Build-A-Bear Workshop is introducing 'Kabu' as a new lifestyle brand and with it, a fun series of new characters, a graphic novel and the 'Kabu Pop Party Quest' mobile gaming app. The new brand targeted at tweens takes inspiration from "kawaii" Japanese art and introduces a story centered around "PAWsitivity."
Some of the new Kabu characters from Build-A-Bear Workshop include Catlynn the kitten, Pawlette the bunny and Bearnice the bear. In the companion graphic novel, 'The Grreat Race,' the characters embark on an adventure and come across challenges related to friendship, school and growing up, which helps to teach positive ways to overcome obstacles.
Kabu Pawlette, Kabu Bearnice and Kabu Catlynn have been introduced as plush toys with unique outfits and accessories that express a colorful anime style.
Anime-Inspired Plush Toys
Build-A-Bear's 'Kabu' is a New Brand Inspired by Japanese Characters
Trend Themes
1. Anime-inspired Plush Toys - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop an augmented reality app that brings anime-inspired plush toys to life through interactive storytelling.
2. Kawaii-inspired Lifestyle Brand - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a subscription service that delivers kawaii-inspired lifestyle products, such as stationery, fashion accessories, and home decor, to tweens and anime enthusiasts.
3. Mobile Gaming for Tweens - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design a location-based mobile gaming app that encourages tweens to explore their surroundings and complete virtual quests inspired by Kabu characters.
Industry Implications
1. Toy Manufacturing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate smart technology, such as sensors or voice recognition, into plush toys to enhance interactivity and create a new level of play experience.
2. Graphic Novel Publishing - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate augmented reality features into graphic novels to create an immersive reading experience where characters come to life on the pages.
3. Mobile App Development - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a social gaming platform specifically designed for tweens that combines entertainment, education, and positive reinforcement.