CHESTNUT HILL, Mass. - The creators of the original teddy bear, Steiff, announced today that there will a grand opening celebration of the first Steiff Gallery in America on Aug. 5 at Simon's Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill (Boston), Massachusetts. 

"It is our goal to make this store a wonderful destination and introduce Steiff to a whole new generation," says Jim Pitocco, President of Steiff North America.

To celebrate the opening, nine priceless treasures from the Steiff Museum and Archives in Germany will be on display from Aug. 5-19 only. Included in the display will be the first modern teddy bear ever made - the famous "Richard Steiff" bear. This is the first time this teddy will have ever been shown in the United States.

Also included in the exhibition will be the first Mickey and Minnie Mouse ever mass-produced for the Disney Studios. Walt Disney himself selected Steiff as the manufacturer of Mickey and Minnie Mouse dolls because of the company's reputation for superb quality. The Disney dolls on display at the Atrium Mall Steiff Gallery date from 1931 and 1932.

"It is a real privilege for us to be able to have these masterpieces on loan from the Steiff  archives," says Pitocco. In all likelihood, this will be your only chance ever to see these important pieces of Steiff - and toy - history. We think there will be real interest from the general public as this is really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

From antelopes to zebras, Steiff has been making internationally famous stuffed animals since 1880. The teddy bears and plush animals are 100% handmade, using traditional manufacturing techniques.

Following the official ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Aug. 5, there will be a special gift with purchase offered throughout the day. In honor of the historic 1930s Disney items on display, during the two weeks of the exhibition people who were born in 1931 or 1932, or are 31 or 32 years old (and can prove it!) will receive a Steiff miniature collectible 5-way jointed mohair teddy bear while the supplies last. Everyone will receive Steiff balloons.

Visit Steiff online at www.steiffusa.com. 

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