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PGAV Destinations creates new online experience with Build-A-Bear

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PGAV Build-a-Bear Bear Builder 3D Workshop

PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has announced it has developed a new interactive online experience for a leading children’s brand.

The Build-A-Bear Bear Builder 3D Workshop for the first time brings home the classic store experience in an authentic way. PGAV Destinations was brought in to re-imagine and create innovative online retail for guests that manages to keep the in-store excitement and emotion of creating toys, a memorable part of the brand which dates back to 1997.

“A fresh perspective”

PGAV Destinations is best-known for working with world-renowned destinations including amusement parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, cultural, and natural attractions. Utilising the same creative skills used in physical places onto the online space required similar planning and research regarding what guests of all ages look forward to when they visit a Build-A-Bear Workshop.

The main aim was to exceed expectations, while making memories that would last, in the place “where best friends are made”.

Build-A-Bear Workshop Logo

Build-A-Bear’s SVP and chief information officer Mike Early says “We connected with PGAV because of their reputation for creating great stories and experiences in the physical world for other best in class brands.

“We were confident they could help us translate the feeling and emotion of our stores into the digital world.  They brought a fresh perspective and helped bring the fun of building and customizing a furry friend to life as a unique online experience.”

PGAV Experience designer Carol Breeze adds “At the heart of the Build-A-Bear experience is the connection to a new friend.

“Keeping this in mind, we worked closely with the Build-A-Bear team to create and amplify the emotional connections in the digital space with the understanding that they would be fundamentally different.”

Full of heart

PGAV and Build-A-Bear came together to discuss how to best translate the in-person experience to the digital space, that would deliver a new way to “create-your-own furry friend” whilst engaging with the brand.

It was decided that the digital experience should be inspired by the traditional workshop, but wouldn’t be limited by physical space, enhancing emotional brand connection and creating fun for fans without the need to travel. 

Breeze continues “Adding a heart to a new furry friend is a big moment both in-store and at-home. We focused on making this a key emotional moment: there is a change in the music, the environment, and in the way the new friend moves and looks back at us. It is fun, exciting, and a new experience that feels rooted in the Build-A-Bear brand story.”

Last week, PGAV Destinations announced it will return to Nashville Shores, delivering a master plan to further develop the lakeside venue.

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Adam Whittaker

Adam studied Marketing and Advertising Management at Leeds Beckett University. Originally from Lancashire and now based in Norfolk, UK, you can usually find him appreciating art deco design or on a roller coaster.

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