The Vermont Teddy Bear Co. opened a 2,000-foot store in Stowe, VT on June 14. The company relies on direct response radio advertising, inbound telemarketing and catalogs to sell its Bear Grams. Its one existing retail space is adjacent to its factory store.
The company’s previous foray into offsite retailing during the late 1990s proved ill advised. Its New York City location had a water main break right in front of it, preventing access to the store right before the December 1997 holiday buying season. The other two were subsequently shuttered due to lower-than expected profits.
“When we heard a space was opening up on Stowe Road, a magnet for tourists, we jumped at the opportunity,” Elisabeth Robert, the company’s CEO said in a statement.
Robert continued, “Because this is a tourist destination, we think we will see much of the success that we see in our Shelburne factory store where annual sales exceed $1,000 per square foot.”
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