LuLu Group International’s retail arm Tablez has launched the first Build-A-Bear store in India. The American personalised, experiential toy-retail brand is now available at Toys R Us in Phoenix Marketcity, Bangalore. Selling customised stuffed toys, the firm aims to reach 9 million sales in the top 15 cities in India within five years out of standalone stores and Toys R Us shop-in-shop formats.
“The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to open the first store in Bangalore,” said Tablez MD Adeeb Ahamed. “Build-A-Bear is synonymous with creativity and novelty for children. I am sure that each child that enters our store will cherish their experience and leave with an indelible memory.
“From standalone stores to shop-in-shop formats, Build-A-Bear is ready to reach out to families and kids in India and help loved ones create memories and spend more time together. We plan to open 20 standalone stores of Build-A-Bear across key cities in India over the next 10 years, along with shop-in-shop formats across all our Toys R Us stores as well,” he said.
The Build-A-Bear brand is best known for its “Choose Me” wall, from which each guest can choose an unstuffed animal to bring to life. It has close to 500 stores globally.