Press Release
BUILD-A-BEAR ENTERTAINMENT INKS GROUNDBREAKING NEW IMPRINT DEAL WITH MACMILLAN PUBLISHING AND ODD DOT
a division of
As Build-A-Bear envisions extending its entertainment footprint further by bringing new adventures to life in different ways, this relationship with Macmillan, a publisher known the world over for the creation of innovative and engaging content, is a natural next step. The imprint will expand the reach of beloved intellectual properties by creating board books, picture books, chapter books, sticker and activity books which will bring Build-A-Bear characters and stories to life across multiple genres for a wide age range of readers. These properties include the popular Build-A-Bear product line Honey Girls, currently seen as a live action feature film on Netflix, as well as the upcoming Christmas 2023 film Glisten and the
Build-A-Bear has been captivating guests and audiences with its unique approach to the creative process and storytelling since its inception in 1997, when the company disrupted the toy and plush industry and was simultaneously credited for being a pioneer of experiential retail where consumers could make their own stuffed animals. As the brand rose to iconic status over the past 25 years, Build-A-Bear has also developed a rich library of intellectual property, many of which have been recently translated beyond retail and plush, through the creation of content including feature film and music. With 225 million "furry friends" sold over the last quarter century, each representing a unique memory and a special story, the brand has also created millions of heartfelt relationships spanning generations of kids and adults.
Build-A-Bear has been executing a strategic corporate evolution which includes a dynamic digital transformation, an expanded multi-channel business model, the extension of the addressable market and the reimagination of the company's entertainment division, all aligned with the continuation of its the mission to bring a little more heart to life. The company intends to continue and expand its high engagement touchpoints and creative content. By driving this strategy, Build-A-Bear has continued to deliver profitable growth, recently reporting record breaking financial results by ending fiscal 2022 with the highest profitability in the company's history on top of having delivered record profitability in the previous fiscal year as well.
"Storytelling and creativity have always been at the center of the Build-A-Bear experience, each personalized furry friend created by our guests celebrates unique stories, and our partnership with Macmillan, allows us to share new ways for guests to interact with their beloved and favorite Build-A-Bear characters by bringing them to life through stories, books and activities We are delighted to expand the love and appeal of our brand and encourage further creativity for children, tweens and teens," said
Odd Dot Publisher
"We're thrilled to be partnering with Build-A-Bear," says
"Because of their reputation for innovative and engaging content that inspires kids and kids at heart to explore, learn, and have fun, we were confident from the beginning that
This partnership between Build-A-Bear and Macmillan marks a significant milestone for both companies. As one of the top five publishers in the world, Macmillan's ability to secure such a powerful retail partner is a testament to its reputation and influence in the industry. Few retailers have the reach to offer publishers the kind of exposure and sales potential that Build-A-Bear can provide. By tapping into Build-A-Bear's vast, loyal customer base and leveraging its industry-leading footprint, and leaning into Macmillan's already established reach and impact in the market, these companies will together cement their positions as a leading player in the publishing industry. For both, this groundbreaking partnership is sure to drive significant growth and revenue.
ABOUT BUILD-A-BEAR ENTERTAINMENT
ABOUT
Build-A-Bear is a multi-generational global brand focused on its mission to "add a little more heart to life" appealing to a wide array of consumer groups who enjoy the personal expression in making their own "furry friends" to celebrate and commemorate life moments. Nearly 500 interactive brick-and-mortar experience locations operated through a variety of formats provide guests of all ages a hands-on entertaining experience, which often fosters a lasting and emotional brand connection. The company also offers engaging e-commerce/digital purchasing experiences on buildabear.com including its online "Bear-Builder", the animated "
ABOUT
ABOUT
ABOUT FOUNDATION MEDIA PARTNERS
Foundation's clients and executive team have produced a number of commercially successful and award-winning films for major studios and independent financiers. Foundation's slate includes movies from some of the most prolific filmmakers in the world, cultivating some of today's most dynamic and cutting edge new voices. Recent titles include THE BAD GUYS, based on the best-selling book franchise by
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SOURCE
For Foundation Media Partners, Gillian Sheldon, gillian@sheldonstrategy.com; For Build-A-Bear, Jaime Ludwig, Jaimelu@buildabear.com; For Macmillan, Molly B. Ellis, molly.ellis@macmillan.com