By 1808Delaware
There will soon be a new reason for families to visit Tanger Columbus.off of I71 near Sunbury. This one comes with plenty of stuffing, a little imagination, and perhaps a new very best friend.
Build-A-Bear Workshop will celebrate the grand opening of its newest Central Ohio location on Wednesday, November 11, at 10:00 AM. The store will occupy Suite 912 at Tanger Columbus, 400 S. Wilson Road, bringing the popular stuffed animal retailer to one of Delaware County’s busiest shopping destinations.
The new store, listed by Tanger as Build A Bear Warehouse, will occupy approximately 2,160 square feet between Ulta Beauty and Old Navy. Its arrival adds another family-oriented attraction to the open-air outlet center, which already features more than 80 stores and restaurants.
More Than Just Buying A Teddy Bear
As those familiar with Build-A-Bear know all too well, the experience is quite different from picking a stuffed animal off a shelf. Customers begin by selecting an unstuffed animal, choosing from traditional teddy bears and other creatures. They then participate in bringing their new companion to life, adding stuffing and taking part in the company’s signature Heart Ceremony, during which a small heart is placed inside the animal. From there, the sky is the limit as customers can personalize furry creations with clothing, shoes, accessories, sounds, and other special touches. A completed animal can be given a name, making each creation something more personal than an ordinary toy.
The experience has become especially popular for birthdays, family outings, holiday gifts, and special occasions. Build-A-Bear also appeals to adult collectors, particularly through its collaborations with entertainment franchises and familiar characters.
The Sunbury store is identified as a Warehouse location, although specific merchandise selections and any special outlet pricing have not yet been announced.
From One St. Louis Store To A Worldwide Favorite
Build-A-Bear began in 1997 when entrepreneur Maxine Clark opened the first Workshop at the St. Louis Galleria in Missouri. Clark’s concept was simple but unusual for its time. Rather than selling finished stuffed animals, the store would invite children to participate in creating their own. The activity itself would become as important as the toy customers took home.
Nearly three decades later, Build-A-Bear operates more than 650 locations across more than 30 countries. The company has expanded beyond its original teddy bear concept to offer licensed characters, collectible merchandise, personalized gifts, and entertainment projects.
The company reported approximately $529.8 million in revenue for fiscal 2025, its fifth consecutive year of record revenues. It is also preparing to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2027, with special merchandise and commemorative releases already underway.
Another Addition To A Growing Shopping Destination
The opening continues a period of retail expansion at Tanger Columbus, which opened in 2016 near the Interstate 71 and US 36/State Route 37 interchange. The shopping center has become a destination for residents of Delaware County and the greater Columbus area, with stores including Nike Factory Store, Coach, Adidas, Under Armour, J.Crew Factory, and numerous others.
Build-A-Bear joins several recent additions to the center, including The Children’s Place, All-Star Elite, and Spring Step Shoes.
Another new arrival is also on the calendar. Sbarro, the pizza chain known for its New York-style slices, is expected to open at Tanger in December. The restaurant will occupy approximately 2,500 square feet between The North Face and Kate Spade New York.
Grand Opening Details
The Build-A-Bear grand opening is scheduled for Wednesday, November 11 at 10:00 AM, with the announced opening-day hours running through 9:00 PM. Visitors can learn more through the official Build-A-Bear Sunbury store page or the Tanger Columbus store directory.
Image by Michaela 💗 from Pixabay
