Build-A-Bear Workshop Cele-bear-ates a Beary International Event With Paw-fect Alliance.

Business/Lifestyle Editors & Entertainment Writers

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2002

From the Midwest to the Far East, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R), Where Best Friends are Made(R), has announced a landmark agreement with Japan that marks the beginning of the company's international expansion. Build-A-Bear Workshop will soon introduce stores in Japan. The first Build-A-Bear Workshop store opened in the USA in October l997 and the company has expanded rapidly since then, with over 100 stores currently in the top mall and tourist locations in cities across America.

To commemorate this new op-bear-tunity and to solidify the agreement, an event will be held November 26 in St. Louis with the Japanese leaders who are part of the alliance. The event will take place at the Saint Louis Club, located in Clayton, and will begin with a reception from 4-6 p.m. in the Ballroom Lounge on the 16th floor. During the reception both parties will sign the franchise document. Leaders representing Japan will include those from TECH R&DS CO. Ltd, the company who will be responsible for franchise rights in Japan.

Build-A-Bear Workshop has been planning its global expansion for the past several years, and began considering Japan as a key strategic market as early as 1999 when the company was contacted by interested parties from Japan. By late 2000-2001 the company began solidifying plans with potential partners to open stores in Japan. While no firm date has been set, Build-A-Bear Workshop anticipates opening their first store in Japan in Tokyo by Spring of 2003.

Based on the universal appeal of the teddy bear, Build-A-Bear Workshop has always viewed expansion to Japan as a natural extension of its international business growth. Even as a young company, the founder and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Maxine Clark, planned on opening stores in Japan. Commenting on the recent announcement, she said, "Our decision to open stores in Japan was really made some time ago and we are thrilled to now be making this happen. This move is in direct response to the many requests we have received from our Japanese Guests who have shopped in our stores in the United States and registered on our Find-A-Bear(R) ID database or visited our Web site, both factors indicating a strong customer base and reputation throughout Japan." And, Clark added, "The company's expansion has continued to exceed all expectations and we look forward to now bringing stores to our friends in Japan."

The timing of this announcement fittingly coincides in this 100th anniversary of the teddy bear. As history has it, the teddy bear was made famous by U.S. President Teddy Roosevelt, when he spared a young bear cub while on a hunting trip, an act immortalized in a cartoon in the Washington Post. To celebrate this year, Build-A-Bear Workshop has hosted an exciting year of activities to mark the Teddy Bear Centennial.

Since the opening of its first store in 1997, Build-a-Bear Workshop has been the leader internationally of the make-your-own-stuffed animal store concept for mall-based retailing. The company currently operates 109 stores across the U.S. and has seen tremendous growth as a result of its aggressive expansion plan. According to Tracy Mullin, President of the National Retail Federation (NRF), "Build-a-Bear Workshop's inventive and frolicsome approach obviously has resonated with consumers. Retailers know a great concept when they see it...and we are delighted to recognize Build-A-Bear Workshop with the industry's highest honor, the 2001 Retail Innovator of the Year."

When it comes to spreading hugs to its communities, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) is a company with a big heart. The Stuffed with Hugs(SM) program has become a signature charity event nationally, as over 50,000 bears, made by Build-A-Bear Workshop Guests are given to children through partnerships with firefighters, police officers and other local organizations in cities across the U.S. As Build-A-Bear Workshop expands into Japan, the Stuffed with Hugs program, and others like it, will be introduced to communities in which stores are located. The company is also looking forward to becoming involved in local causes and will be especially interested in programs that help support children and education.

Another aspect of the company's philanthropic efforts includes supporting causes to further children's education and to help domestic and endangered animals. To this end, the company has become a leader in developing innovative business and cause-related partnerships in order to provide funds and support for such groups as World Wildlife Fund. Build-A-Bear Workshop donates $1 of the sale of each animal in its World Wildlife Fund Series (Giant Panda and Leopard) to the organization to protect animals from loss of habitat and illegal hunting. The furry friends purchased in the store wear a Collector's Medallion and come with a Certificate of Authenticity by mail.

Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) is an interactive, entertainment mall-based retailer that invites Guests of all ages to create their own customized stuffed animals. The company operates 109 stores nationwide by end of 2002 including a very successful e-commerce business. Build-A-Bear Workshop is the innovator and leader of the make-your-own-stuffed animal concept for mall-based retailing. The premier store opened in the Saint Louis Galleria, St. Louis, Missouri, in October 1997. For more information, call (888) 560-BEAR or visit the company's award-winning Web site at www.buildabear.com.