Build A Bear is a nice enough place to work for a student - Anonymous employee Build-A-Bear Employee Review

4.0
Jan 9, 2017
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

The people are really really friendly and genuinely care about the children's experience while in store. Colleagues are welcoming and very happy to train new staff and make sure they feel comfortable before setting them loose on the floor. Working with children all the time was tiring but very rewarding, and there were always colleagues around to support you if necessary. The staff were very understanding if you were having an off day - a friend died while I worked there are they were incredibly understanding and supportive, sending me home when I was having trouble being cheery on the shop floor. Honey pay (extra hour's pay for every 8 hours worked) was a nice extra, as was the staff discount! It felt very like a family, working there.

Cons

There is a lot to remember when it comes to processes in store and promotions and background information about the toys to bring them to life. The idea was that I would support myself as I studied with this job, but it sometimes felt like they expected the job to be the most important thing in my life. The on call system was difficult to deal with as I couldn't go into uni on days when I was on call, so I'd have days that felt wasted just sitting and waiting to see if the phone rang. Again, I understand why it's necessary.

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5.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Was easy and got to work with people

Cons

Pay not great, no where to go

4.0
Jun 30, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Friendly, fast pace, organized, good first job

Cons

Low salary, at times retail lows

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