Beanie Bo Comes to DC
New stuffed craze sweeping the nation
By MATT BARTOSIK and MATTHEW STABLEY
Updated 7:21 AM EST, Thu, May 14, 2009
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WASHINGTON -- Vice President Joe Biden's dog what's-his-name may be smarter than the first pooch, but has he ever been immortalized in plush?
In February, Ty Inc., the Westmont-based manufacturer of Beanie Babies, discontinued the Marvelous Malia and Sweet Sasha dolls (which "coincidentally" shared their names with the president's two young daughters) after a complaint from First Lady Michelle Obama.
Now, the company is revisiting the White House via Bo, the Obamas' new Portuguese water dog. In April, Beanie Bo was delivered to select Chicago stores, including the Magnificent Mile's Borders bookstore. The 25 plush pups went on display just after 4 p.m. and sold out just a few hours later. Purchases were limited to one per customer.
"It wasn't even necessary to set up a [display] table," employee Dominique Washington told the Chicago Sun-Times.
Tuesday, the bookstore received another shipment of Bo Beanie Babies. It included 35 of the original version along with 15 larger stuffed toys, six keychain sizes, and six each of the former Malia and Sasha dolls (now "Mariah" and "Sydney") holding a pet Bo. As of Wednesday morning, the bookstore reported that a few of the Beanies were still in stock but could not give an exact amount.
Beanie Bo reportedly is appearing at the America Stores at Union Station and at Reagan National Airport, so hurry while supplies last, and watch out for the stampede if you're merely a traveler.
Ty Inc. has promised that a portion of the proceeds will go to animal shelters.
Matt Bartosik is the editor of Off the Rocks' next issue and a "between blogs" blogger.
First Published: May 13, 2009 3:02 PM EST
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