I had been looking forward to bringing my son here for his birthday because I had heard so many wonderful things about the Build-A-Bear experience. I expected it to be one of those core memory moments for him, but unfortunately, our visit fell short of what I had hoped for. When we walked in, there were three employees in the store. We weren't greeted, and two of the associates immediately headed toward the back. One employee simply said, "Hi," but didn't ask if we needed assistance or explain how the process worked. After a brief awkward pause, I let her know that I was hoping to purchase a Birthday Bear for my son's birthday. She directed us to another associate who had just come from the back, and from that point on, the interaction felt very transactional. I completely understand that retail associates have sales goals, but throughout the experience, the focus seemed to be on upselling every possible accessory rather than creating a memorable experience for a child who was visiting for the very first time. I politely explained that we were just looking for a simple Birthday Bear with a birthday shirt and also mentioned--more than once--that this was my son's first Build-A-Bear experience. I even asked if she could walk us through the process. Unfortunately, there wasn't much guidance or enthusiasm. My son was simply told to step on the pedal to stuff his bear, with very little explanation about what was happening or why. When it came time to choose a heart, he was pointed toward several bins filled with different options. Since he'd never been there before, he had no idea which one to choose. Even after I reminded the associate that it was his first visit, she simply pointed toward one bin instead of explaining the significance of the different hearts or making it feel like the special tradition I'd always heard about. From everything I'd seen online and from friends who have visited other Build-A-Bear locations, the experience is supposed to be interactive, engaging, and full of excitement for the child. Sadly, that wasn't the experience my son received. The associate helping us seemed disengaged, uninterested, and eager to move on to the next task. The bright spot of our visit came at checkout. The associate who rang us up was genuinely kind, welcoming, and engaging with my son. She chatted with him, offered to remove the tags from his new bear, and explained that the Build-A-Bear Cub Condo doubles as a coloring activity at home. That small interaction made a noticeable difference and reminded me of the warm customer service I had expected from the beginning. What made the experience even more disappointing was what happened as we were leaving. Another family walked in, and all three associates immediately became energetic, welcoming, and fully engaged. They greeted them enthusiastically, asked questions, and began walking them through the Build-A-Bear process with the warmth and excitement I had hoped my son would experience. Watching another child receive the magical first visit that my son missed out on was honestly disheartening. We still left with a cute birthday bear that my son loves, and for that I'm grateful. I only wish the experience had matched the magic the brand is known for. Every child deserves to feel special during their first Build-A-Bear visit, especially when they're celebrating a birthday. I truly hope this was just an off day because the concept is wonderful, and I'd love for future families to experience the excitement and care that makes Build-A-Bear so memorable. read more

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We stopped by today to get my little one's birthday bear, and the experience was subpar. We're a little familiar with the building process, but when asked for assistance, the associate pointed to a general area for us to figure it out on your own and walked away. They then returned with a sticker to write my son's name and his age and then walked away again. I assumed the experience is supposed to be magical at this type of store, but maybe not this day? The clothing options for the bears were okay. We ended up going with a pokemon shirt. You can also print out a bear certificate for the bear, which is cute. The true highlight was the cashier; she was warm and bright. She truly turned out to experience it around by engaging with us and came off very genuine in asking questions. She was wonderful! read more

Avoid on the weekend but other than that we had a good birthday celebration experience. Paid $1.08 for our 1 yr old's bear! So fun!

This store is always filled with cute items, and perfect for numerous occasions. If you want a birthday or anniversary gift to remember, take your loved one here to build their own custom bear or plushie. The staff is very friendly and the price is worth the product and experience you receive. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Cute Eevee and Espeon. - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Oh my gosh, reminds me of my childhood! The workers were super nice. Clean and a convenient location inside of the Chandler Fashion Center. Of course I made one! There's never an age limit on having fun ;-) read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

Hi my name is Brandon Ruiz, I went to Build a Bear workshop today only to find out they wouldn't honor one of my childs birthdays. Without explanasion they refused my attempts at asking why. I asked for a manager, I then got confronted by Jennifer who seemed angry from the start of our conversation. After my attempts to ask for corporate information, she claimed I was "Cussing" and kicked me out of the store while my kids were inside. We've gone to this Build a Bear many times, every year for my kids birthday, and this was the first time I felt unwelcome and was confronted by multiple unprofessional employees. My kids and me drove quite a distance for there annual bears, and I'm scarred by my experience this year. Employee name: Jennifer (manager?) read more

We go to the Build a Bear in the Chandler Mall once a year at least because my daughter loves getting her birthday bear. Gave 3 stars for consideration of our prior year visits which were way more exciting and fun. Yesterday the ladies were just not very engaging, had to ask for help. We were the only ones at the store so not like they were busy. They also never told my daughter of her next steps, to go "clean" up the bear, pick outfits if you want etc. we almost forgot to do it then my daughter remembered and said let's do this, etc. Next we were close to the register where the computers are to name your bear. My daughter and I were chatting standing in that area discussing her bear possible name, the lady walks by and said "ready to check out," I said no, don't we get to name the bear and get the certificate? Then she said ok. It was such a weird visit. Just felt like they didn't want to be there. I missed the old days. We still had fun with our tradition. Just thought they should consider making it a little more exciting like used to be. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Bunny bear in the wash and brush station - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

