1851

LAST UPDATED: December 2025 FRANCHISE WEBSITE:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-inquiries-franchisees.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-inquiries-franchisees.html</a> NUMBER OF LOCATIONS: 400+ REPORTED COST TO GET IN: $5 million - $12 million REPORTED ROI (Item 19): The brand does&nbsp;not publicly provide individual franchisee earnings claims or an Item 19 table in its U.S. documentation.Build-A-Bear Workshop is a globally recognized experiential retail brand known for its interactive process where guests create and personalize their own stuffed animal companions. While the company operates many corporate-owned stores in North America and other major markets, its franchise opportunities are focused exclusively on master/area development rights in international territories outside the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.<h2>1. What Is the Brand Overview for Build-A-Bear Workshop?</h2><h3>About the Brand</h3>Build‑A‑Bear Workshop was founded in 1997 in St. Louis, Missouri by&nbsp;<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maxine_Clark?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Maxine Clark</a>. The concept came from her vision of an interactive, atelier-style retail experience where children (and families) actively participate in building and personalizing their own stuffed animals rather than simply purchasing a pre-made toy. Over time the brand expanded beyond the U.S. and now has hundreds of locations worldwide, including company-owned stores in North America and franchise/partner locations internationally.Mission: To “add a little more heart to life,” through personalized, joyful experiences of creating furry friends.<a href="https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-press-resources-company-information.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a>Vision: To provide memorable, multi-generational experiences through its hands-on build-your-own model, while expanding globally and leveraging its brand and licensing relationships.&nbsp;<h3>Unique Selling Points (USPs)</h3><ul><li>An immersive, experiential retail model where guests go through “stuff me,” “dress me,” “name me” stations — offering fun, personalization and emotional connection rather than simply transactional toy buying.</li><li>Strong brand recognition and affinity — the model has been around for decades, builds memories and attracts families and repeat visits.</li><li>Extensive licensing partnerships (e.g., pop-culture, sports teams, entertainment characters) allowing the brand to stay fresh and appealing across age groups.</li><li>A global footprint with both company-owned and franchise/partner-operated stores, plus e-commerce and non-plush licensing opportunities, providing multiple revenue-streams and brand extensions.</li></ul><h2>2. What Are the Franchise Opportunity Details?</h2><h3>Why Franchise With Build-A-Bear Workshop?</h3><ul><li>Proven Business Model: The brand has demonstrated international expansion, a differentiated experiential retail concept and strong consumer appeal.</li><li>Comprehensive Training and Support: Franchisees receive training in operations, merchandising, marketing and technology.</li><li>Brand Buying Power and Systems:&nbsp;Franchisees gain access to the global network of more than 400 locations in terms of buying power, store design, equipment and fixtures.</li><li>Global Expansion Opportunity:&nbsp;The brand is actively seeking territory development partners in markets outside the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Ireland, often on an exclusive area-development basis.</li></ul><h3>Available Territories</h3>Franchising is offered for countries other than the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada, the U.K. and Ireland, where the brand’s stores are company-owned or company-operated. Territories are often entire countries or groups of countries, and for consideration a territory must generally have the potential for at least 15 stores.<h3>Investment Overview</h3>Initial Costs: Initial investment for a master/development franchise territory typically ranges from approximately US $5 million to US $12 million, depending on country and scale.Initial Franchise Fee:&nbsp;The publicly available information does&nbsp;not specify a standard initial franchise fee figure (Item 5 of the FDD) for international master franchise rights.Ongoing Fees:&nbsp;Detailed breakdown of royalty or ongoing fees is not publicly disclosed in available franchise summaries.&nbsp;ROI Potential:&nbsp;Since the brand does&nbsp;not provide an Item 19 earnings claim (in markets available) this means prospective franchisees must conduct due diligence and review territory-specific forecasts.<h2>3. What Franchisee Support Does Build-A-Bear Workshop Provide?</h2><h3>Training Programs</h3>Franchisees receive comprehensive training in all aspects of the business — operations, merchandising, marketing and technology — delivered by an experienced multi-discipline management team. Training likely includes both initial in-store training for the first units and ongoing development.<h3>Operational Support</h3>The Build-A-Bear Workshop franchise support includes assistance with store design, equipment and fixtures. For area development partners, the franchisor offers comprehensive real estate and territory planning support. Franchisees also benefit from marketing and merchandising support, which encompasses product development guidance, leveraging global licensing relationships, and participation in brand campaigns like "The Stuff You Love."