Inconsistency and Terrible Pay - Part Time Associate Manager/Sales Lead Build-A-Bear Employee Review

2.0
Dec 5, 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good Discount My coworkers were amazing Working with children and making some great experiences

Cons

Inconsistency between stores. I transferred from a store in Alabama where I worked for almost an entire year and it was an amazing job. Then after I transfer to a different store it all went downhill. I had a terrible store manager who was not a people person. She makes the employees feel uncomfortable and belittles you in front of not only the employees but guests inside the store as well. They also had a company wide Budget Cut with the new CEO and took away the Part Time Associate Manager position I held. It included health insurance, Paid Time Off, Holiday Pay, and High Bonuses. They replaced the position with a “Sales Lead” which is the same job just without the PTO, Health Insurance, and Lowered Bonuses. I had to fight to get a raise and even after hitting my 1 year mark I still didn’t get a raise. You also have to push sales on people like a used car salesman not everyone has $50 to drop on a Bear but you pretty much have to force sounds, scents, and beating hearts inside of each bear along with a full outfit and shoes. Let’s not forget the “seasonal gift card promotion” where if you don’t upsell a gift card on top of their purchase you get your hours cut. You’re a Bear Store not a used car lot.

Explore other reviews about Build-A-Bear

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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