There are different bears and outfits to choose from but we mainly came for my daughters first birthday bear experience.. of course she had to choose Mario bc her older cousin is into Mario right now.. it's only available till the end of this week due to movie! Don't forget your birthday bear! read more

Very friendly over the phone. My son loves Raccoons right now and they have an option to bring it into the store and stuff it whole experience and everything! read more

One thing I liked about BABW was the uniqueness of certain animals at certain locations. And also you could almost always find certain clothing for that state or city. Like a Chicago Bears jersey in Chicago. Or a t-shirt for a college. I loved visiting other stores for something unique. Yes, you can still find some things for that state or city, but not too often. What a missed opportunity. I feel the recent store's promotion was really not well thought out. My neice went away in tears. The lady that held the line was pretty rude to her, be rude to me, not the kids, they don't know any better. I miss the old days of Build a Bear. I hope that someone will consider this feedback as the whole company issue. It was a fun idea before it was commercialized so much. read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Bath time - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

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Sept 20th the workers were so helpful and kind. I had multiple online orders that required stuffing and they were so friendly while that took place. Very pleasant and sweet staff. Would love to visit again! read more

Build a bear has changed over the years. It use to just be about the bears. Now they have branched out into the licensing deals with movie characters etc... I guess I am old fashion. It was hard just to find the plain bear you can then dress up. I didn't want the tooty frooty bears. I was able to find a decent bear and I bought him an elf outfit with skates. This is my Christmas bear for my 2nd grade classroom. My bear looks adorable. This store has a lot of accessories for boy and girl bears. Everything is set up in an easy system to follow for children and adults. The set up is very customer friendly. Staff was very helpful and kind. You can have birthday parties here too!!! My cats at home love the Christmas Bear. read more

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Custom Stuffies = Kid Magnet It's always interesting to walk by Build-a-Bear and watch people with kids (and some younger adults) tilt towards the store like it was a gravity well. Cute stuffed animals will do that, I guess. With two little girls, BBW is a common destination for us. We may have more bears that my daughters can remember names, but no way does that mean less is more! Nor the higher prices once all the gear kids want to buy is factored in. It's something of a right of passage at this point. On the cool side, BBW has some cool special issue bears throughout the year that keep things fresh; the store is relatively clean, and the stuffing process makes the bears more special that ones off a shelf. The staff here was hit and miss-- some are almost saccharine while others are genuinely pleasant. We'll be back. (My daughter told me so. lol) read more

We typically have a positive experience at this Build-a-Bear. I don't even want to know how much money I've dropped here in total. Three kids and each of them has enjoyed their custom bears. Yesterday's visit was in honor of my little one's birthday which means splurging on clothes as well. Mom actually made one as well so we landed with a final total over $100 for three bears, two outfits (no shoes) and a hat. Good grief! Two of the three folks working yesterday were awesome. The young man who engaged the kiddos and stuffed the bears was great. I don't really appreciate the attempt to upsell children (beating hearts, sounds, scents) so I quickly jump in with no so my kids aren't in the awkward situation. Stop that B-A-B! It negatively impacts the positive experience. Otherwise, appreciate the variety of items and the friendly team members. read more

The ladies here were helpful making my niece's Smurfette come to life. The whole experience is fun for the little ones and there are a million options of characters, clothes and accessories -almost too much to choose from. You can just buy the shell and come back and get it filled and personalized like we did. Don't forget to get your birth certificate before you leave. :) read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Just taking a bath. - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

I've been coming here for years. They have awesome gifts. I am big into Pokémon and get my sister Pokémon build a bears. The staff is friendly. They put a heart in the animal and they have exclusive stuff. They won't say when the new Pokémon are coming it. It's a secret but thanks to the staff for helping me and my family read more

Build-A-Bear Workshop - Toy Stores Near Me - Chandler, Arizona

I visited this BAB location because my daughter received a gift-card for her birthday and we decided to use it. When we first walked in there was a lot of options to choose from. I liked that many of the bears had different prices to pick from. Not only were there was bears, there were different characters from cartoon shows. However, my daughter knew what exact bear she wanted before we even visited this location. She picked out the limited edition "Shopkin" bear. Afterwards, an associate finally approached us so we can stuff the bear. During the stuffing process, the associate let my daughter help her stuff the bear which she really enjoyed. Here's how I did my review: + Clean and organized store. + Associates are good with kids. + Tons of bears and characters in stock. + Different price range depending on a bear. + They offer military discount. + The associates can help you locate an item if you can find a certain merchandise you see on display. + If an item/merchandise is their (last) item on display, you are able to purchase it. - Not greeted. - Associates only helped if you asked for help. - Associates only helped customers that knew that were paying customers. - Understaffed. There was only one lady helping seven families. - Waiting. The wait time to check out was over 15 mins and I was the only one in line. read more

