Stuff You Should Know Beanie Babies: Reigning Toy Craze Champion
Dec 19, 2023
Take a nostalgic trip back to the 90s craze of Beanie Babies, which sparked wild collecting behavior and an extravagant market bubble. Explore the visionary marketing tactics that turned these plush toys into coveted treasures, notably through a partnership with McDonald's. Learn about the enigmatic creator, Ty Warner, and the personal stories of those who profited from this phenomenon. The podcast delves into the cultural frenzy and eventual decline of Beanie Babies, humorously reflecting on the lessons learned from this toy craze.
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Flamboyant Salesman
- Ty Warner, Beanie Baby creator, was a flamboyant salesman.
- He wore fur coats and drove a Rolls Royce to sales meetings.
The First Plush Toys
- Ty Warner's first plush toys were a line of fully stuffed cats.
- Each cat had a Himalayan version and a unique name.
Marketing Genius
- Beanie Babies' success stemmed from Ty Warner's marketing.
- He limited which stores could sell them and how many they could buy.
