Build-A-Bear Workshop Opens Stores Down Under; First Two Stores Opening in Australia.

ST. LOUIS -- After opening the premier store in St. Louis, MO in 1997, Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) (NYSE:BBW) is bringing its unique entertainment retail concept to its first locations in Australia. Build-A-Bear Workshop opened its very first store in Australia on October 28th, in Westfield Bondi Junction, followed by Castle Hill Towers one week later, on November 4th. Creata, an Australian based global marketing and manufacturing firm, will own and operate the Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in Australia.

"The decision to open in Australia came as a response to thousands of requests received from Australian Guests who have visited Build-A-Bear Workshop stores throughout the U.S.," says Maxine Clark, Founder and Chief Executive Bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop. "Now we will be able to reach even more of our friends in Australia and we are thrilled to be there."

Build-A-Bear Workshop is based on the premise that nearly everyone, regardless of age, has a special fondness for stuffed animals. At Build-A-Bear Workshop, Guests choose, stuff, stitch, fluff, name and dress their very own stuffed animals. Hundreds of coordinating outfits and accessories are also available to further personalize new furry friends.

In addition to shopping in the store, Guests can visit the website at, www.buildabear.com.au. Online, Guests can view the entire range of products, the bear making process, book parties and purchase goods for delivery within Australia. In addition, the website will inform Guests when new stores are opening in their area.

About Build-A-Bear Workshop(R):

Build-A-Bear Workshop is an interactive, entertainment, mall-based retailer that invites Guests of all ages to create their own customized stuffed animals through an exciting bear-making process. The first store opened in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997, and the company now operates over 170 locations in the USA with four stores in Canada. Build-A-Bear Workshop opened its first international store in Sheffield, England in the fall of 2003, added additional international stores in Japan, Korea, Denmark and Australia in 2004 and plans to open its first store in Taiwan in 2005 making it the global leader in the teddy bear business. Based on a survey compiled by Shopping Centers Today, a publication of the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), Build-A-Bear Workshop was one of six retailers chosen and presented with the ICSC "2004 Hot Retailer Award". For more information on the company and its products call (877) 789-BEAR (2327) or visit the company's award-winning web site at www.buildabear.com.