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In essence, Build-A-Bear workshop and Webkinz World are both soft toy retailers. Although both sell a range of products and have games that can be played, which are available from high street locations or through their respective Internet websites, there are some essential differences between the two organisations, their products and promotional activities.

The Business & Product

The Build-A-Bear process allows children who purchase in-store to create a bear designed to their own particular choice. Having selected the bear or soft toy animal they like, the child can then choose the voice they want to go with their chosen animal, put that inside and stuff the bear to the level of cuddliness they prefer, then stitch and fluff it up. The bear can then be named and its clothing selected befor being taken home to enjoy its life with the child. Of course, the child may want a range of additional clothing or accessories for their bear and these are available in store as well. An option to purchase ready-made soft toy products is also available in-store. Apart from the physical element of the toy making, the company offers all these products for online purchase through its website.

Webkinz World is just one segment of the toy production business operated by Ganz, a Canadian corporation. Like its competitor, Ganz produces soft toys with their own particular accessories, which includes clothing, for purchase. However, the toys sold are the finished articles, with no input from the child in the making stage. Nevertheless, one unique difference is that the Webkinz toy come with a special secret code, which allows the child accesses to special areas of the company website and other benefits. Each toy (or pet) has its own unique code and storyline. Webkinz toy products and accessories can also be purchased from their online website.

Stores and Locations

Both companies offer their products for sale through retail outlets. The major difference here is that Webkinz toy products are sold mainly through department stores and other toy retailers. Build-A-Bear however, retail their products through dedicated brand stores, designed to provide the child with a complete toy making experience. These stores also offer the opportunity for children to have "Build-A-Bear birthday" parties' in-store.

Webkinz have international distributors for its products covering twenty different countries, a list which it is looking to expand. Build-A-Bear has a smaller international presence at. However,

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