Boyds Bears is a line of collectible resin and stuffed teddy bears produced by The Boyds Collection LTD.
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History
Boyds Bears was founded by Gary M. Lowenthal and his wife, Justina Unger. They were owners of an antique shop, but found it unprofitable so 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]
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.
Party Plan
In 2004, the Boyds Collection initiated a home party plan, called Boyds Home Reunions. Different than most plans, the program utilizes the Boyds retailer network, who sponsor Bear Advisors™ through their stores. Bear Advisors then hold parties, either in a host/hostesses home, or through the special Boyds Home Reunions Catalog. Beginning in February 2007, another catalog is available for Fundraising with Boyds Bears. Host/Hostesses get free stuff for being the bear host/hostess (20% of retail sales) and the Bear Advisor gets a commission for their efforts (20% of retail sales). There are bonus items available for the Bear Advisor and the host/hostess at key party sales levels ($250, $500, etc.) and a minimum of $100 in total retail sales constitutes a party. Bear Advisors get additional rewards from Boyds for reaching specific sales levels. More information can be found at the official web site: Boyds Home Reunions
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]
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, but not from the official website. Note: coming in 2007 there will be an online alliance program with retailers that will allow visitors to the official website to purchase items online.
