World’s Largest Build-A-Bear Workshop Opens at ICON Park in Orlando

• New flagship store: The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop has officially opened at ICON Park in Orlando, Florida.
• Experiential retail: The new location offers interactive shopping experiences designed for families, tourists and collectors.
• Retail expansion: The opening adds another major attraction to ICON Park’s mix of entertainment, dining and specialty retail.

What the New Build-A-Bear Flagship Offers

The world’s largest Build-A-Bear Workshop has officially opened at ICON Park, bringing a new interactive retail experience to Orlando’s International Drive entertainment district. The flagship spans more than 30,000 square feet across three floors, transforming the traditional toy store into a destination centered on customization, activities and family entertainment. Designed in partnership with retail design firm Chute Gerdeman, the store features a Design Studio for customized plush toys, a Build-A-Bear Bakeshop where visitors can decorate cupcakes and cookies, and specialty experiences featuring Pokémon, Hello Kitty and Friends, and Promise Pets. The location also offers embroidery, patches, screen printing and recorded messages, allowing customers to personalize their purchases.

What the Development Team Brings to the Project

Build-A-Bear partnered with Chute Gerdeman on the store’s design. Radcliffe Keator Construction served as general contractor, while Image Consulting Services handled signage, fixtures and installation. The large-format concept reflects a broader shift in retail toward stores that offer more than traditional shopping. By combining merchandise with interactive activities, the flagship is designed to encourage longer visits and create a memorable experience for customers.

What the Opening Means for ICON Park Retail

The new Build-A-Bear location adds another major draw to ICON Park, an entertainment destination along International Drive that attracts families and tourists. For retail landlords, the project highlights the value of experiential concepts that can generate foot traffic and complement nearby restaurants and attractions. Destination retail can help shopping and entertainment districts stand out by offering experiences that customers cannot easily replicate online. Orlando’s tourism market makes it a natural setting for a large-format flagship focused on families, visitors and collectors. The opening reinforces the role of experiential retail in shaping entertainment destinations and creating new opportunities for commercial property owners.