Supplied
Shopping for toys at your local suburban mall will never be so fun again, with confirmation that toy retailer Build-a-Bear Workshop has been placed into voluntary administration.
Ten of the company’s 30 Aussie stores are closing within the next few weeks – including the ones Logan Hyperdome, Kawana, Mt Ommaney, Werribee, Eastland, Garden City, Carousel, Marion, Green Hills and Miranda.
Other stores will continue to trade, and the company says gift cards will continue to be honoured.
Increasing operating costs and declining shopping mall foot traffic are being blamed for the company’s recent slump in performance.
Paige Fleming, who works at the Logan store, told the Courier Mail she was devastated.
‘We are all pretty gutted,’ she said. ‘We weren’t told why we were closing but any excess stock will go to the other outlets at Carindale and the Gold Coast.’
Chief executive Gavin Port said Build-a-Bear Australia was working on building ‘a more sustainable long-term future for the Build-a-Bear Workshop brand here in Australia’.
‘We have an incredibly dedicated team, and have an established brand that resonates with consumers of all ages. We want to thank our entire team and our valued customers and suppliers who have been great supporters of the brand over the last 14 years.’
‘The company will continue to focus on bringing smiles and a unique experience to our guests.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
