Business Model.<\/strong><\/p>\n Build-A-Bear was designed to deliver a personalized, fun, and inspirational shopping experience for its consumers.\u00a0 While Build-A-Bear earns revenue through sales of individually created stuffed animals, its unique and memorable shopping experience remains its true competitive advantage.\u00a0 According to Clark, \u201cwe\u2019ve always been a customer-centric organization…I believe that we don\u2019t sell products, we sell smiles.\u201d[3]<\/a><\/p>\n Build-A-Bear\u2019s business model necessitates operations in three sectors:\u00a0 company-owned retail stores throughout the US, Puerto Rico, Ireland, and the UK, international stores operated under franchise agreements, and commercial sales to business partners of various industries.\u00a0 Build-A-Bear achieved nearly $400 Million in revenues in 2014, of which 60% of sales were attributed to its core customers, children ages 3-12 .[4]<\/a><\/p>\n Operating Model.<\/strong><\/p>\n The success of Build-A-Bear’s business model hinges on its ability to create an enduring trust and emotional attachment with its customers.\u00a0 This makes Build-A-Bear\u2019s operating model particularly interesting, as it masterfully created an operating model that enables value to be captured through both its product and experience while simultaneously satisfying the demands of its consumers, employees, and shareholders.\u00a0 How does it do this?<\/p>\n An Energized Workforce<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n For the seventh straight year, Build-A-Bear ranked as one of Forbes\u2019 100 Best Places to Work.[5]<\/a>\u00a0 Of its 4,300 employees, 3,400 work part-time.[6]<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0This high number of part-time employees is more than a cost-saving measure.\u00a0 Employees\u2019 enthusiasm and approachability facilitate the in-store environment and contribute to customers\u2019 enjoyment.\u00a0 With a predominantly part-time workforce (many of which are of teenagers), Build-A-Bear helps build and maintain a sense of freshness, excitement, and job fulfilment among its people, and these qualities shine through to the consumers throughout their in-store journeys.<\/p>\n A Unique In-Store Shopping Experience<\/u><\/em><\/p>\n Upon arrival, customers are led to an interactive Build-A-Bear production line that guides them through their adventure.\u00a0 They bring their bears to life through an innovative and streamlined process as explained in the video below.[7]<\/a><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i4tsk12in2b2y7uts14c528g-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/12\/BBW-Stock-chart-300x213.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Build](\"https:\/\/i4tsk12in2b2y7uts14c528g-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2015\/12\/Build-a-bear-employee1-300x227.png\")
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