The Boyds Bear Facts Archives Jan. 2006

The Boyds^TM Bear Facts Archives
Bits & pieces of information for collectors of Boyd's Bears and Friends

Jan. 2006 Archived Information

(1/3/06) Big Bubba Griz

Big Bubba Griz
approx. $199.00
970021XL
50" tall and available in May
VERY limited so reserve now!!!

It's the biggest Bubba of 'em all! A giant, 50-inch version of a favorite from Boyds Bears and Friends collection, Big Bubba Griz has all the same features as his lil' brother...just huge! Floppy, un-jointed and over stuffed poly design has extra-thick, soft 'n silky light beige fur, embroidered paw print foot pads and a big velvety nose! A bear hug beyond compare!

Contact one of our wonderful sponsors to reserve yours today!!

Michelle's Gifts | Mulberry Street Gifts | The Doll House
The Old Blue Barn | Cynthia's Hallmark | Timeless Treasures
Covered Wagon Gifts

(1/3/06) Judge Rules On Boyds' Payments

Eric Trimmer, Evening Sun

STAFF AND WIRE REPORT

A federal judge last week approved a $1.8-million bonus to keep top executives at Boyds Collection Ltd. on the job while the McSherrystown-based teddy bear maker is in bankruptcy.

Judge Duncan Keir of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Baltimore signed off Thursday on the plan covering seven key employees - including the company's chief executive and chief financial officers - who could receive a total of about $1 million in retention payments.

The plan also includes severance, which the company said would "stem attrition" and relieve the anxiety of key management personnel. The severance portion of the retention plan could cost up to $806,000.

Boyds said there was "significant risk" that without the retention plan, the key employees would begin seeking other jobs. The chief executive officer, Jan Murley, said the plan was recommended by the company's board and endorsed by its creditors.

"It's a very common practice during bankruptcy in order to keep people critical to making sure you can get through this process quickly," she said. "And when a business has a major hiccup, it can be very hard to recruit for these very senior jobs."

The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October, which provides the business protection from creditors while it attempts to become profitable. Boyds had listed its assets at $66.93 million and its debts at $101.7 million.

Murley said the company continues to have no plans to cut staff or close either of the Boyds Bear Country stores in Gettysburg or Pigeon Forge, Tenn. More than half of Boyds' 500 employees are based in Adams County.

Instead, the company has cut hours at both stores, only staying open Thursday through Monday during January and February, when traffic is lightest.

Profits dropped substantially for the company in 2005, Murley said.

"There's been a rapid, declining interest in collectibles," she said in October, adding gift and collectible shops that often sell the product have also been in decline. "People are moving to more convenient shopping areas."

In an attempt to appeal to a larger customer base, Murley indicated Boyds might start pitching its product in drug stores and big box stores such as Toys "R" Us.

The Boyds stock was taken off the New York Stock Exchange and is now listed as "BOYD" on the Over The Counter Bulletin Board exchange, which handles smaller companies and those just starting out.

Murley said the company met its Christmas goals and views the accomplishment as "very encouraging."

"The staff has been astonishing, and very focused," she said. "I'm very proud of their capability and their loyalty."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(1/3/06) NEW Harry & David Boyds Bears For Valentine's Day

NEW Love Note Bear with Treats
Item No. 16458V ... $29.95

Two things to cozy up to!
An adorable Boyd's bear and a box of our luxurious Chocolate Truffles and Heavenly Hearts® Chocolates. The Bear stands a full 8" tall and comes with a special "Happy Valentine's Day" greeting. Net wt. 5 oz.

Available to ship through February 28.

(1/1/06) Mark Your Calendar for 2006 F.o.B. Jamboree!

We're celebratin' ten big years of F.o.B.s and trust us...this year's F.o.B. Jamboree is one you won't wanna miss! There'll be carnival games each highlighting a particular year in F.o.B. history...with prizes galore, scrapbooking activities, chances to meet Liz Smith and the rest of the talented, lovely and fun Boyds Design Team and have them sign your prized Boyds Stuff, lots of food, Jamboree exclusives, Boyds Bingo for Bears, a bear fashion show and much more!

It all happens at Boyds Bear Country - Gettysburg on Monday, June 19 with a Swap and Sell on Sunday, June 18 and optional evening entertainment on Saturday June 17...for those who really wanna party!

We'll start takin' reservations on February 27, but until then, mark those calendars and stay tuned to the www.BoydsStuff.com, the F.o.B. Hotline and future issues of this newsletter for more details!