At workshops across the U.S, teddy bear lovers can participate in interactive and experiential activities. Also, for the first time, Build-A-Bear is extending its limited edition offer to 2,000 Walmart U.S. stores.
Guests can purchase up to six National Teddy Bear Day bears from the retailer, though they are only available while stocks last. While the majority of workshop locations, including Walmart, are participating in the celebrations, the Kings Island branch, Build-A-Bear Bakeshops and Build-A-Bear Workshop stores located within other shops or restaurants (including, but not limited to, Great Wolf Lodge, Rainforest Café and Build-A-Dino™ Experience within T-Rex Café) will not be taking part.
In addition to these activities, Build-A-Bear is also encouraging social media users to share photos using the hashtag #nationalteddybearday. For each photo shared, the company will donate a teddy bear to United Way in the U.S. and is aiming to give away 50,000 teddy bears globally.
Build-A-Bear says studies have shown hugging a teddy bear can help children build self-confidence and act as a therapeutic tool. The company is predicting that this year’s donation will be the largest single-day donation in the Build-A-Bear Foundation’s history.
Sharon Price John, Build-A-Bear Workshop chief executive officer and president, says: “We are pleased to once again lead the celebration of National Teddy Bear Day and honored to work with Walmart on our first-ever national collaboration to make this the biggest event yet.
“This year, it will be filled with fun in-store activities including a special offer for a collectible furry friend designed especially for the occasion, appearances throughout the world by our huggable mascot, Bearemy, and in line with our mission to ‘add a little more heart to life’, the donation of thousands of furry friends to multiple charities to help children in need,” she continues. “National Teddy Bear Day has become an annual occasion to celebrate the difference that the hug of a teddy bear and the heart of a powerful brand like Build-A-Bear can make in the world.”
The limited edition bears come pre-stuffed, though customers are more than welcome to purchase a 2019 National Teddy Bear Day Bear unstuffed at Build-A-Bear workshops. They can then return at a later date to enjoy the in-store experience by adding stuffing, accessories, sounds and clothes. The 2019 National Teddy Bear Day Bears at Walmart are sold pre-stuffed.
