Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. Names Joan E. Ryan to Board Of Directors

Ryan's election brings the number of directors on the Build-A-BearWorkshop board to nine, seven of whom, including Ryan, are deemedindependent by the Board under New York Stock Exchange rules and otherapplicable regulations. Ryan will serve on the board's audit committeeand nominating and corporate governance committee.

"We are thrilled to have Joan join our Board of Directors," saidBuild-A-Bear Workshop Chairman and Chief Executive Bear, Maxine Clark."Her extensive retail and product development experience as well asher long tenure with the premier retail entertainment company in theworld are the perfect complement to our Board of Directors."

Ryan, 60, was a senior executive for 12 years with Walt DisneyTheme Parks and Resorts. In that position, Ms. Ryan managed Disney'sretail businesses including merchandise, food and beverage, and photoimaging at Walt Disney World(R) resort. Prior to that position, shewas senior vice president of merchandise for the Walt Disney World(R)resort. Her areas of responsibility included Disneyland(R) Resort, aswell as Disney's international theme parks and resorts.

Prior to joining Disney, Ryan spent over 30 years at variousspecialty retailers with responsibility for store operations andmerchandising. From 1989 to 1992, Ryan was executive vice president ofmerchandising at Ann Taylor Stores Corporation. Ryan also heldpositions at Lord & Taylor (a division of Federated DepartmentsStores, Inc.) for nine years, and Dayton Hudson Corporation (TargetCorporation) for 13 years.

Ryan earned her Bachelor's degree from Michigan State University.

Ryan is a member of the Fashion Group International(R), Inc., andthe Inforum/Women's Economic Club of Michigan. Ryan and her husbandTom reside in Bloomfield, Michigan and Naples, Florida.

Build-A-Bear Workshop, Inc. is the only global company that offersan interactive make-your-own-stuffed animal retail-entertainmentexperience. Founded in St. Louis in 1997, the company currentlyoperates more than 200 stores in the United States and Canada. Theaddition of franchise stores in Europe, Asia and Australia makeBuild-A-Bear Workshop the leader in interactive retail. In November2004, the company expanded the make-your-own concept from stuffedanimals to dolls with the opening of its first friends 2B made(R), inwhich Guests can make their own dolls. Build-A-Bear Workshop (NYSE:BBW) posted total revenue of $362 million in fiscal 2005. For moreinformation, call 888.560.BEAR (2327) or visit the company'saward-winning Web sites at www.buildabear.com andwww.friends2bmade.com.