&nbsp;<h3>Technology and Tools</h3>Access to global supply/merchandise chain and e-commerce support (the brand also operates online and partners globally) gives franchisees access to multi-channel tools.<h2>4. What Are the Franchise Requirements for Build-A-Bear Workshop?</h2><h3>Eligibility Criteria</h3>Build-a-Bear does not specify any franchisee requirements with regards to liquid assets or net worth, with the exception of the $5 million to $12 million initial investment (depending on the country where the franchise is being developed).The brand is looking for franchisees with a strong background in retail or franchising who have extensive knowledge of the local real estate market in the territory being developed. Existing warehouse, logistics or infrastructure capabilities are a plus.<h3>Operational Commitments</h3>Because territory development rights often involve multiple stores, franchisees must be prepared for multi-unit operations. The model may not suit "semi-absentee" ownership easily, as the need for brand growth, multi-unit rollout, logistics and infrastructure implies significant active investment and management. Furthermore, for many markets, direct store ownership and operation are required, meaning sub-franchising is typically not permitted.<h3>Funding Assistance</h3>There is no publicly noted national financing program tied specifically to Build-A-Bear’s franchise offering. Prospective investors will need to arrange their own financing.<h2>5. What Is the Market Potential for the Experiential Retail/Family-Entertainment/Toy Sector?</h2><a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/toys-and-games-market?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791#:~:text=Toys%20And%20Games%20Market%20Analysis%20by%20Mordor%20Intelligence,continue%20to%20enjoy%20steadfast%20demand." target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The $290 billion global toys and games market</a> continues to grow, driven by new demographics, including children, nostalgic adults and the trend of "kidulting," alongside a strong consumer demand for customization and experience-based retail. As brick-and-mortar retail evolves, experiential concepts — where consumers engage actively rather than passively purchase — are increasingly sought after. Build-A-Bear Workshop's model is well-positioned to leverage this trend by offering in-store activity, personalization, and emotional connection, a model that has resulted in the sale of over 225 million furry friends to date, according to the brand's own commentary.<h3>Competitor Analysis</h3>Primary competitors might include other experiential toy stores or personalization-based retail chains (though few match exactly this build-your-own stuffed animal niche). Examples include&nbsp;<a href="https://hobbytownfranchise.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">HobbyTown</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://bricksandminifigs.com/franchise-opportunities/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bricks &amp; Minifigs</a>, as well as educational and activity-based franchises like&nbsp;<a href="https://www.bricks4kidz.com/franchise/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bricks 4 Kidz</a>, or smaller build-your-own plush concepts, but Build-A-Bear’s scale and licensing give it a unique position.<h2>6. What Is the Application Process for Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchisees?</h2><ol><li>Initial Inquiry:&nbsp;Submit interest via the online form on the Build-A-Bear franchising website. &nbsp;</li><li>Pre-Qualification:&nbsp;Review of financial/territorial suitability by Build-A-Bear’s franchise development team (capital, real-estate knowledge, infrastructure). &nbsp;</li><li>Franchise Disclosure Document/International Franchise Agreement:&nbsp;For approved candidates, receipt of the relevant documentation, review of territory rights, responsibilities and commitments (timing depends on jurisdiction). &nbsp;</li><li>Due Diligence and Interviews:&nbsp;Candidate reviews all materials, visits existing stores, meets franchisor team, and possibly contacts existing franchisees/partners. &nbsp;</li><li>Store/Territory Planning and Execution:&nbsp;Upon signing, development plan for initial stores in the territory, store design, leasing/selecting sites, build-out, equipment and launch. &nbsp;</li><li>Training and Grand Opening:&nbsp;Franchisee and key staff attend training, the marketing launch plan executed and the store(s) open. &nbsp;</li><li>Ongoing Operations, Support and Expansion:Ongoing support from franchisor, rollout of additional stores in the territory according to development schedule.</li></ol>To learn more about franchising with Build-a-Bear Workshop,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.buildabear.com/brand-about-inquiries-franchisees.html?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">visit the Franchise Opportunities page</a> on the brand’s website.Want to learn more about franchise opportunities on 1851 Franchise? Be sure to visit our&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/power-rankings">Power Rankings</a> to read more on brands making moves.Want to learn more about how 1851 helps franchisees find the right franchise opportunity? Visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.1851growthclub.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025-2730791" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">www.1851growthclub.com</a> and start your journey.Disclaimer: This content is for information only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.&nbsp;All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise Costs, Fees and Data 2025

