Build-A-Bear Workshop has announced a significant leadership transition as Sharon Price John prepares to retire from her role as Chief Executive Officer on June 11, 2026.
The company confirmed that Chris Hurt, the current Chief Operations and Experience Officer, will succeed her in the top position. This move concludes a multiyear succession planning process designed to maintain the momentum of the experiential retailer’s recent financial successes.
A Decade of Transformation
Sharon Price John took the helm of Build-A-Bear 13 years ago, succeeding founder Maxine Clark. During her tenure, she is credited with revitalizing the brand and steering it through a period of intense digital disruption in the toy and retail sectors. Under her leadership, the company evolved from a traditional mall-based retailer into a diversified omnichannel brand with a robust presence in e-commerce, licensing, and digital entertainment.
According to a press release issued by the company, Price John will remain on the Board of Directors following her retirement to assist with a seamless transition. Her departure comes at a high point for the organization, which recently reported its fifth consecutive year of record-breaking financial results.
The Rise of Chris Hurt
Incoming CEO Chris Hurt has been a pivotal figure at Build-A-Bear for more than a decade. As Chief Operations and Experience Officer, he managed the global retail organization, overseeing more than 4,000 employees and the brand's signature "experience" store format. His appointment signals a continued commitment to the physical retail experience, which remains a cornerstone of the brand's identity even as it expands its digital footprint.
Craig Leavitt, chairman of the board, noted in a statement that Hurt’s leadership and passion have generated "tremendous value" for stakeholders. Hurt will also join the Board of Directors upon assuming the CEO title in June. His background in operations is particularly relevant as retailers globally focus on supply chain efficiency and the integration of online-to-offline (O2O) consumer journeys.
Financial Resilience and Future Outlook
The leadership news accompanied the release of the company's fiscal 2025 earnings. Build-A-Bear reported total revenues of nearly $530 million for the year, representing a 6.7% increase over the previous period. Fourth-quarter revenues reached $154.5 million, up 2.7% year-over-year, according to Retail Dive.
Despite a slight decrease in net income for the fourth quarter—dropping to $16.4 million—the company’s annual net income remained stable at $52.2 million. The retailer’s growth strategy remains aggressive, with more than 60 net new stores opened globally during the last fiscal year.
Strategic Implications for Omnichannel Retail
Build-A-Bear’s trajectory offers a roadmap for other specialty retailers operating in the "experience economy." The company’s forecast for fiscal 2026 projects mid-single-digit revenue growth and plans for an additional 50 experience store locations. This expansion comes at a time when major retail hubs, including the Bentonville-centered retail ecosystem, are increasingly prioritizing "retail-tainment" to drive foot traffic and brand loyalty.
The transition from Price John to Hurt suggests that Build-A-Bear will continue to lean into its operational strengths while refining its merchandising strategies. By focusing on high-engagement physical locations and expanding its reach through strategic partnerships and digital platforms, the company aims to solidify its position as a leader in the global toy and gift market.
For investors and industry observers, the primary focus will be on how Hurt navigates the evolving supply chain landscape and whether he can maintain the record-setting growth pace established during Price John’s tenure. As the retail landscape continues to shift toward a more integrated omnichannel model, Build-A-Bear’s ability to blend emotional connection with operational excellence will be the ultimate test of its new leadership.
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