Build-A-Bear Workshop announced plans to introduce a new multi-level retail experience in Orlando, Florida in the first half of 2026. Construction of the innovative, multi-level retail-tainment location is slated to begin later this year according to the company.
The company is partnering with the renowned design firm Chute Gerdeman, experts in crafting immersive and engaging retail spaces, including the FAO Schwarz New York flagship, where Build-A-Bear currently operates a highly successful shop-in-shop. By reimagining its already engaging, destination-based retail concept with evolved, interactive, and personalized elements, Build-A-Bear expects to both surprise and delight guests.
This move is part of a multi-year strategic evolution and expansion of Build-A-Bear’s global footprint, particularly in tourist and hospitality destinations like Orlando, building on its nearly 600 locations.
“The combination of a creative interpretation of Build-A-Bear’s famous ‘make your own’ teddy bear retail concept, situated in a major destination city, is lined up to be a must-visit attraction for our wide array of fans,” said Sharon Price John, CEO of Build-A-Bear. “From our core consumer base of children to our collectible market of teens and adults that represents 40% of our sales, we look forward to continuing to create memorable moments for our guests in this one-of-a-kind location.”
Build-A-Bear’s new multi-level Workshop in Orlando is planned to incorporate an eye-catching and highly branded facade to leverage its positioning on the major thoroughfare of International Drive. Separately, the location inside of ICON Park is ideal given the natural consumer traffic which is enhanced by its proximity to Walt Disney World, Universal’s Theme Parks and SeaWorld Orlando, all of which are prime destinations for tourists and families.
“This will be the largest combination of experiential retail and entertainment at ICON Park,” said ICON Park President and CEO Chris Jaskiewicz. “We think Build-A-Bear’s decision to expand here at this scale speaks volumes about the appeal of doing business in Orange County and at ICON Park.”
ICON Park said it is attracting millions of guests each year with its unique collection of experiences including attractions, restaurants, bars, live entertainment and shops — all anchored under the brilliant lights of The Orlando Eye. ICON Park’s portfolio of 50+ tenants includes globally recognized brands that appeal to both families and adults. Just a few of the famous brands that call ICON Park home include Merlin Entertainments’ Madame Tussauds and Sea Life Aquarium, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, Darden’s Yard House, Gordon Ramsay’s Fish & Chips, The Sugar Factory, Museum of Illusions, Shake Shack, Tin Roof, Uncle Julio’s, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and opening soon Blue Man Group. The developers of Harmon Corner are Torino Companies and Flag Luxury Group, which over the past 50 years have completed a combined total of $10 billion of leisure, entertainment and retail properties, with another $4 billion of new developments in their pipelines. The partnership is a national leader in developing, owning and operating entertainment and retail properties in gateway cities Las Vegas, Miami, Los Angeles and Orlando, with $2 billion of projects completed and another $2 billion in the pre-development stage.
