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As they say, accessories make the bear. In addition to the tiny sneakers, there are ice skates, scarves, pearl necklaces, eyeglasses and bike helmets.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize

You can further outfit your bear with sleeping bags, crutches, umbrellas, golf bags, and yo-yos. Musically inclined bears can play the flute or guitar. Should your bear need a friend, there are smaller teddy bears just for them. Don't forget the furniture. Bean Bag chairs, futons and beach chairs are all available.

And you thought it was bad when your kids wanted designer sneakers

Prices for the clothes were not as high as I expected, ranging from $5.00 T-shirts to the $15.00, 5-piece bridal ensemble. Accessories are $1.50 and up, and furniture is $8.00 - $30.00. Our basic teddy, with a polo shirt and overalls, was under $30.00.

Your and your bear enter your vital statistics into the workstations

Once your bear has been properly dressed, head for the "Name Me" kiosk, where you will enter your information into a computer workstation. If you can't decide what to name your bear, a helpful listing of suggested names is available-sort of a baby names book for bears. You will then decide if you want a Birth Certificate for your bear, or a story about them.

The suggested names list

"Take Me Home" is the last stop in your journey, where your new bear is placed in a "Bear Condo", complete with air vents. This is where you learn exactly how much that $10.00 teddy bear is going to cost you, now that it has a new wardrobe. Even if you've managed to resist the trendy sweaters and hi-fashion accessories, the staff won't let your bear go home entirely undressed - a bright ribbon will accompany your bear into his condo.

Pre-made bears are available if you are in a hurry

Depending on how busy the store is, and how much time you want to spend playing dress-up, the whole process can be completed in about 20 minutes. If you are rushed for time, pre-made bears are available around the store.

Cute displays scattered all around the store.

Of course, the real appeal of the store is the interactive aspect, and Build-A-Bear encourages groups to come play together at the store. Your youth group, business gathering, bithday party or sports team can book bear-building parties. Scout troops can earn a bear-building patch. A "Bear Counselor" will lead your group in cheers and activities while you complete your creations. Some locations can connect you with one of their "food partners" - local restaurants which will provide post- party refreshments and gathering space. The company even offers printable party invitations and announcements on their web site. While a Build-A-Bear party may seem expensive, you can set a dollar limit for your guests, as low as $10.00 per head for a basic bear.

Build-A-Bear Workshop founder Maxine Clark

Build-A-Bear Workshop was founded by Maxine Clark, the former president of Payless ShoeSource Inc. Ms. Clark is widely respected for her business savvy. In 2001, the National Retail Federation named Ms. Clark their Retailer Innovator of the Year.

Bearamy, the Build-A-Bear Mascot

The Build-A-Bear Workshop has also been honored with a number of awards, including Interactive Week magazine's 2001 #1 Company to Work For; 1999 Global Best Practices Award for Exceeding Customer Expectations from Arthur Andersen; and a Merchandise Achievement Award for "Best Category Marketing" from Playthings Magazine, a publication of the Toy Manufacturers of America

Stuffing is delivered into the machines through a series of overhead tubes

The company supports charitable organizations through the sale of Big Hearted Bears. For each purchase of a Bengal Tiger or Giant Panda plush, $1.00 is donated to the World Wildlife Federation. A black lab puppy benefits the Humane Society, and a fuzzy pink bear earns donations for breast cancer programs. In the wake of the attacks on September 11th, the company donated 5,000 bears through it's Hug America program, and visitors to the companies web-site can donate additional bears to the cause.

Disneyland Resort president Cynthia Harriss (center) with the Build-A-Bear staff

How will the Anaheim tourist react to this new attraction- within- a- store? The younger set will adore this place, as will doting parents and grandparents. Families with older boys may find their child's attraction wandering after the cool stuffing and stitching process evolves into a bear fashion show. And the question remains - will visitors want to take time from their busy park-hopping day to make a teddy bear?

Expectations run high for this new flagship store. The success of the Anaheim store will determine whether a Walt Disney World version is built. If the reaction of the media at the pre-opening party is indicative of what awaits the store on their opening day, expect this story to have a beary happy ending

Disneyland announces a new lot on Disney Auctions:

During the first week of December, 3-10, 2001, The Disneyland Resort will have over 100 items available to the luckiest bidder. Here are some of items available for auction for the first time:

Swiss Family Robinson Tree House Organ - Estimate $7,000 - $10,000

Six Hand Crafted Main Street USA Black Cauldron Window Displays - Estimate $4,000 - $5,000

Disneyland Marquee 14ft High Castle-Estimate $12,000 - $13,000

Rocket Rod Vehicle-Estimate $7,000 - $10,000

Bertha Mae Keel Boat - Estimate $25,000 - $50,000

60 pieces of Disneyland Original Art - Estimate $50 - $1,000 each

40 pieces of Disneyland Original Artifacts - Estimate $50 - $1,000

Plus many more surprises!

December 3-10, 2001 on www.disneyauctions.com

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Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix is the super-shopper behind MouseShoppe, your personal and unofficial shopping service for the Disneyland Resort, and the owner of CharmingShoppe, a Disney collectibles store located in Anaheim.

In addition to scouring the park to find you the latest and greatest merchandise, she keeps you updated on all of the merchandise events happening in the parks.

If you want to talk to her about this column, merchandise, or events, contact her here.

Visit our other shopping service, MouseMemories.com.

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