topic Re: Boyd Bears hibernates in Home

Boyd Bears hibernates

traveler — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:09:11 GMT

Dear Friend of Boyds,

In 2008, Enesco® purchased one of the leading plush and figurine brands in the industry, Boyds® Bears. Its reputation for excellence in the gift market had been well established by you in your support and devotion to Boyds. From the upscale materials used for the hand-cut fur in varying colors on each bear, the design of the muzzle and overall face, the apparel grade fabrics used in outfitting the bears, to the technology in their jointed bodies, Boyds Bears symbolized a recognized look and renowned quality to loyal fans and collectors.

Enesco carried that mission even further by updating the costuming, introducing on-trend themes and launching innovative new formats such as Cuddle-Bums™ to the collection. Along each step of the way, it was your dedication to the well-appointed plush collection, Treasure Boxes, Bearstone figurines, and our Friends of Boyds® Collectors Club, which made our job in bringing Boyds to market so rewarding.

Due to the rising cost of manufacturing and materials, and the labor intensity required to deliver this award winning collection, it has become much more difficult to develop this beloved brand to the standards you deserve. This is true not only in plush, but also in the figurine collection, based on the level of detail required for Treasure Boxes and Bearstone figurines.

Sacrificing quality, detail or workmanship of this beautiful brand is not even a remote consideration, so we’ve made the difficult strategic decision to place Boyds into hibernation effective December 31, 2014.

Will Boyds re-emerge at a later date? It is a possibility, but for now it deserves the respect of a well earned “rest.” In 2015, Snowpinions™ Plush will move to Department 56 to join the Snowpinions brand.

We thank you for your many years of loyalty and devotion to the Boyds brand, whether it has been bringing it into your home, or bestowing it as a gift to someone very special. We encourage you to take advantage of the next few months to search for all of your Boyds favorites in retail stores while they are still available. You may use our retailer locator function on www.boydsstuff.com to find those last must-have bears that you simply want to add to your collection.

It’s never easy to say farewell. We can assure you that we are going to miss you as much as you will miss Boyds.

Sincerely,

Your Friends at Boyds

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

poshmini — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 21:18:41 GMT

Sad to hear about this. I collected a few of the stuffed Boyd's years ago when they first were on air, and a few of the resin pieces at Hallmark and on air as well. The collecting age seems to have gone by the wayside. Just like dolls and die cast cars (my husband collected). We only bought what we truly liked. Now you see so much of these items at flea markets and second hand shops, E-Bay etc. going for very little money. Times change and so does the collecting market. Now we look at down sizing some of these items, but doubt they will bring much in money for them as they may have done at one time.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

curlywhitedog — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 23:26:32 GMT

Although I haven't purchased any in years and years, I especially liked the Boyd's black and white stuffed plushes when Gary and then Liz presented them. Wonder whatever happened to Gary.

Maria

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Cookie06 — Fri, 15 Aug 2014 23:30:38 GMT

I purchased more than my fair share of Boyd's Bears from QVC. Gary was the driving force behind such wonderful sales I am sure. I loved him and his crazy ways, but some people say he was offensive but never for me. I have a huge box of my bears and lots of other Boyd's products out in the garage. Sad I should give them to charity or something?

I also collected dolls for quite a while and gave that up as well. I was lucky enough to sell most of my doll collection before the value went down to nothing.

All of the collection shows were so much fun and we really looked forward to seeing them.

Times change. huh?

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Hooty — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 00:04:36 GMT

I have so much of their stuff taking up room in my closet! You can't even get rid of them on Ebay! I really need to get rid of them, I can use the room!

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Coquille — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 00:24:01 GMT

I loved Boyd's Bears. I got hooked on them but when Gary was no longer presenting them, I stopped watching the shows. My daughter still loves all of the figurines she collected. I gave away some of the bears to little kids in my neighborhood. I can't part with so e of them.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Sunshine Kate — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 00:31:59 GMT

I had quite a few bears and now realize it was such a waste of money. The only people that made out are Boyds Bears and QVC.

I will NEVER buy that household dust collector stuff again. I can't even give them away. (I guess I can box them up and give to Goodwill like I did the dolls).

