Build-A-Bear Reports Record Revenue, Names Chris Hurt CEO-in-Waiting, Sets 2026 Growth Targets

Overview

• Sharon Price John will retire, and Chief Operations Officer Chris Hurt is set to become chief executive on June 11, 2026 under a planned succession.
• Fiscal 2025 revenue reached roughly $530 million with pretax income of $67.2 million after about $11 million in tariff and related costs.
• Management guides to mid-single-digit revenue growth in fiscal 2026 and plans at least 50 net new experiential locations, with first-quarter sales expected to be roughly flat before accelerating later in the year.
• The company models a 10% tariff rate for 2026 with an estimated $16 million impact on profitability and notes continued month-to-month volatility that requires agile sourcing.
• Expansion efforts include placement in about 1,500 Walmart stores, an international footprint now spanning 36 countries, and a planned ICON Park flagship featuring a Design Studio, while e-commerce traffic has declined due to Google AI search changes.