By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Build-A-Bear Workshop and Sanrio are expanding their Hello Kitty and Friends partnership to bring licensed experiences to new retail locations nationwide.
The new locations are set to open at the American Dream shopping center in New Jersey and Mall of America in Minnesota beginning in early 2026.
Each licensed Workshop offers a selection of buildable Sanrio characters including Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi, My Melody and more.
Customers at the Workshop can create their preferred character and then personalize the plush toy with a variety of themed outfits, scents, sounds, and accessories.
The collaborative experience includes details and décor inspired by both brands such as custom Cub Condos, pink shopping bags, pink aprons and more.
“This partnership with Build-A-Bear brings our characters to life in a way only the Workshop experience can,” said Sanrio SVP, Jill Koch. “The success in Los Angeles proved how powerfully fans connect with this hands-on, heart-filled approach, and expanding to American Dream and Mall of America lets us deepen that connection and create unforgettable moments for fans of all ages.”
Developed by Triple Five Group, American Dream is a large mall that offers a mix of entertainment, retail and dining locations across more than 3-million square feet.
The shopping center is located in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
Located in Bloomington, Minnesota, Mall of America is a 5.6 million square foot shopping and entertainment complex that features over 500 stores, restaurants, attractions and more.
These new Workshop locations follow the significant success of the first Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop, which initially launched in Los Angeles last year.
“From the moment we opened in Los Angeles, it was obvious that fans connected with this experience in a meaningful way,” said Build-A-Bear Workshop chief operating officer, Chris Hurt. “Bringing the Build-A-Bear & Hello Kitty and Friends Workshop to American Dream and Mall of America gives us the opportunity to welcome guests from around the world who travel to these iconic destinations throughout the year.”
First launched in 1997, Build-A-Bear is a global company that specializes in personalized plush products and customizable toy building experiences.
Best known for Hello Kitty, Sanrio is a Japanese entertainment company that owns an extensive portfolio of lifestyle brands and character IPs.
The company focuses on creating, developing and licensing multi-platform content, consumer products, digital games and attractions based on its IP portfolio.
Image Credit: Build-A-Bear Workshop/Sanrio.
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