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 minature 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.
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.
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, Pa near its corporate headquarters. The Pigeon Forge, TN location closed in 2006.
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". Boyds products are available via the internet, but not from the official website.
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.
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, Pa near its corporate headquarters. The Pigeon Forge, TN location closed in 2006.
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". Boyds products are available via the internet, but not from the official website.