This store makes me crazy. OK, call me a grinch -- What beef could I possibly have with a place where happy kiddies and can make their own cute little stuffed animal friend? Well, since you asked: the throngs of people stuffed into a space the size of a bathroom stall. The rampant consumerism and ridiculously high prices. The fact that the entire "build" concept takes about 30 seconds of a machine blowing stuffing into a pre-fabbed bear body. The rest (chooing the outfits, accessories, etc.) can be done with just anout ANY stuffed animal or doll. And then there's all of those kids screaming. I don't DO screaming. The 2 stars are for those poor friendly folks doomed to working here. I start twitching just walking by the place. Baiscally, for me, build a bear equals hell on earth. Still, LOTS of people LOVE Build-a-Bear. Your mileage may vary. But just don't say I didn't warn you. read more

4 stars for the young bear stuffer guy rockin the converse shoes, he tried his best to keep my birthday girl's attention. She just turned 2 (if you read my reviews she is the one that might be autistic or has adhd and is wild nutz) and she was just all over the place. Now, this is where I have to take off a star... at the check out... my daughter had a build a bear purse that she stuffed with hearts (both the purse and hearts were BAB, I was not buying them). I quickly snatched it without her looking and put it behind my me and on top of a shelf.... obviously so my daughter would not see it and scream. Well Mr. Lazy from behind the counter (not my cashier) starts yelling MAAAAM give it to me and I will put it away... HERE GIVE THAT TO ME AND I WILL PUT IT BAAAAAACK. My daughter started wondering what he was yelling about and she was looking around. The guy was ridiculous, my husband was paying and he even turned around to see what the guy was yelling at. 2x I replied to him that I didn't want her to see it and then I just walked away. That jackass should know if a mother tries to hide something away from a child that he should not create a scene. All he had to do was put it back after we left. read more

Reed hooked us with a great bear for my daughter's 3rd birthday. He was awesome with customers and has a ton of positive energy; I hope the store management knows what an asset he is. I expected this place to be some chaotic chamber of hell, but it was a smooth experience and the items cost less than I anticipated. I would consider coming back for a Christmas gift. read more

We spoke to Jennifer, the store manager, with some questions about curbside pickup and inventory. She was so accommodating and helpful and went out of her way to make sure she could find a solution that worked for us. The best customer service we've experienced in a long time! Thank you! read more

Not happy with this place at all. I wanted the toothless how to train your dragon doll for my sons birthday. I called a week before it came out to reserve one. So I bought one. The day it came out I took my son to go pick it up. They sold it to someone else cause they "misplaced" my reservation. So they put me on ANOTHER wait list and told me the shipment would be here in 5 days and they will call me and email me when the order comes in. I waited 7 days. Still no call or email. So I called and the woman was RUDE and short with me saying everyone is calling about the doll. I understand that but the fact that I PRE-ORDERED it and YOU sold an already bought item is ridiculous. I am a single parent and don't make a lot of money so when I want to do something special for my son it is a big deal to me. Thanks build a bear for ruining his ONLY birthday gift then being rude on top of it. read more

I like build a bear. My daughter loves build a bear. Yes, it's pricey. Yes, the quick process detracts from the experience. But my daughter thinks it's fantastically amazing to chose an animal, see it go from a shell to a new lovey, then choose a name, groom, etc. Might not be MY idea of a great time but the kids love it. Employees are always friendly and engaging with the kids. Patient too! I love buying gift certificates here for Christmas gifts and birthdays. read more

Because the manager was very rude when I returned the Build-A-Bear and she said that I was waistline the employees time that could be spent with children who actually like the beard and took them home and loved them and it was very bad costumer service there and also the lady who was stuffing the bear was upset when my child asked to switch the heart out when she had just put it in and didn't close the bear yet and she rolled her eyes and said seriously so the whole experience there was very bad and I recommend not going there. read more

It's nice to have kids build a bear. Unique and kids seem to love it . Expensive! We are going to do it one more time for our kid , that's it! read more

Great experience with my daughter. She wanted a bear that had my voice for when I'm not around or can't call me. Reed walked us through the entire process and did an excellent job. Good with the kids and explained everything to me. Had everything we needed and my daughter loves her toy. read more

If you are looking for a fun and adorable place for both young and mature, this is a fantastic spot to spend your time (and money). It is worth every penny! I brought a handful of students to this particular site and it was the best experience I could have ever imagined. Kimmie and the crew went above and beyond for my students. I now rave about this place to all of my coworkers and family. Wished this was around when I was growing up! Loved every minute. read more