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

151949 — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 00:40:44 GMT

About 20 years ago a patient I had cared for after her open heart surgery sent me a boyds bears cookie jar and salt & pepper shakers that were all nurse and patient bears. They are so cute. The nurse bear is giving the patient bear a pill - only it is really a cookie. I just love it.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

mousiegirl — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:34:34 GMT

I bet once the store is closed down, ebayers will buy. I have bought some there in the past, here, HSN, and at Macy's at Christmas.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

pebblebrook — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 01:41:31 GMT

That's sad. I haven't bought a Boyds bear in many years, but those shows were my all-time favorite ones.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

colliemom4 — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 02:31:58 GMT

I still have several. I was just looking at them as I went through a few Fall items recently.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

colliegirls — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 02:35:45 GMT

I purchased so many Boyd's Bears and Dolls when my daughter was little. Sadly, they are all in bags in her closet now. I thought they went into Hibernation long ago.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

mewsmomtoo — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 04:03:53 GMT

I also have more than my share of Boyd's Bears Mine are mostly Christmas Bears with those beautiful costumes along with some odds and ends - a farmer bear who came with a wheelbarrow that has little bears in veggie costumes, one that honored the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear and a couple that have a vintage appearance. I even have a Boyds duck who came with a yellow raincoat and hat, plus boots. I have tried to get rid of it, but it is just so darn cute I can't.

Luckily, I love all my bears and I am not sorry I bought them - they weren't cheap, but I bought them purely for my enjoyment and I do enjoy them (and my duck!).

I am sorry they are going into hibernation, but it is not a big surprise. There is very little money for these kinds of frivolous things anymore. I'm so glad I got mine when I didFor

ETA Forgot to say"thank you Traveler" for posting this. Every once in a while I would check to see if they are still in business and was always a little surprised that they were, but I probably haven't checked in over a year.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

luvboyds — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 04:11:43 GMT

This is so sad. I love my bears and that is why I have my name here as luvboyds. Granted they can be overwhelming but they are so cute and they always make me smile.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

wildcat fan — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:00:11 GMT

I was just getting started with a bear collection when Boyd's stopped coming to QVC. I still enjoy looking at them and get them out of the display case every now and then. I was sorry to see the collection come to an end. They were making so many different styles that I wonder if they could have made it if they had cut back on the variety.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

shamalamadingdong4 — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:06:06 GMT

Sorry to read that. I have a few bunnies that I bought years ago. I also didn't buy them to make money but because I liked them. Things that are mass produced like Boyd's, a Beanie Babies or Cabbage Patch Kids don't really hold their value. There are just too many of them floating around. Better to collect diamonds or gold bars. )

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Mistreatedbycs — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 05:06:30 GMT

On 8/15/2014 Hooty said:
I have so much of their stuff taking up room in my closet! You can't even get rid of them on Ebay! I really need to get rid of them, I can use the room!

You too?

My collection won't fit in a closet, it's just incredible how many I bought plus turning them over and looking for all 1st editions. Both resin and plush but I did enjoy them for all those years and really liked watching Mary Beth and Gary together....Gary used to say" how do we do it?" VOLUME....too funny.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Moonchilde — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 15:54:57 GMT

On 8/15/2014 pebblebrook said:
That's sad. I haven't bought a Boyds bear in many years, but those shows were my all-time favorite ones.

Same here. I have a few, both plush and figurines, and loved the whole line. I even suggested Boyd's in the "What should QVC bring back" thread. I had no idea they were facing hard times.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

Brigitta — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 17:40:03 GMT

I gave many of mine to the Toy Workshop at my church. Many children who have next to nothing love to get these bears. Maybe some of you could consider finding a shelter or toy distribution center (at Christmas time) to donate them to.

Re: Boyd Bears hibernates

RetRN — Sat, 16 Aug 2014 19:44:25 GMT

I have 6 Boyd's bears that I truly enjoy. 3 come out each spring for decorating and the other 3 come out in fall. Will be switching them on Sept. 2 when I start my fall decorating. I definitely will not be trying to get rid of them.