Unveils Special Workshop Experience Designed
to Transcend the Screen by Bringing IF Characters
"To Life" for Fans
ST.
LOUIS, May 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Build-A-Bear
Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) is thrilled to announce
the in-store celebration of the upcoming Paramount Pictures feature
film, IF, in theatres May
17, through its longstanding partnership with Paramount
Consumer Products. Written and directed by John Krasinski, IF is about a girl
who discovers that she can see everyone's imagery friends – and
what she does with that superpower – as she embarks on a magical
adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars
Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey
Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the
voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge,
Louis Gosset Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the
wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of
a child's imagination. This collaboration highlights the magic of
creation and imagination that Build-A-Bear provides kids and that
is illustrated through this film. At Build-A-Bear, imaginary
friends come to life every day for its guests.

Known for fostering creativity and imagination, Build-A-Bear has
long been recognized as a beloved destination for families. In
celebration of the film IF, Build-A-Bear invites
families to come in and create their very own Imaginary Friend.
Beginning May 16, Build-A-Bear
Workshop locations in Culver City,
CA, American Dream in East
Rutherford, NJ, and at Blue Water in the UK, will undergo a
magical transformation, bringing visitors closer to the world
of IF. In these select stores, the heartwarming
message that is central to the experience will be displayed:
"Imaginary Friends Made Here," resonating with the film's theme of
friendship and wonder.
Additionally, Build-A-Bear Workshops across the country will
feature a bespoke Heart Ceremony, personally crafted by Krasinski,
enriching the enchanting experience of bringing imaginary friends
to life. During the iconic Heart Ceremony, guests get to choose a
satin heart, make a wish and place the heart inside to bring their
new furry friend to life.
"Imagination is at the heart of what we do at Build-A-Bear,
and IF from John Krasinski
embodies that spirit. We're thrilled to offer children and families
an experience that brings their own imaginary friends to life in a
way only Build-A-Bear can, both in our stores and through the
release of a make-your-own version of the lead imaginary friend,
Blue," said Sharon Price John,
President and Chief Executive Officer at Build-A-Bear. "Together,
with Paramount we're celebrating the magic of friendship and
creativity, inspiring countless moments of joy and imaginative
play."
Furthermore, workshops nationwide will unveil exclusive
merchandise inspired by IF, along with an array of
outfits, allowing fans a lasting memory of the movie's spirit long
after the credits roll.
- IF Blue Plush: Go on magical adventures with
your own IF Blue plush! The beloved imaginary
friend from the hit movie gives very real hugs with its purple fur,
large body and smiley face. Personalize
your IF Blue plush with the outfits, sounds,
scents and accessories of your choice for more imaginative
fun.
- IF "We're Always Here" T-Shirt: Your
imaginary friends are always here! Celebrate the magical spirit of
the movie IF and dress your bear in this graphic
tee featuring characters from the film. The shirt is available as a
standalone item or as part of the Happy Hugs Teddy
Bear IF Gift Set.
- IF PJ Sleeper: Snuggle up to the sweetest of
dreams with Blue from the movie IF! This cozy pajama
sleeper for stuffed animals has a fun pattern featuring IF's
Blue. It is also available in the Pawlette
Plush IF Gift Set.
IF fans can make their dreams a reality by visiting
Build-A-Bear Workshop® locations or by shopping online
at buildabear.com.
About Build-A-Bear
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. More than 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 www.buildabear.com including its online "Bear-Builder"
as well as "HeartBox" and its age-gated adult-focused "Bear Cave."
In addition, extending its brand power beyond retail, Build-A-Bear
Entertainment, a subsidiary of Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc., is
dedicated to creating engaging content for kids and adults that
fulfills the Company's mission, while the Company also offers
products at wholesale and in non-plush consumer categories via
licensing agreements with leading manufacturers. Build-A-Bear
Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW) posted total revenues of $486.1 million for fiscal 2023. For more
information, visit the Investor Relations section
of buildabear.com.
About Paramount Consumer Products
Paramount Consumer
Products oversees all licensing and merchandising for Paramount
(Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment
company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences
worldwide. Driven by a diverse slate of consumer brands, Paramount
Consumer Products' portfolio is based on content from platforms
including Paramount+, CBS (including CBS Television Studios and CBS
Television Distribution), cable networks (including MTV,
Nickelodeon and Showtime), and Paramount Pictures. Additionally,
the division operates Paramount Game Studios. With properties
spanning animation, live-action, preschool, youth and adult,
Paramount Consumer Products is committed to creating the highest
quality product for some of the world's most beloved, iconic
franchises. To view our range of consumer products and Paramount
branded apparel, visit ParamountShop.com.

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SOURCE Build-A-Bear Workshop