Build-A-Bear Workshop is a popular American retailer that allows customers to create their own stuffed animals. Founded in 1997 by Maxine Clark in St. Louis, Missouri, the concept revolves around an interactive experience where customers, often children, choose a stuffed animal, then stuff it to their desired firmness, and finally add accessories, outfits, and even sounds or scents.

The process typically involves the following steps:

1. Choose a Stuffed Animal: Customers select from a wide range of animal characters.
2. Stuff the Animal: Using a stuffing machine, customers can add as much or as little stuffing as they like to create their perfect huggable friend.
3. Add a Heart Ceremony: Customers can insert a small heart or wish into their stuffed animal, often as part of a ceremony.
4. Dress Up: There’s a variety of outfits and accessories to customize the stuffed animal’s appearance.
5. Name and Birth Certificate: Customers can name their stuffed animal and receive a birth certificate to commemorate the new “bear’s” arrival.

Build-A-Bear also offers various themed collections and collaborations with popular franchises like Star Wars, Disney, and Marvel, providing even more options for customization. The stores are designed to be fun and engaging, creating a memorable experience for kids and their families.