Vegas Again

[Guest guest]

During my senior year at NTID, insteead of a thesis we had to develop a business plan, either as a franchise or as our own business. I chose to franchise a business called Build-A-Bear workshop. I have never been into a store, but fell in love with the concept while browsing the website.

www.buildabear.com MUCH to my delight a store opened in Las Vegas (a week after we moved out of town) This is one of my on MUST see places, and I thought I would share this with you.....by the way I got an A on overall presentation (oral report) and a stinky C on financial presentation (all financial and start up costs of a franchise) . Anyway, here goes:

Build-A-Bear Workshop at Desert Passage

Make your own stuffed friend.

This Disneyfied bear patch is a retail store that is also a mini theme park. At Build-A-Bear, you do just that: From beginning to end, a child (or adult who still craves things soft and cuddly) can make their very own stuffed friend. First you pick from a variety of bears and dogs, frogs, cats and many other animals. They look awfully thin when you first get them, so it's off to the Stuff Me station where the bears get "filled out" until they are at a proper hugging size. Then it's off to the Fluff Me Station, where an air bath and brush coiffeur the stuffed toy. In the Dress Me area, chose from a large selection of clothes to outfit your new creation. Then, go to the Name Me computers and create a birth certificate and story for your furry friend. Most of the areas are kid friendly, even the computers with their easy-to-follow on-screen directions. An average bear costs about $38 fully accessorized -- not a bad price for a bear you bring to life yourself. -- Bob Steelman Location:

3663 S. Las Vegas Blvd.

Las Vegas, NV 89109