decide to go with, I'd carry some from each style in your "my stuff." A t-shirt, some pants, a skirt, and some accessories are a great place to start.

Check back on Saturday for my regular post, and again next Tuesday for my specialized post! And of course, Lilli's Whimsical Blog Post will be here again next Thursday.
Blog w/u l8tr!

~Lilli

New calendar, new look for Build-A-Bearville news

It's March 1st, the day Build-a-Bear reveals the events to take place for the next month! Two furry friends, two contests, a promotional, two online events....Build-A-Bear has packed this month full!

Of course, some of us didn't want February to end. For those of you who are still excited about this year's "Leap Day," there's still a bit of time left for your Build-A-Bear in-store reward - a free t-shirt with a $15 or more purchase. So hurry in - the t-shirt may look dorky, but the virtual Build-A-Bearville reward makes it worth it.

Build-a-Bearville has something else that's very new, and you can't miss it: they've changed the look of their news bulliten. More efficient and attractive, it makes reading the "Build-A-Bearville News" much easier than just staring at a block of text. (like it used to be) It looks a bit like a web browser with tabs, making it a fun "toy" to go check out! Each tab has a label: "News & Events," "Friends," "Fashions & Stuff" and "Games & Quests."

I think it's a good idea to change the look of the Build-A-Bear news, and Build-A-Bearville certainly kept me more informed than the main Build-A-Bear website! Evidentally, Build-A-Bear is trying to make Build-A-Bearville their "website" and buildabear.com their "shop-site." This is great for the users - get on Build-A-Bear to play and not to shop. I'll go for that any day!

In the upcoming posts, (don't forget about the mini-posts this Tuesday and Thursday!) I'll tell more about Build-A-Bear's "five-month reward program," fashions on Build-A-Bearville, and the brand-new spot where Build-A-Bearville users will love to hang out. Until then,

~Lilli

Leap Day and an awesome givaway!

Hello again! As you should know, this year is a leap year - that meansBuild-A-Bear has a special givaway. (they don't miss a thing!) So, lend an ear (or an eye) and I'll tell you more...

Plan your trip to Build-A-Bear workshop to coincide with this year's "Leap Day," (February 29 to March 3rd) and you can have a cute T-shirt for yourself - with, of course, a purchase of $15 or more. I'm just glad Build-A-Bear is having one of their "givaways," and that they're finally giving your virtual Build-A-Bearville bears clothes other than the default outfit. Yes, when you recieve a Leap Day t-shirt, you also can bring a matching t-shirt into Build-A-Bearville for your furry friends. But there's more - your virtual character in Build-A-Bearville will also recieve a t-shirt. Triple win! This may be one of the best givaways in a long time.
Speaking of Leap Day, Build-A-Bear is creating special gift certificates to commemerate this rare holiday. Every furry friend made on February 29, 2008, will recieve a "Leap Day" birth certificate. And unless you end up spending $14 or less (which is rare at a Build-A-Bear store), you'll get the free t-shirt too.
One more note before I go - stop by Beremy any time between or on February 29th and March 3rd (in Build-A-Bearville) to get a free "Leap" move!
My next post will be this Thursday - toodles for now!
~Lilli

Shown in photo:

The only picture I can find of the "Leap Day" t-shirt. Picture from http://www.buildabear.com/events/events.aspx

The Newest Easter Bunny has arrived!

The newest edition to the Build-A-Bear family has soft fur, ears bigger than her head, and a new limited edition dress. She is hailed by Build-A-Bearville and by the Build-A-Bear website. What I just said made her sound like any other springtime bunny, but I haven't told all. She's really something special.

She's an out-of-the box idea for Build-a-Bear - a tester. Out of the five bunnies released between January 2000 and February 2005, four were brown and one was white. This new bunny's sales will pave the way for future bunnies. She will show Build-A-Bear whether unusual bunnies are profitable.

The newest bunny is pink.

Yes, pink! Pawsome Pink Bunny (I wonder where they got the name!!) was released on February 15th, and she's all the buzz on buildabear.com and Build-A-Bearville. Not surprising, since Build-A-Bear is anxious to sell their newest idea. I always like it when Build-A-Bear is creative, so I'm pretty happy about this new bunny. However, I really wish that they'd name it more creatively!

On another note, Build-A-Bearville has brand-new fashions available at the Pawlette Coufur Boutique. If you like crazy stripes, leopard-print ballet flats, and beanies worn in the middle of summer, these fasions are just what you're looking for. If you're like the rest of us, you'll stick with the old fashions. Needless to say, I haven't seen anyone in Build-A-Bearville wearing the newest "trends."

Our final topic will be the Ultimate Build-A-Bearville Sweepstakes. Yes, Build-A-Bear has started yet another of their sweepstakes, but you may want to sit up and take notice of this one: the prize is worth $10,000, and it's not in Build-A-Parties or Build-A-Bear merchandise. It's what Build-A-Bear calls a "Home Technology Center," and it includes a brand-new computer, brand-new music equipment, brand-new furniture and $3,000 for "tax assistance as a result of prize acceptance." Wow! This is one you may want to enter.

See you next Saturday!

~Lilli

Valentine's Day Dance and new bears

Build-A-Bearville is celebrating Valentine's Day all this week with the Valentine's Day Dance! Head right down to the Pawforming Art Center and join in the fun! If you'd like to show off your new "moves," head down to the Build-A-Bear town center and click on Beremy to recieve a Valentine's Day dance disco move.

Notice all the Valentine's day decorations!!!! Build-A-Bearville is full of hearts, balloons, and banners.

Build-A-Bearville has another change: this one shows Build-A-Bear's attention to every detail. The newest Bear Associate at the virtual Build-A-Bear Workshop is Build-A-Bear's up-and-coming Limited Edition Bunny, to arrive in real stores February 15. Watch in future posts for updates on this!

In stores, Build-A-Bear has released their St. Patrick's Day bear: Lucky fur You Teddy arrived February 8th. Creamy, slightly off-white fur sprinkled with three-leaf clovers makes this teddy a cute addition to the Build-A-Bear family. Released with it is Build-A-Bear's annual supply of St. Patrick's Day outfits, from an Irish Dancer dress to green bear jammies. Also included is the ever-popular Leprechaun outfit, this year being in tones of black and green.

Also, Build-A-Bear is celebrating the Chinese New Year with their slim but cute Year of the Mouse. (yes, it is really named that) A sandy-colored mouse with a few wiskers is just the thing to commemorate the year of the Rat....or so Build-A-Bear figures. I don't suppose too many mothers will be too happy about a little bear that looks a bit like a rat.

That's all for now! Until next week,
~Lilli