Build-A-Bear offers free rapid Valentine’s Day delivery service via Uber Direct partnership

Build-A-Bear Workshop has launched a same-day Valentine’s Day delivery service from its UK stores with Uber Direct. 

Customers ordering through the retailer’s website can select the same-day option and receive their order in a scheduled slot, with no delivery fee added to the total cost. Deliveries will be handled by Uber Direct’s courier network, which also powers Uber Eats. 

Colleen Draper, Retail and Operations Director Europe at Build-A-Bear Workshop, which introduced a same-day delivery option across 33 of its UK stores during December, says: “As Valentine’s Day approaches, we know shoppers want gifts that feel meaningful - even when time is tight. A Build-A-Bear teddy or soft toy is a heartfelt, cuddly way to show someone you care, and our free same-day delivery option makes this personalised gift simple and stress free.” 

Caroline Varga, Regional Manager, Uber Direct EMEA, says: “There’s no need for shoppers to panic if they’ve left Valentine’s Day gift shopping a little late this year. We’re pleased to support Build-A-Bear in ensuring customers can get thoughtful gifts to their loved ones quickly and conveniently.”

2026 RTIH Innovation Awards

Online delivery will be a key focus area at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards will open for entries in April. They celebrate global retail technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Thursday, 15th October.

Check out our 2025 winners here.

Our 2025 hall of fame entrants were revealed during a sold out event which took place at The HAC on 16th October and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by award winning comedian, actress and writer Tiff Stevenson.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “This is the awards’ fifth year as a physical event. We started off with just 30 people at the South Place Hotel not far from here, then moved to London Bridge Hotel, then The Barbican, and last year RIBA’s HQ in the West End.”

“But I’m conscious of the fact that, to quote the legend that is Taylor Swift, You’re only as hot as your last hit, baby. So, this year we’ve moved to our biggest venue yet, and also pulled in our largest number of entries to date and broken attendance records.”

He added: “This year’s submissions have without doubt been our best yet. To quote one of the judges: The examples of innovative developments across both traditional and digital retail spaces were truly remarkable.”

Congratulations to our winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Tiff Stevenson, and all those who attended our 2025 gathering.