FAO Schwarz opens dedicated Steiff gallery

WAYNE, N.J. — FAO Schwarz, in honor of its 150th anniversary, has unveiled a walk-around gallery dedicated to Steiff, one of the most renowned European brands, whose signature products have been offered at FAO Schwarz for more than 100 years. "A Gallery of Classic Steiff Collectibles," is displayed prominently throughout the famed flagship location in New York City. The museum quality exhibit will run through early September and can be viewed online at FAO.com. Items from the show will be also featured on the company's timeline at Facebook.com/FAO.



"Frederick August Otto Schwarz created his store with a commitment to offering the best toys in the world, and for more than 100 years, the superior plush pieces produced by Steiff have been a cherished fixture at FAO Schwarz," said Lisa Harnisch, SVP, general merchandising manager for Toys"R"Us, U.S. "FAO Schwarz and Steiff have a shared legacy of offering high-quality playthings, and we know kids, collectors and visitors to our store will marvel at the history of the Steiff pieces currently on display."



Since Steiff was founded in 1880 by Margarete Steiff, children and adults have been delighted by the incredible details found in each Steiff plush product. From early pieces to the introduction of the first Teddy Bear in 1902, followed by nearly life-sized animals and stuffed versions of pop culture icons, Steiff products are as well known for being handcrafted as they are for the "button" placed in the ear of every Steiff animal, a feature added in 1904 to prevent counterfeits.