Build-a-Bear, the innovative producer of stuffed animal products for children is going virtual!

The company has gained world-wide popularity for their “Build-a-Bear Workshop” stores where children are given the opportunity to create their own unique bear (or other animals) from scratch.  Children are guided through an entertaining process where they get to choose their animal type and fabric color.  Next they get to stuff their animal and even insert a toy heart and make a wish.  Once the stuffed animal has taken shape, children pick from a number of accessories, and finally get to name their creation.

Build-a-Bear worked with Oddcast to create a viral marketing campaign that will recreate the real-world bear-creation experience online.  Starting this week, children of all ages worldwide are logging on to the Build-a-Bear Workshop site to create their very own virtual bear by going through the same process that they would experience in the real world. Once their virtual bear is complete, kids add an audio message and email a speaking bear-message to their friends (or parents).  Furthermore, each child’s unique animal creation will now become their personal website guide delivering entertaining messages throughout the site.

- Ben Farkas, Director of Sales & Marketing