Russ Berrie partners with two for Christian gift lines
Staff -- Kids Today, 8/1/2005
Oakland, N.J.— Gift and plush manufacturer Russ Berrie has partnered with two companies for new lines of Christian gift products.
In conjunction with Integrity Publishers, Russ will produce a new line of developmental toys, gifts and nursery décor collections called babyfaith. The company has also partnered with artist Amy Wulfing and licensing agency Otay to produce The Good News Bears, a line of scripture-inspired gifts.
First introduced last year as a line of faith-based videos and books designed for parents to incorporate learning and faith for babies and toddlers, babyfaith is one of the leading lines within Integrity's Family division.
Russ will expand the line to include plush toys, baby accessories, bibs, mobiles, frames and plaques. The line will ship this fall and is aimed at specialty and gift stores.
"Babyfaith will be a welcome addition to our expanding family of inspirational gifts," said Andy Gatto, CEO of Russ Berrie. "Our customers report strong demand for inspirational-themed merchandise. As the leader in the baby gift segment, we recognized an important opportunity to add wonderful gift products steeped in religious tradition through the babyfaith brand."
Laura Minchew, senior vice president and publisher for Integrity Family, said the company is excited to be working with Russ. "It's a special way, through this partnership, to extend the babyfaith brand to a wider audience," Minchew said. "This is a defining moment for the babyfaith line of products."
Integrity Publishers produces and distributes Christian books in various categories, and along with babyfaith, its portfolio includes the brand VeggieTales.
Wulfing's Good News Bears designs will be distributed through Russ's retail partners as well as members of CBA, an international trade association serving the Christian retail channel, comprising nearly 2,300 member stores in the United States and about 1,000 Christian stores and suppliers in more than 50 countries. Ben Gorbaty, president of Otay, said that based on Russ's experience in the traditional gift channels, the company's sales force is well-equipped to serve the specific needs of the CBA.
"We are pleased to bring these inspirational designs to our retailers," Gatto said. "Amy Wulfing is a talented and experienced gift designer and artist who has created teddy bears to provide comfort and inspiration drawn from the Bible, particularly the New Testament, to convey the teachings of her Christian faith."
Amy Wulfing's Good News Bears provide inspiration drawn from the Bible.
