Icon Park in Orlando will soon be home to a massive Build-A-Bear Workshop designed for intergenerational fun when it opens in 2026.
Build-A-Bear Workshop announced plans to introduce a new retail experience in the heart of the Orlando tourism area in the International Drive area. This will open in 2026 during the first half of the year. Construction of the innovative, multi-level “retail-tainment” location is slated to begin later this year.
Bulid-A-Bear Workshop started in 1997. For this next step in the company’s evolution, it partners with the design firm Chute Gerdeman, experts in crafting immersive and engaging retail spaces, including the FAO Schwarz New York flagship, where Build-A-Bear operates a successful shop-in-shop. By reimagining its engaging, destination-based retail concept with interactive and personalized elements, Build-A-Bear expects to surprise and delight guests. This move is part of a multi-year strategic evolution and expansion of Build-A-Bear’s global footprint, particularly in tourist and hospitality destinations, building on its nearly 600 locations.
Build-A-Bear Workshop at Icon Park Orlando
“The combination of a creative interpretation of Build-A-Bear’s famous ‘make your own’ teddy bear retail concept, situated in a major destination city, is lined up to be a must-visit attraction for our wide array of fans,” said Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear. “From our core consumer base of children to our collectible market of teens and adults that represents 40% of our sales, we look forward to continuing to create memorable moments for our guests in this one-of-a-kind location.”
Build-A-Bear’s new multi-level Workshop is planned to incorporate an eye-catching and highly branded facade to leverage its positioning on the major thoroughfare of International Drive. Also, the location inside Icon Park makes a great spot with the natural consumer traffic, which is enhanced by its proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando.
“This will be the largest combination of experiential retail and entertainment at ICON Park,” said ICON park president and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz. “We think Build-A-Bear’s decision to expand here at this scale speaks volumes about the appeal of doing business in Orange County and at ICON Park.”
For more information about Build-A-Bear, please visit the official company website. Also, for more theme park-related news, please visit MSM News.
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