Loading...
Lincoln, RI (May 30, 2023)— Steiff is proud to announce its strengthening position within the Gift Industry by engaging representation with Finelines Co., The Portico Collection, and The Harper Group Sales Agencies effective June 1, 2023. Through these partnerships, Steiff hopes to further support its current and future gift retailer relationships by emphasizing its world-renowned reputation for timeless, premium childhood gifts.
To maximize this new strategy, Steiff North America President Jim Pitocco brought on 25+ 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,” said Melissa 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 at affordable prices. Each piece is crafted with the same exceptional skill, attention to detail, and high-quality, soft materials that Steiff is famous for, featuring 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 ride-on and studio animals are sure to impress the most discerning of customers.
“Giving the gift of Steiff is a memory that recipients will treasure and value for decades,” said Jim Pitocco, North Amerca President of Steiff.
Soft Cuddly Friends, Steiff’s best-selling beautifully made plush animals, offer gift-givers affordable, high-quality gifts under $50. 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.
The “My First Steiff” teddy bear or rabbit has become a most treasured best friend from birth for many children, and are beautifully made, safe and machine-washable. From music box stuffed animals that sweeten nap-time to baby plush toys that encourage exploration and sensory development, this collection is a new parent’s dream come true and a first forever friend for little ones.
For more information on Steiff’s 2023 collection, please visit www.steiff.com.
About Steiff:
Founded in 1880, Steiff invented the Teddy Bear in 1902. This was the world’s first bear with moveable arms and legs and is the basis of the bear today. Every single part of a classic Steiff bear continues to be sewn by hand and the company remains in their original buildings in Germany. Every Steiff Teddy bear proudly wears a button in ear (Knopf Im Orh) as a distinguishing mark, ensuring its authenticity. Founder of Steiff, Margarete Steiff, was a remarkable woman in many respects. Exceptionally dedicated and driven, especially for her time, she fought for her place in life as a young girl, against many odds, and became an independent entrepreneur.
With a pincushion in the shape of a small fabric elephant, she wrote the first chapter of an unprecedented success story that is still being written today, after more than 140 years. Thanks to the loving dedication and quality awareness of all employees, the personal history of Margarete Steiff and Steiff North America remain inseparably linked to this day.
Founded in 1880, Steiff invented the Teddy Bear in 1902. This was the world’s first bear with moveable arms and legs and is the basis of the bear today. Every single part of a classic Steiff bear continues to be sewn by hand and the company remains in their original buildings in Germany. Every Steiff Teddy bear proudly wears a button in ear (Knopf Im Orh) as a distinguishing mark, ensuring its authenticity.