Tablez to launch Build-A-Bear in India

The retail arm of LuLu Group International, Tablez India, has announced a partnership with a US-based customised stuffed-animal retail-entertainment brand Build-A-Bear.

To meet the ever-increasing demand for an engaging retail environment, Tablez India has announced a partnership with a US-based customised stuffed-animal retail-entertainment brand Build-A-Bear.

The global experiential retailer aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025. Besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us as part of Tablez, the retail arm of LuLu Group International.

“The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to bring it to India. We believe that children who come to our stores will be able to enjoy a different shopping experience that includes participation in creating stuffed animals of their own choice,” Adeeb Ahamed, MD, Tablez said.

He also added, "At Tablez, we are continuously striving to meet the increasing demand for high-quality specialty toys, and we look forward to opening more Build-A-Bear and Toys"R"Us stores across India, as our company continues to grow."

Sharing his view, Dorrie Krueger, Chief Strategy Officer of Build-A-Bear Workshop, said, “We look forward to embarking on this new partnership with Tablez India and helping establish and grow the Build-A-Bear brand in this important global market. As our international franchise portfolio continues to expand, we are further assured that the hug of a teddy bear is understood in any language."

Established in 1997, Build-A-Bear has helped millions find their own meaning in a new furry friend. The brand has nearly 500 stores worldwide, and more than 175 million furry friends have been made globally in its 21-year history. Build-A-Bear helps guests mark special occasions, start friendships, and inspires people to make their own adventures.

In February 2019, Build-A-Bear will be launched as part of Toys“R”Us in Phoenix Marketcity, Bangalore. Further, a Build-A-Bear shop-in-shop format will follow in Vega City Mall, Bangalore; City Centre Mall, Mangalore and Phoenix Marketcity, Pune. Build-A-Bear plans to expand to as many as 65 shop-in-shop format stores and 20 standalone stores in India over the next 10 years.

Tablez launched the first Toys“R”Us store in Bangalore in 2017. Apart from 4 stores, the 20 additional standalone stores of Toys”R”Us are expected to be launched in major locations starting January 2019.