`The Bear Necessities of Business: Building a Company with Heart' - One of the World's Leading Entrepreneurs Shares Keys to Success in New Book.

ST. LOUIS -- What does it take to create a thriving global business these days? Perhaps no one knows better than Maxine Clark. In just nine years, she has turned Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) from a single store in a St. Louis, Missouri, shopping mall into a $360 million global retail giant with more than 240 locations around the world.

In her new book,"The Bear Necessities of Business: Building a Company with Heart"(Wiley; May 2006; $24.95; Cloth), Clark reveals exactly how she did this. Along the way, she provides specific advice for aspiring entrepreneurs at all levels and offers proven strategies for business owners and executives wanting to prosper in today's competitive marketplace.

Clark, who has been widely honored for her entrepreneurial prowess and many innovations over the years, was inspired to write the book after receiving hundreds of letters asking for advice on how she was able to achieve so much success. In "The Bear Necessities of Business," she draws upon her three decades of business experience and shows what it takes to keep customers happy, hire and retain top talent, and develop a strong brand in today's competitive marketplace. While there were other "make your own" stuffed animal stores prior to Clark's starting Build-A-Bear Workshop, her years of retailing experience gave Clark unique insights into creating her own successful concept for mall-based retailing.

"This book gives readers an inside look at how to create an incredible company for customers of all ages," said Clark. "Specifically, I provide the essential elements required to launch, nurture, and run a viable global company in the 21st century and beyond, based on time-tested experience."

In addition to showing what works at Build-A-Bear Workshop, the book features lessons and examples from some of the other successful companies Clark has been associated with or admired over the years, including Payless ShoeSource, Starbucks, and Southwest Airlines.

Among other things, "The Bear Necessities of Business" shows:

--How to get started by turning an idea into an actual business plan

--The secrets to being a great boss

--The importance of connecting with your customers

--How to create an incredible experience, regardless of the industry you're in

--Effective marketing strategies which require little or no money

--Proven secrets for effectively growing your business

--Why giving back can actually lead to incredible customer and employee loyalty

All of Maxine Clark's proceeds from the sales of "The Bear Necessities of Business" will be donated to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation, which supports programs that benefit children, families and animals.

About the Author

Maxine Clark is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. A veteran of the retail industry, she has been widely recognized for her innovative work and has been extensively featured in the media. Clark spent almost two decades with The May Department Stores Company and later served as president of Payless ShoeSource, which she turned into the number one seller of children's licensed footwear in the world. Since 1997, Clark has focused her attention on Build-A-Bear Workshop, an entertainment retail store where Guests make their own stuffed animal friend. The first store opened in 1997 in Saint Louis Galleria, and there are now more than 240 stores around the world.

ATTENTION REVIEWERS

For the convenience of your readers, please include the following in your review: Wiley books are available at your local bookstore or by calling 1-800-225-5945. In Canada, call 1-800-567-4797.

TRADEMARKS

As you write your story, we would ask that you use the full Name: Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) and that when referencing the process of making stuffed animals, you use the word "make" not "build."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is the trade name and the registered trademark of Build-A-Bear Retail Management, Inc. Build-A-Bear Workshop (R) should only be used in capital letters to refer to its products and services and should not be used as a verb.

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