News Summary
A visit to Build-A-Bear Workshop by 16-year-old Evi McCormick took an unexpected turn when she was denied the ability to name her teddy bear after a political figure. The refusal sparked a larger conversation about free speech and the company’s policies, leading to backlash and a corporate response. Evi’s mother reached out to Build-A-Bear, resulting in an apology and a commitment to retrain staff. This incident highlights the intersection of personal expression and retail environments.
A Teddy Bear Story That Sparked Controversy
In a rather unusual incident that recently captured public attention, a 16-year-old girl named Evi McCormick visited a Build-A-Bear Workshop with her friends, eager to create a special teddy bear. The outing, intended to be a fun experience, quickly turned into a talking point after a store employee refused to print the name of Charlie Kirk on the bear’s birth certificate.
The Teddy Bear Creation
Evi and her friends spent time choosing the perfect plush companion for her special creation. Inspired by a trend taking over TikTok, Evi wanted to name the bear after Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, who had recently passed away. Excitement filled the air as she approached the register to finalize her teddy bear’s birth certificate with the name she held in great esteem.
Refusal and Discard
However, things took a turn. Upon hearing the name, the employee flatly refused to print it, stating, “We’re not doing this.” The interaction left Evi feeling uncomfortable, and she promptly handed her payment card to her friend Kailie Lang and walked away from the register, abandoning the bear. Both girls left the store feeling bewildered by the encounter.
The Aftermath
Not satisfied with how the situation was handled, Evi’s mother, Amber McCormick, took matters into her own hands. She decided to contact the Build-A-Bear corporate office to voice her concerns. Amber spent a lengthy 45 minutes on the phone discussing the incident, emphasizing the disappointment felt by her daughter and her friends.
Initially, the corporate office responded by offering a $20 gift card to compensate for what they deemed a “poor customer experience.” However, this was just the beginning. A few days later, she received another call from Build-A-Bear, which took a different tone. The corporate team apologized and acknowledged that the incident shouldn’t have occurred. They indicated a commitment to retrain staff members, both in the Seattle area and across the entire company, to make sure such situations wouldn’t occur again.
Company Policies Under Review
According to Build-A-Bear’s in-store policy, customers are asked to refrain from using *indecent or distasteful names for furry friends*. However, the policy does not specifically clarify whether Charlie Kirk’s name qualifies as “indecent” or “distasteful.” This ambiguity has raised questions about political expression in retail spaces. Evi expressed that what started as her tribute to a role model turned into a discussion of politics only after the employee reacted in that manner.
A National Conversation
This incident has sparked a larger conversation about how businesses handle political expression in their environments. It has made individuals question to what extent companies should get involved in the personal views and interests of their customers. The unique combination of a playful stuffed animal store and a politically charged name creates an intriguing narrative attractive to the media and the general public alike.
While Build-A-Bear has not made any further comments beyond handling the incident internally, the story continues to circulate, highlighting how even the most innocent activities can sometimes lead to unexpected conversations about politics and policies. As companies adapt to changing cultural conversations, it’s clear that this teddy bear incident has made quite a mark.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Fox Business
- Breitbart
- OutKick
- Wikipedia: Build-A-Bear Workshop
- Google News: Build-A-Bear Charlie Kirk
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
