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Boyds Bears is a line of collectible resin and stuffed teddy bears produced by The Boyds Collection LTD.

[edit] History

The "Mrs. Northstar" bear.

Boyds Bears was founded by Gary M. Lowenthal and his wife, Justina Unger. They were owners of an antique shop, which although profitable, found difficulty maintaining an inventory of well priced antiques. They then turned to making and selling antique reproductions. Some of their more profitable reproductions included duck decoys. In 1984 they began sculpting with resin, at first making a line of miniature houses called "The Gnomes Homes". The first bear was a stuffed bear made for the couple's newborn son, Matthew. They began making and selling stuffed bears, and the bears became known as "Boyds Bears" for the town of Boyds, Maryland, where they lived and operated their business. The line of plush bears and rabbits was a hugely popular success, and in 1993 Boyds introduced the first resin bears. Today the Boyds company has several product lines, but the bears remain the most successful.^[1]

[edit] Collectors club

The Boyds Bears official fan club is called the "Loyal Order of Friends of Boyds!" It was founded in 1996. Membership costs US$29.99 for the 2007 kit, which includes an exclusive denim tote, a 10" plush bear, bearstone and bearware member pin (all items are of coordinating colors). Benefits include exclusive members-only collectors items, a copy of the Spring/Summer 2007 product catalog, an online newsletter, access to a members-only website, and special treatment at Boyds Bear Country in Gettysburg.

[edit] Awards

Boyds products have won numerous awards in the toy and doll collectible circles. Some of these include Teddy Bear of the Year Awards, Doll of the Year Awards, Golden Teddy Awards, and National Association of Limited Edition Dealers Achievement Awards. ^[2]

Closed Piegon Forge Mega Store 5-26-07

[edit] Stores

Most of the Boyds collection is sold via independent gift and collectible stores, such as Hallmark. The company does operate one store, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, near its corporate headquarters. The Pigeon Forge, TN, location closed in 2007.

In 2006 it was announced that the Pigeon Forge store would be closing to put more "emphasis on supporting independent retailers versus opening our own superstores". ^[3] Boyds products are available via the internet, and from the official website via affiliate Enesco.

[edit] References

1. ^ [1] "Boyds 101" From the official website.
2. ^ [2] Awards and Nominations page of the official website.
3. ^ Yeldell, Cynthia (2006-08-30). "Boyds says bye, seeks developer". Knox News Sentinal. http://www.knoxnews.com/kns/business/article/0,1406,KNS_376_4954861,00.html. Retrieved 2006-09-27.