MUMBAI: Tablez India rings in the New Year with the announcement of a partnership with the US-based Build-A-Bear, a global experiential retailer offering innovation and technology for guests to make their own customised stuffed animals. Build-a-Bear aims to reach as many as 9 million households in the top 15 cities in India by 2025.

Tablez shared in a press release that besides standalone stores, shop-in-shop formats of Build-A-Bear would be launched within Toys“R”Us as part of Tablez, the retail arm of LuLu Group International. 

Tablez MD Adeeb Ahamed said, “The Build-A-Bear concept is a one-of-a-kind retail experience, and we are thrilled to bring it to India. We believe that children who come to our stores will be able to enjoy a different shopping experience that includes participation in creating stuffed animals of their own choice.”

He also added, "At Tablez, we are continuously striving to meet the increasing demand for high-quality specialty toys, and we look forward to opening more Build-A-Bear and Toys"R"Us stores across India, as our company continues to grow."

Build-A-Bear Workshop chief strategy officer Dorrie Krueger said, “We look forward to embarking on this new partnership with Tablez India and helping establish and grow the Build-A-Bear brand in this important global market. As our international franchise portfolio continues to expand, we are further assured that the hug of a teddy bear is understood in any language."