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Build-A-Network: Sprint Chosen by Build-A-Bear Workshop(R) to Connect Stores Nationwide

Posted on: Wednesday, 29 October 2003, 06:00 CST

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Behind the innovative, make- your-own stuffed animal experience that has made Build-A-Bear Workshops both famous and tremendously successful, are countless great ideas, hundreds of imaginative people and billions of bits of information. Sprint today announced that it has been selected by Build-A-Bear Workshop to handle virtually all of that information - everything from bear birth certificates that bring the toys to life for kids to store financial information that makes the business run.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20001013/SPRINTLOGO )

Through a new three-year agreement, Sprint will connect more than 150 stores around the country, corporate offices and Build-A-Bear call centers through a new, reliable frame relay data network. Sprint is working with Build-A-Bear on adding new digital subscriber line (DSL) services that will help deliver high-speed communications at a lower cost.

"Our data network is vital to operating an efficient, growing business," said Dave Finnegan, Director, Inbearmation Technologies, Build-A-Bear Workshops. "We have worked with Sprint for several years and in that time Sprint has provided a high level of service and reliability. This proven track record has helped Sprint earn our trust and made Sprint the logical selection as our primary communications provider."

Added Craig Elford, regional vice president, Sprint Business - Southwest, Sprint, "Fast, reliable communications are essential in any retail environment - especially when it is growing as steadily as Build-A-Bear Workshop. Sprint was selected to deliver the right network solution at the right cost to help Build-A-Bear Workshop efficiently run its business. At the same time, we know that the information we carry plays an important role, behind the scenes, in helping to ensure that every guest at a Build-A-Bear Workshop has a positive experience."

About Sprint

Sprint is a global integrated communications provider serving more than 26 million customers in over 100 countries. With approximately 70,000 employees worldwide and nearly $27 billion in annual revenues, Sprint is widely recognized for developing, engineering and deploying state-of-the-art network technologies, including the United States' first nationwide all-digital, fiber-optic network and an award-winning Tier 1 Internet backbone. Sprint provides local communications services in 39 states and the District of Columbia and operates the largest 100-percent digital, nationwide PCS wireless network in the United States. For more information, visit http://www.sprint.com/ .

About Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear Workshop is an interactive, entertainment mall-based retailer that invites Guests of all ages to create their own customized stuffed animals. The company currently operates 148 stores in 36 states across the U.S. including a very successful e-commerce business and plans to have over 150 locations by the end of 2003, including four stores in Canada. Build-A- Bear Workshop is the innovator and leader of the make-your-own stuffed animal concept for mall-based retailing. The first store opened in Saint Louis Galleria in October 1997. For more information, call 888-560-BEAR or visit the company's award-winning Web site at http://www.buildabear.com/ .