(1)
Since the later half of 1997 Beanie Babies have grown from a toy to
the worlds hottest collectable. Ty Inc. began producing them in 1994 and
initially 9 were produced (Chocolate the Moose, Cubbie the Bear,
Flash the Dolphin, Legs the Frog, Patti the platypus, Pinchers the Lobster.
(2)
There appeal is obvious to see, they are fun, and each has its own name
and birth date. They were initially sold in speciality shops, so
initial production was not high. This together with the fact that Ty are
constantly retiring and bringing in new Beanie Babies has led to great
interest in the early toys. Certain early retied Beanie Babies are fetching
considerable sums on the secondary market. The market is very volatile
with even newly retired Beanies fetching high prices. The bears are the
most popular and there is lots of interest in the Beanies that are country
specific such as Britannia and Maple. The demand is such that many of the
toys are being sold never actually reach the shop shelves.
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iTy
Inc. was founded
by H. Ty Warner, who began the
business in 1986 after having worked for a stuffed - animal maunfacturer.
There have now been well over 100 Beanie Babies produced ranging
from Hoot the Owl, to Seamore the Seal, and to Bessie the cow.
A lot of new collectors have been
attracted to the net with the setting up of an Official
Beanie Babies Club, demand and
interest looks set to continue.
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