Build-A-Bear Workshop returning to Plaza Las Américas in October 2025
Build‑A‑Bear Workshop will return to the Puerto Rico market after a five-year absence, with a new store set to open at Plaza Las Américas in October, according to a job listing for the future location.
“We are excited to announce our new store at Plaza Las Américas! Opening October 2025!” the listing reads. “We are seeking a strategic and inspirational store manager [chief workshop manager] to join our dynamic team.”
The St. Louis, Missouri-based retailer, which has more than 600 company-owned, partner-operated and franchise locations worldwide, previously had a store in the Hato Rey shopping center from about mid-2007 until its closure in 2020.
The future store is part of Build‑A‑Bear’s retail expansion in 2025, with plans to open at least 50 net new locations, including corporate-owned, franchised and partner-run stores, executives said in the company’s first-quarter earnings report in May.
“Build‑A‑Bear is focusing on global expansion and digital transformation, with plans to open at least 50 new locations in 2025,” executives confirmed during the earnings call. “The majority of these new units are expected to be operated by international partners, signaling a strategic shift toward global market growth.”
“Not only is a teddy bear hug understood in every language, but it is also a universal source of comfort and joy,” said CEO Sharon John, highlighting the company’s proactive approach to trends.
“We’re not always just responding to TikTok trends. We’re often creating TikTok trends,” she said.
Plaza Las Américas’ Corporate Communications Director Lorraine Vissepó confirmed the retailer’s upcoming opening, which “will be located in a space of approximately 2,100 square feet on the first level, near Galería.”
