Retail

Global Expansion Fuels Build-A-Bear’s Record-Breaking Year

Build-A-Bear Workshop capped off its fourth consecutive year of record financial performance, announcing robust fiscal 2024 results alongside a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend.

Published: Mar 18, 2025 4:47 PM

By Jeanel Alvarado

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Global Expansion Fuels Build-A-Bear’s Record-Breaking Year

Many guests have noted Build-A-Bear has and continues to play a part in creating memories and commemorating special moments.

Build-A-Bear Workshop capped off its fourth consecutive year of record financial performance, announcing robust fiscal 2024 results alongside a 10% increase in its quarterly dividend. The company’s strategic focus on global expansion, asset-light growth, and shareholder returns drove sustained momentum despite inflationary pressures and tariff uncertainties.

Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Highlights Revenue Growth: Q4 revenue rose 5.7% year-over-year (adjusted for 2023’s extra week) to $150.4 million. Full-year revenue reached $496.4 million, up 3.6% adjusted, marking the fourth straight year of record sales.

Profitability: Q4 pre-tax income surged 15.8% adjusted to $27.5 million, with EBITDA climbing 13.5% to $31.1 million. Full-year pre-tax income hit $67.1 million (up 5.1% adjusted), driven by retail gross margin improvements and cost management.

Shareholder Returns: Repurchased 1.02 million shares ($31 million) in 2024, reducing shares outstanding by 7%. Returned $42 million to shareholders via dividends and buybacks, with an additional $85.3 million remaining under its $100 million repurchase program.

Strategic Expansion and Operational Efficiency Build-A-Bear’s asset-light model fueled global growth, with 64 net new experience locations added in 2024—primarily partner-operated stores. The brand now operates 589 locations across 25+ countries, including 138 partner-operated and 83 franchised stores…

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Global Expansion Fuels Build-A-Bear’s Record-Breaking Year

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