Does Build-A-Bear Support Israel? The Company’s Neutral Stance and Global Operations

The interest of customers in the political and social stance of the companies they patronize has increased over the past few years. Most companies are evaluated based on their associations and their supported causes, such as human rights issues or environmental policy. The issue of whether Build-A-Bear Workshop, a popular American manufacturer of custom-made stuffed animals, is in support of Israel is one of the inquiries that have been posed by certain individuals. By 2025, Build-A-Bear Workshop had not officially stated or kept any publicly accessible record as to whether it supports or opposes Israel politically, or whether it takes a position in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The public relations activities of the company showcase its products, its philanthropic activities (most of which revolve around the issues of children), and its general CSR ideas, including kindness and inclusiveness.

Who is Build-A-Bear?

Build-A-Bear Workshop was started in 1997 by the former president of Payless ShoeSource, Maxine Clark. During the first years, when one of her friends had taken her 10-year-old daughter out on a shopping venture and failed to locate a specific toy, Clark came to the idea of establishing an interactive store, where children could do their own production of the stuffed animals, creating and personalizing them. She used personal money to establish the first store in St. Louis Galleria Mall and grew the company very rapidly. At Build-A-Bear, customers can select, fill, and dress their plush animals and enjoy a special shopping process that consists of a special ceremony, which is called the heart ceremony.

The firm has sold millions of plush animals worldwide, and it has expanded to more than 400 points throughout the years. But after quitting her CEO role in 2013, Maxine Clark has focused on entrepreneurial and educational initiatives. Build-A-Bear Workshop has also gained fame in the experimentation of experiential shopping through the combination of individualized products with families and children, and entertainment.

Why do consumers care about brand politics?

Consumers are concerned about the brand politics because of the increased power of social and political issues in their brand selection and purchasing decision-making. Many customers desire the firms to be responsible and engage in societal matters because it supports their personal beliefs and establishes a significant relationship. A customer can punish brands perceived to be inauthentic or that take controversial political stances, but will often reward those that more appropriately reflect their values. Moreover, due to political fragmentation, customers often avoid products that contradict their political views or patronize the ones that do.

Nonetheless, not every customer desires that companies should voice their opinions on political matters, and most of them value product quality and price more than politics. The gravity of the issue, the environment, and the manner in which companies manage their message all influence the extent of the effect of brand politics. Overall, consumers, and especially younger consumers, are increasingly sensitive and affected by the social and political participation of firms in their purchasing decisions.

What does “supporting Israel” mean for a company?

Being supportive of Israel in the case of a company may possess various meanings and connotations, and may include business, political, social, and ethical aspects:

1. Political or diplomatic affiliation: There are companies with geopolitical affiliations that publicly support Israel politically or diplomatically, often because their nations, like the United States, have close ties with Israel.
2. This support may be accompanied by the pressure of keeping the bond or going against boycotts such as BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions).
3. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): This is the ability of companies to provide philanthropic services, sponsorships, or social programs that have a positive influence on Israeli society or contribute