Troy, Mich.

Build-A-Bear Workshop announced that it's introducing a newly imagined store design in six markets across the U.S. in 2012. The new store design, which has been over two years in the making, merges the Build-A-Bear Workshop's hands-on bear-making process with technology to enhance the customer experience. “I'm very excited about the enhanced features that will allow us to continue to lead in the interactive retail space,” said Maxine Clark, founder and chief executive bear of Build-A-Bear Workshop.

Sur La Table, a Seattle-based seller of kitchen gadgets, will accelerate its store openings after a bit of a breather last year, the Seattle Times reported. The retailer announced Wednesday it plans to end 2010 with seven more stores than it had in 2009, for a total of 82 locations nationwide.Sur La Table has already opened a store in King of Prussia, Pa., and expects to open the remaining six later this year, with locations in the Boston area; Troy, Mich.; New York City; South Florida; and Houston. It also will relocate two stores.