Steiff, inventor of the Teddy Bear, has expanded its efforts to strengthen its position within the gift industry by engaging representation with Finelines Co., The Portico Collection and The Harper Group Sales Agencies. The brand says the move is designed to further support its current and future gift retailer relationships by emphasizing its world-renowned reputation for timeless, premium gifts that bring the “wow” factor.
To maximize this new strategy, Steiff North America President Jim Pitocco brought on 25-plus year industry veteran Melissa Bullock to lead the charge as director of sales.
“Highlighting this important channel for Steiff offers us more opportunities to meet with existing and potential retailers face to face in the field and at the major gift industry shows,” says Bullock. “In addition to our continued efforts with apparel, toy and collectible retailers, who were monumental in making Steiff North America what it is today, we plan on positioning Steiff’s newest collections of Soft + Cuddly Friends as great gift ideas across a variety of price points in the gift channel. Jim and I have been thoughtful to select the very best of the regional sales agencies to represent our brand.”
Steiff’s top-quality gifts begin with their best-selling Soft Cuddly Friends collection, an exclusive line of adorable animals and Disney characters with plush options for babies and young children. Each features the brand’s signature “Button in Ear” (Knopf im Ohr), a symbol that’s stood for quality for more than 100 years. For those looking for more luxurious gifts, Steiff’s offers its ride-on and studio animals.
“Giving the gift of Steiff is a memory that recipients will treasure and value for decades,” says Pitocco.
Steiff’s 2023 lineup includes Soft Cuddly Friends, Steiff’s best-selling beautifully made plush animals. Bambi joins the list of licensed Disney characters like Mickey, Pooh and Simba just in time for the Disney 100 Celebration. There are also teddy bears, rabbits, dogs, elephants and lions, a favorite plush animal for everyone at a comfortable price.
Also available are My First Steiff teddy bear or rabbit, beautifully made, safe and machine-washable Steiff baby animals. More information on Steiff’s 2023 collection is available at www.steiff.com.
