A recent incident at a Build-A-Bear Workshop in Washington state has sparked discussion regarding corporate neutrality and the handling of customer requests that intersect with political figures. The situation arose when a teenager was reportedly denied the ability to name a custom-made plush toy after a prominent conservative commentator, leading to accusations of bias and prompting a corporate response.
The core of the controversy involves Evi McCormick, a 16-year-old who sought to create a stuffed bear in honor of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. According to reports, McCormick intended to use the customary Build-A-Bear “birth certificate” feature to affix Kirk’s name to the toy. However, she claims a store manager at the Tukwila, Washington location refused this request, stating a personal disagreement and discarding the document. This action reportedly left McCormick and her companions feeling uncomfortable.
Following the initial refusal, McCormick’s mother engaged with Build-A-Bear’s corporate office. While an initial offer of a $20 gift card was made, the company later issued an apology, acknowledging that the incident should not have occurred. Build-A-Bear reportedly indicated plans to implement employee training in the Seattle area to address the potential for political discussions or stances to enter customer service interactions. The company stated its objective is to prevent similar occurrences for other customers.
This event highlights a recurring challenge for businesses: navigating the complexities of customer expression in a polarized environment. While Build-A-Bear’s stated intention is to provide a neutral and enjoyable experience for all customers, instances like this can raise questions about where the line is drawn between personal employee beliefs and company policy. The company’s subsequent apology and commitment to training suggest an effort to reinforce its apolitical stance and ensure consistent customer service across its locations.
Jonathan Reed received his MA in Journalism from Columbia University and has reported on corporate governance and leadership for major business magazines. His coverage focuses on executive decision-making, startup innovation, and the evolving role of technology in driving business growth.