Nvidia may be the most valuable company in the world, surging to a record-high<\/a> $4.395 trillion<\/a> market capitalization over the past few months, but when it comes to stock growth, one surprising company has it beat: Build-A-Bear Workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear’s stock grew by more than 2,000% over the past five years, making it one of the top 20 companies in the world by share growth, per The Washington Post<\/a><\/i>. Company shares are up over 60% year-to-date<\/a> at the time of writing. According to Build-A-Bear’s earnings report<\/a> for the second quarter ending August 2, total revenue hit $124.2 million, an 11% increase from the same period last year. It was the company’s most profitable second quarter in its history.<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear’s stock growth beats the world’s biggest tech giants, <\/b>such as Nvidia (surged by over 1,300%<\/a> in the past five years, with shares up over 30% year-to-date); Microsoft (stock grew by 147%<\/a> across the past five years); and Oracle (stock swelled 444%<\/a> across the same time period).<\/p>\n Related:<\/b> How Labubu Outsold Barbie and Hot Wheels \u2014 and Will Help Parent Company Pop Mart Earn $4 Billion This Year<\/a><\/p>\n At Build-A-Bear, customers stuff a plush toy, add a toy heart, and dress the stuffed animal. The company was founded in October 1997<\/a> in Saint Louis, Missouri, and the experience in stores has remained consistent since its founding.<\/p>\n The company’s CEO, Sharon Price John, who took over in 2013, told CNBC<\/a> that the process of making a bear is “a really emotional, memorable experience that creates a tremendous amount of equity.” The store’s in-person experience contributes to its resilience, even as other mall stores like Claire’s close hundreds of locations<\/a>.<\/p>\n “Those strong feelings that consumers have for brands are very stretchable beyond just that one experience,” John told the outlet.<\/p>\n University of Pennsylvania Marketing Professor Americus Reed told CNBC that the “ritualistic” process of creating a stuffed animal at Build-A-Bear creates a memorable experience that is “really hard to replicate.” Build-A-Bear creates a deeper connection with its customers, building a sense of loyalty, Reed explained.<\/p>\n Related: <\/b>The Lego Resale Market Is Reportedly Thriving \u2014 And Some Sets Can Fetch Over $15,000<\/a><\/p>\n Zach Wray, a customer whose family has hundreds of bears, told The Washington Post<\/i> that the experience of creating a stuffed animal is what keeps his kids coming back to Build-A-Bear.<\/p>\n “They make it really special for the kids,” Wray told the outlet.<\/p>\n Nostalgia also plays a role in the company’s growth. A recent survey<\/a> released by Build-A-Bear earlier this month shows that 92% of adults still have their childhood stuffed animal, and nearly 100% say that teddy bears are for all ages. Two-fifths (40%) of Build-A-Bear’s customers are adults, not kids, according to The Washington Post<\/i>.<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear has 627 stores across 32 countries, 100 of which opened within the past two years. The company told The Washington Post<\/i> that it plans to open 60 more locations this year, and that almost all of its stores in North America were profitable.<\/p>\n Related:<\/b> This Mom’s Side Hustle Selling a $600 Children’s Toy Became a Business Making Over $1 Million a Year: ‘There Is a Lot to Love’<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n Nvidia may be the most valuable company in the world, surging to a record-high<\/a> $4.395 trillion<\/a> market capitalization over the past few months, but when it comes to stock growth, one surprising company has it beat: Build-A-Bear Workshop<\/a>.<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear’s stock grew by more than 2,000% over the past five years, making it one of the top 20 companies in the world by share growth, per The Washington Post<\/a><\/i>. Company shares are up over 60% year-to-date<\/a> at the time of writing. According to Build-A-Bear’s earnings report<\/a> for the second quarter ending August 2, total revenue hit $124.2 million, an 11% increase from the same period last year. It was the company’s most profitable second quarter in its history.<\/p>\n Build-A-Bear’s stock growth beats the world’s biggest tech giants, <\/b>such as Nvidia (surged by over 1,300%<\/a> in the past five years, with shares up over 30% year-to-date); Microsoft (stock grew by 147%<\/a> across the past five years); and Oracle (stock swelled 444%<\/a> across the same time period).<\/p>\n<\/div>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/assets.entrepreneur.com\/images\/misc\/1758561756_Build-A-Bear-GettyImages-997231380.jpg?width=1000\")
Build-A-Bear Workshop in Denver, Colorado. Photo by Joe Amon\/The Denver Post via Getty Images<\/i><\/sup><\/p>\n