Undercover Boss USA

Sharon John, the president and chief executive of Build‑a‑Bear Workshop, decides to go undercover within her own business. She spends time daily working side‑by‑side with the staff who hand‑craft personalised stuffed animals in the chain’s retail outlets and shops across the country.

Build‑A‑Bear is a television programme presented as a single episode. The show falls under the genre of an episode‑style documentary, offering viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of the well‑known Build‑a‑Bear Workshop brand. Its format follows a straightforward, observational style that tracks a specific storyline within the company’s retail environment. The central narrative follows Sharon John, who holds the dual roles of president and chief executive officer of Build‑a‑Bear Workshop. Determined to experience the business from the ground level, she adopts an undercover persona and steps onto the shop floor alongside the staff who create the personalised stuffed toys. By blending in with the team, she gains direct exposure to the day‑to‑day tasks involved in crafting each animal. During her time in the stores, John works side‑by‑side with the employees who assemble and customise the plush products. She participates in the hands‑on processes that transform raw materials into the finished, personalised bears and other creatures that customers purchase. This behind‑the‑scenes involvement allows her to observe the craftsmanship, teamwork and customer interaction that define the Build‑a‑Bear experience, offering a rare perspective from the highest level of the organisation.