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Build-a-bear's new store concept wants you to choose, love, stuff and fluff with high-tech (video)
If little Johnny thought Build-a-Bear had nothing for his tech-savvy toddler sensibilities, he'd better think again. The plush toy-seller has just launched a new high-tech store concept that it hopes will help re-engage children otherwise distracted with tablets, phones and game consoles. The new additions include a 55-inch interactive digital sign out front, with touchscreen and Kinect functionality, complete with unlockable content via barcodes. Once inside, four Samsung SUR40 smart tables loaded with custom software offer a range of different parts of the teddy-making process, as well as interact with the toys in real-time -- like a virtual bubble bath -- thanks to a purpose-built tagging system. The sound side of things also gets a lick of paint, with six audio "zones" created, using ultrasonic speakers that can target sound to specific parts of the store and stop all the collective noise from reverberating like something from a bad dream. The first such shop is already open in St Louis, with five more locations to follow: Pleasanton CA, Annapolis MD, Troy MI, Fairfax VA and Indianapolis IN between October and November.
Kinectimals, now with Build-a-Bear
Build-A-Bear Workshop is teaming up with Microsoft on a Kinectimals Now with Bears build-and-scan promotion. Beginning October 11, Build-A-Bear Workshops and buildabear.com will have four bears (pictured) that you can take home starting at $18.00 (and you don't even have to buy them drinks first). They all include "Microsoft Tag technology," which allows you to scan the cuddly cubs with Kinect and unlock a matching furball in the game. Beginning October 11, the two companies are also using their muscle on a sweepstakes promotion, in which 100 winners receive a prize pack that includes an Xbox 360 4GB console, a Kinect sensor, Kinectimals Now with Bears and a $100 gift card to Build-A-Bear Workshop. More details will be available on the Build-A-Bear site.
