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New on the Scene: Build-A-Bear Workshop

By LIANE SMITH (Contact)

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Reason to go: Even adults will want in on the action of creating a customized stuffed animal from its shell. Customers can pick from a variety of stuffed bears, turtles, bunnies and more, with clothing and accessories to suit anyone’s taste.

A stuffing machine gives the stuffed friends a heart, and a computer kiosk awaits to name your new friend and print out a birth certificate, and once accessories are complete, Build-A-Bear gives customers a cub condo to take their stuffed animal home in.

Speciality: Build-A-Bear Workshop offers parties of six or more people starting at $10 per person. With an entire store filled with stuffed animals and accessories, parties include a party leader, an autograph bear for the guest of honor, party favors, and printable invitations and thank you cards online.

"Birthday parties are a big part of what we do in the store," said store manager Maria Pepin. Build-A-Bear Workshop recommends booking parties at least three to four months in advance.

Good deeds: For the grand opening celebration at Coconut Point last Friday, Build-A-Bear Workshop invited local students from Pinewoods Elementary School who made furry friends to benefit The Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

Price range: Animals with no accessories start out at $10, and the average cost from start to finish with accessories is about $35 per animal.

Location: Coconut Point, 23191 Fashion Drive, Suite 101, Estero.

Phone: 947-5871

Hours: Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

On the Web: www.buildabear.com