Build-A-Bear Workshop Improves Task Compliance and Loyalty

“StoreForce is a one stop shop for our teams to be able to manage their business.” – Annie Schmitz, Vice President of Store Operations at Build-A-Bear Workshop 

Key Takeaways

• Centralized task management replaced manual compliance tracking 

• Recommended coverage improved schedule efficiency quickly 

• Real-time dashboards drove measurable gains in conversion and loyalty capture 

• Loyalty capture increased from a 75 percent target to consistently above 85 percent 

• Field and HQ gained shared visibility into performance without added emails 

Background 

Build-A-Bear Workshop operates hundreds of experiential retail locations where execution, service, and staffing precision directly impact performance. Managing promotional rollouts, visual standards, labor planning, and live KPIs across such a broad fleet creates operational complexity. 

Before StoreForce, task communication was consolidated into a single weekly document with no structured compliance tracking. Scheduling relied on previous systems without recommended coverage guidance. Visibility into conversion and loyalty metrics was limited and delayed. 

To bring structure and real-time clarity to the field, Build-A-Bear implemented StoreForce across its retail operations. 

Centralized Task Management Drove Compliance and Consistency 

Prior to implementation, store teams received communications in broad formats with no formal system to track execution. There was no centralized way to confirm completion, monitor compliance, or categorize initiatives. 

With StoreForce, tasks can now be segmented by category, assigned directly to stores, and monitored for completion at both the field and headquarters levels. Store teams have one place to view daily priorities, upload reference photos, and manage execution checklists. 

This shift reduced rework, increased accountability, and improved brand consistency across locations, especially during high-traffic promotional periods. 

Recommended Coverage Improved Labor Efficiency 

Labor planning transformed from static templates to dynamic scheduling guided by recommended coverage. Managers gained visibility into where labor should be concentrated based on sales patterns and traffic forecasts. 

Schedules are created in advance with a clear monthly outlook, allowing store leaders to align staffing with projected demand. Instead of guessing coverage needs, managers can isolate labor during peak periods and ensure the right associates are present at the right times. 

Schedule efficiency improved quickly following implementation, giving stores stronger alignment between payroll investment and sales opportunity. 

Real-Time Dashboards Elevated Conversion and Loyalty Performance 

One of the most measurable impacts came from live metric visibility. With dashboards updating every 30 minutes, store teams can monitor conversion and loyalty capture performance throughout the day. 

Rather than reviewing results after close, leaders can course correct on the floor in real time. This immediate visibility created accountability and healthy competition across districts. 

The results were clear: 

• Conversion improved after live visibility was introduced 
• Loyalty capture rates exceeded the 75 percent target 
• Performance consistently rose above 85 percent, with some stores reaching the high 90 percent range 

District comparisons further reinforced performance culture, allowing stores to benchmark results within their markets and adjust accordingly. 

In Build-A-Bear Workshop’s Own Words… 

“Before we implemented StoreForce, we did not have a system to manage tasks. Task management was a huge win for our store teams. The ability to see recommended coverage improved our schedule efficiency quickly. With dashboards updating every 30 minutes, our teams can see real-time results and make adjustments on the floor. We have seen improvement in conversion and loyalty capture, and our teams love having everything in one place.” – Annie Schmitz, Vice President of Store Operations at Build-A-Bear Workshop 

Connect with StoreForce Today

If you want the same task visibility, labor precision, and real-time performance gains that Build-A-Bear Workshop achieved, it is time to see StoreForce in action. Whether you are managing hundreds of locations, improving loyalty metrics, or strengthening labor alignment, StoreForce gives you the tools to turn operational complexity into measurable results. Join leading retailers using StoreForce to centralize execution and protect your bottom line. Book a demo today and see how one platform can transform your retail operations.