Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends

Hello Kitty is celebrating its 50th Anniversary and Build-A-Bear is teaming up to produce a limited-edition plush as well as opening the first Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop that will be located in Los Angeles. It sounds like Sanrio is looking to grow the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends collaboration as the 50th Anniversary Hello Kitty® plush debuts as well as the current Sanrio collection at Build-A-Bear. We are excited to see the Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop experience location.

Build-A-Bear Celebrates Hello Kitty’s 50th Anniversary with Limited-Edition Plush and Grand Opening Plans for First-Ever Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop

Iconic Brands Collaborate to Delight Fans of All Ages with Exclusive Products and New Retail Experience in Premier Lifestyle Center

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. (NYSE: BBW), a pioneer in experiential retail, announced today the introduction of an exclusive 50th Anniversary Hello Kitty® make-your-own plush and plans for a first-of-its-kind Workshop location designed in collaboration with Sanrio®, the parent company of Hello Kitty® and Friends. The grand opening of the new Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop, situated in the prestigious Westfield Century City in Los Angeles, is expected to occur in time to celebrate Hello Kitty’s November anniversary with special events and exclusive products along with the personalized, memorable, “building” process for which Build-A-Bear is known.

These exciting events reflect a new chapter in the company’s longstanding, successful relationship with Sanrio, which has driven lifetime sales of more than three million Hello Kitty and Friends themed plush items and led to the creation of the exclusive 50th Anniversary Hello Kitty® make-your-own plush. The unique Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop experience location is expected to benefit from the ongoing fandom surrounding the collaboration between these two multi-generational iconic brands and coincides with the rise of “kidulting,” the increasing trend of adults purchasing toy and plush products for themselves, which recently reached an all-time high, according to data from the research firm, Circana.

“We are delighted to collaborate with Sanrio on the first-ever Hello Kitty and Friends inspired Build-A-Bear Workshop location, especially as we celebrate the remarkable 50th anniversary of this beloved character,” said Anjali Khosla, Vice President of Brand Management of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Beyond this milestone moment, the timing is also supportive of the strategic expansion of our global retail footprint as well as the purposeful extension of our addressable market to include teens and adults – which is also a key consumer for Hello Kitty and Friends.”

“We are excited to expand our Build-A-Bear collection with the launch of this special 50th Anniversary Hello Kitty plush, bringing fans a unique collectible that they can cherish for years to come,” said Jill Koch, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Management of Sanrio, Inc. “As our partnership with Build-A-Bear continues to grow and evolve, we are looking forward to introducing new products and activations that inspire playfulness, fun and creating memorable moments together.”
The new 50th Anniversary Hello Kitty® plush debuts today online and rolls out in participating Build-A-Bear Workshop locations in the coming weeks. This exclusive, limited-edition make-your-own Hello Kitty plush commemorates the milestone anniversary with sparkly accents, a festive new dress with a playful twist on Hello Kitty’s signature bow, making this one-of-a-kind item a must-have for collectors and fans. In addition to Hello Kitty, fans can also select from the broader Build-A-Bear Sanrio collection including Kuromi™, Cinnamoroll™, My Melody™, Tuxedosam™, and more at Sanrio Plush Toy & Stuffed Animal Collection (buildabear.com).

Grand opening information of the one-of-a-kind Build-A-Bear x Hello Kitty® and Friends Workshop featuring an array of exclusive make-your own versions of Sanrio characters and signature Build-A-Bear furry friends as a part of the immersive personalized experience, is expected to be announced at a later date. To receive more information, sign up here: https://www.buildabear.com/build-a-bear-hello-kitty-los-angeles-california-store.