Build-A-Bear Workshop named Char Nicanor-Kimball to the new role of vice president of e-commerce and promoted Art Huggard to vice president of digital technology.
Nicanor-Kimball has worked in e-commerce for over 20 years, most recently at Hannah Andersson as senior director of e-commerce. Before that, she worked to expand digital commerce at a range of companies and retailers including National Geographic, Stride Rite, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Nordstrom.
She brings experience in e-commerce site operations, revenue, profit responsibility and merchandising management. In her new role, she will lead the growth of Build-A-Bear’s e-commerce business as it expands its omni-channel initiatives and digital transformation.
Build-A-Bear first hired Huggard in 2017 as director of e-commerce development. Since joining, he has contributed to the company’s efforts to increase consumer-facing digital initiatives and build its relationship with Salesforce. He helped Build-A-Bear implement the Salesforce Commerce Cloud system and Deck Commerce Order Management System. Previously, he worked as director of e-commerce for Bass Pro Shops and omni-channel program director for Hudson’s Bay.
Nicanor-Kimball and Huggard step into their new roles as Build-A-Bear announces the launch of its Bear Builder 3D Workshop, an animated, online shopping experience that allows consumers to participate in a virtual version of the store’s bear-building. Shoppers can select, stuff, dress, customize, and purchase their plush animal then have it shipped to their home.
“The retail landscape has been shifting as consumers have increasingly moved to online shopping. Our aim is to meet guests where and how they prefer to shop. Because we are a high-engagement brand, we wanted to develop an interactive, digital shopping option that not only delivered on our iconic in-store process but offered a dynamic experience to create your own furry friend,” said Sharon Price John, president and CEO of Build-A-Bear Workshop. “E-commerce has traditionally been more transactional, but we believe Build-A-Bear is the perfect brand to break the mold by adding more fun and engagement to online shopping as we continue to execute our digital transformation strategy.”
Bear Builder 3D Workshop was developed by Build-a-Bear in partnership with interactive shopping simulation creator Buzz 3D, hybrid multicloud computing business Nutanix, data center and cloud services provider TierPoint, and amusement park experience designer PGAV.