The Build-A-Bear Workshop franchise has enjoyed tremendous success since being founded in St. Louis in 1997. The premise of the workshops was to create an interactive toy-making experience in which the cuddly toy is built by the purchaser.
The Bear-Building process includes a trip to the Stuff-Me Station, where the cuddly toy's heart is carefully put in place. The toy is then stitched, fluffed, named and dressed. The whole hands-on experience bonds a child to their new furry friend. Little wonder the Build-A-Bear brand has the logo: “Where Best Friends Are Made”.
The concept of collaborative Bear-Building in the Build-A-Bear Workshops finds a comparable analogue in the modifiable content of online game worlds. It was an obvious progression of the franchise to join the interactive internet market.
The Build-A-BearVille Online Virtual World
Build-A-BearVille is an online virtual world where children can play with their furry friends and with other users.
Registration is free, and there are no membership fees to pay. The virtual world can be accessed by using the animal ID and keycode found on the birth certificate of any furry friend purchased from a Build-A-Bear Workshop store. Registering without a furry friend is possible, but the activities available are limited.
Currently, Build-A-BearVille has over 5 million registered users, making it one of the fastest growing and most popular websites with young teenagers.
Things to Do in Build-A-BearVilleThere are many activities to enjoy at Build-A-BearVille. These include:
- Creating a character
- Playing games such as “Dive Beary Deep”, “Run Fur the Stuffing” and the “Pie Eating Contest”
- Go on quests. Each furry friend comes with an exclusive virtual adventure to play
- Earn “Bear Bills” to buy virtual clothing, accessories and decorations
- Trade items with other users
- Make friends and chat in a safe virtual environment that won the iParenting Media Award and has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.
- Explore the virtual world, taking in such sights as the Libeary, and the Pawforming Arts Center
Star-Stylin' With Build-A-Bear Workshop
September saw the arrival of a new limited edition furry friend in Build-A-Bear Workshop stores in the shape of a Hannah Montana themed bear.
Making this new friend is worth 3000 Bear Bills, the online currency in Build-A-BearVille. Furthermore, one lucky child will win the “Hannah Montana Star Stylin' Sweepstakes”, the second such venture promoted by Build-A-Bear Workshop.
The winner of this sweepstake, along with two guardians, will meet with Hannah Montana in an all expenses trip to the Disney Channel's Los Angeles set.
Learn more about Build-A-BearVille at their interactive website.
Nicolas McGregor - Nicolas McGregor studied English at Stirling University, and later, Information Technology. Amongst his interests are: independent ...
