Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced it is shifting the launch of its highly anticipated Halloween collection to an earlier date. The action was spurred by a recent unauthorized product leak that ignited excitement across social media platforms, with thousands of fans eagerly responding to the brand’s spooky seasonal selection.
The unexpected fan flurry generated in social media last week has prompted Build-A-Bear to pull forward the availability of Halloween-themed products, including the three exclusively designed items from Sanrio that appeared in the leak, new versions of the palm-sized Mini Beans assortment – which has sold more than half a million units since launching earlier this year – as well as the re-launch of the classic Pumpkin Kitty. Originally introduced in 2008, Pumpkin Kitty was re-released from the Build-A-Bear Vault last year and will now be made available this year before the company had planned. Since the rapid sell-out in 2023, Pumpkin Kitty has generated a waitlist of nearly 25,000 fans looking forward to the limited-time comeback that is available for purchase in the brand’s classic make-your-own version and Mini Bean size online today. A giant version is expected to be available later this fall.
“For both kids and kids at heart, Build-A-Bear takes pride in being a place to celebrate holidays and special events in a truly memorable way,” said Sharon Price John, President & CEO at Build-A-Bear Workshop. “Halloween has traditionally been a highlight at our Workshops for families to create magical moments together and collectors to enjoy exclusive seasonal offerings. We believe the brand’s continued, and growing, popularity during this festive time reflects our commitment to providing joyful experiences and cherished moments for all ages.”
The excitement surrounding the Halloween product at Build-A-Bear coincides with a broader Halloween trend, according to the National Retail Federation, which has noted that the holiday’s cultural and economic impact in the U.S. has grown significantly in recent years with both an increase in the percent of Americans celebrating the holiday as well as a reported elevation in annual consumer spend. As such, many retailers have been expanding and accelerating their Halloween marketing in recent years, well in advance of the early October/late September historical norm, to take advantage of these shifting trends.
Build-A-Bear has seen similar shifts in consumer interest in recent years, with increased engagement and more rapid sell-through of seasonal items such as the 2023 reintroduction of Pumpkin Kitty. Notably, the 2024 Halloween-related searches on buildabear.com in July were 400% higher than in 2023, further supporting the increasing enthusiasm for our seasonal offerings and the growing significance of Halloween in the retail landscape.
During this Halloween season, Build-A-Bear Workshop is also expected to roll out additional offerings, including a new glow-in-the-dark collection of furry friends that are sure to be a perfect companion for “lighting up” anyone’s spooky night.