1851 Franchise

Franchise Opportunity Deep Dive: A highly engaging, interactive retail concept that provides an immersive experience for guests to design and customize their own unique, stuffed animal companions.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

build-a-bear-workshop-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-for-2025

America's Swimming Pool

How America’s Swimming Pool Co. Supports Franchisees With Coaching, Technology, and New Service Lines

how-americas-swimming-pool-co-supports-franchisees-with-coaching-technology-and-new-service-lines

BooXkeeping

BooXkeeping Closes Out a Breakout 2025 With Major Wins and Momentum for 2026

booxkeeping-2025-growth-franchise-expansion-2026-momentum

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise - Eli and Abby Power - 1851 Franchise

Eli and Abby Power Turned a Rural Plumbing Shop Into a Multi-Generational Benjamin Franklin Plumbing Franchise

benjamin-frankling-plumbing-franchise-eli-abby-power-western-colorado

Image Studios

IMAGE Studios Celebrates Record Growth in 2025 With 35 Openings and 50 Units Awarded

image-studios-franchise-growth-2025

Dillas Quesadillas

Design with photo of Michael Mabry and Dillas Primo Quesadillas logo

Franchise Times: New Franchise Exec Says Dillas Is Bringing ‘Excitement’ Back to QSR Category

michael-mabry-franchise-growth

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Development Website Builder

Franchise Resources

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

California Pizza Kitchen’s Sale Is the Latest in the Era of PE-Backed Turnarounds in Franchising

california-pizza-kitchens-sale-is-the-latest-in-the-era-of-pe-backed-turnarounds-in-franchising

Buying a fitness franchise, people exercising

Boutique vs. Big Box Gym Franchises: Which Offers Best ROI in the $7 Billion Fitness Market?

buy-fitness-franchise-boutique-big-box-comparison

Pieology Pizza Enters Chapter 11 Following Costly Bid To Save Struggling Stores

pieology-pizza-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy

CNBC: McDonald’s Will Assess if Franchisees Are Offering Value for Customers Under New Standards

mcdonalds-franchise-standards-value-metric

How AI Is Transforming Restaurant Operations and Franchises

ai-impact-restaurants-franchises-human-centric-technology

Scenthound Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

scenthound-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

Robert Palmer’s Long Game: Turning a Cleveland Lawn Business into the Lawn Squad Franchise

growing-the-lawn-squad-franchise-scaling-authority-brands

Newk's Eatery Franchise - Columbus, Mississippi Expansion - 1851 Franchise

Newk’s Eatery Taps Seasoned Beef ‘O’ Brady’s Multi-Unit Operators for New Columbus, Mississippi Expansion

newks-franchise-columbus-ms-patel

image of 1851 franchise deep dive on lawn squad franchise franchise evaluation, financials

Lawn Squad Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

lawn-squad-franchise-cost-fees-profit-data

A Practical Playbook: Who To Call First When Franchising Your Business

franchising-your-business-who-to-call-first

Photo of group of dogs standing together in day care facility

Top Pet Boarding and Day Care Franchise Opportunities for 2025

top-pet-boarding-daycare-franchises

image of jerome hanway from right at home Las Cruces, New Mexico 1851 franchise franchisee spotlight

Jerome Hanway Is Building His Right at Home Franchise Around His Mission To Serve

right-at-home-franchise-las-cruces-jerome-hanway

AI-related job cuts, October U.S. job cuts, American job cut record

AI-Fueled Layoffs Reshape the U.S. Job Market — And Highlight Franchising’s Resilience

ai-job-cuts-franchising-path-forward

1851 Franchisee Spotlight graphic with photo of Eli Cohen, Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

C5 Restaurants Grows its Texas Footprint with 40 Layne’s Chicken Fingers Locations Planned Statewide

eli-cohen-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

Paris Baguette Welcomes Zac Sulma as New Chief Operating Officer

new-coo-zac-sulma

Build-A-Bear Workshop Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS