Build‑A‑Bear leans into stores
Build‑A‑Bear signaled plans for at least 50 new global locations in 2026 after reporting record Q4 2025 revenue of $529.8 million—an emphatic bet on experiential retail. The move underlines a retail view that physical experience still drives growth alongside e-commerce.
Management said tariffs and related costs totaled an approximate $11 million for fiscal 2025, with about $6 million hitting the fourth quarter [reported]. ir.buildabear.com The company returned $39.0 million to shareholders through buybacks and dividends and raised its quarterly payout to $0.23 per share (a 4.5% increase) [reported]. ir.buildabear.com Build‑A‑Bear recorded net new unit growth of 64 experience locations for the year—comprised of seven corporately‑managed, 40 partner‑operated and 17 franchise openings—underscoring the partner‑operated expansion mix [reported]. ir.buildabear.com A multi‑level flagship slated for ICON Park in Orlando is scheduled to open in summer 2026 as a two‑floor interactive location [announced], and the stock jumped roughly 23.5% in premarket trading after the results and outlook were released [reported]. buildabear.gcs-web.com
