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Steiff Celebrates 140th Anniversary

Posted by Jim Pitocco on 4th Feb 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STEIFF CELEBRATES 140TH ANNIVERSARY

“For 140 years, only the best is good enough.”

Lincoln, RI (February 4, 2020) – Steiff, the company that invented the Teddy bear, is celebrating its 140 th Anniversary this year with an iconic collection full of collectibles, playful plush and premier baby items fit to delight both young and old.

The entire Steiff North America collection, along with some awe-inspiring studio animals, will be on display at the 2020 North American International Toy Fair in New York City, February 22-25 th at Booth #1983.

Steiff will kick-off the show with a 140th Anniversary Party at their booth on Saturday, February 22nd at 4 pm, where guests will celebrate with a sweet treat and special gift (while supplies last).

Attendees will have a chance to enter a raffle to win a 140th Anniversary Paddy Teddy Bear and Mohair Elephant along with Steiff’s lovable Soft Cuddly Friends bear, Jimmy, whose popularity has garnered his own Instagram page as the unofficial Steiff mascot @JimmySteiff.

“It all started when our founder, Margarete Steiff, created the first plush toy: an elephant,” said Jim Pitocco, President of Steiff North America. “What began as a small company led by a savvy business woman ahead of her time has become the premier brand gift-givers continue to trust for special occasions and play.”

First established as the Margarete Steiff Toy Company founded in 1880, Steiff has maintained its status around the world with notable collaborations (the Steiff Supreme® bear sold out in three minutes), high-profile celebrity followers, and a continued commitment to the magic of children’s play.

Its popular “Soft Cuddly Friends” line, unveiled in 2019, expands this year with all the ingredients that made Steiff famous through the years – ultra-high quality materials, intricate hand craftsmanship, and the signature “Button in Ear.” The plush products range from the classic Jimmy Teddy Bear, to foxes, elephants, and giraffes, and are ideal for children ages 0 and up.

In addition to its new plush items, Steiff is further commemorating its anniversary with a 140th Anniversary Paddy Teddy Bear, a classic teddy bear with a golden-brown coat of the finest mohair, and three different 140th Anniversary Elephants: Mohair Elephant, Little Elephant with Story Book, and Little Elephant with Rattle in honor of the first Steiff toy ever made.

“We are incredibly proud of our newest collection,” said Pitocco. “Steiff has always devoted itself to making the very best soft toys for children while embracing innovation, imagination, and perfection. As Margarete Steiff herself said: ‘For children, only the best is good enough.’ This year we certainly feel our tagline exemplifies all she envisioned and more: ‘For 140 years, only the best is good enough.’ We are honored to continue her legacy and look forward to yet another prosperous year.”

The story of Steiff is full of adventure, ambition, and innovation; it is lavish with romance, nostalgia, and childhood dreams. It is the story of a company responsible for the unequaled popularity of the Teddy bear, the world’s most favorite soft toy.

For more information on Steiff and its 2020 Collection, visit www.steiffusa.com.

(Click to enlarge)

About Steiff

For 140 years, the popularity of Steiff has spread around the globe. The company has grabbed international headlines as antique Steiff bears set world record prices at auction. Still renowned for creating unrivaled “life-like” animals, Steiff is thrilled to add an extra dimension of playful characters that are sure to become friends for life. Proud of its heritage, yet forward-looking and adventurous, Steiff has never stopped chasing dreams. After all, just what would bedtime be like if there were no cuddly friends to snuggle up to? Unimaginable!

Media Contact:

Liza Grando | The Moss Tucker Group |  Liza@mosstucker.com

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