Only the Best for Kids! a New Steiff Boutique Opens in the CBD

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It all started with a sewing machine and pincushion

A teddy bear boutique is trying to steal Jing-A’s thunder. Just kidding, but it is a good spot to capture Adventure Zone guests. The new Steiff Boutique unceremoniously opened its doors on Wednesday, bringing a much-needed spot of joy and cuddly cuties to the upscale mall. 

Familiar faces also grace their shelves, from the refined Paddington Bear to the ogre Shrek

It all started with Margarete Steiff, born in 1847, the third of four children in the Steiff family, who came down with childhood polio that left her paralyzed. She wouldn't let that stop her education, however, and was helped to school every day in a wagon by her siblings. By 17 she had become a seamstress, and one day sewed a little elephant as a pincushion. Soon stuffed animals became more popular than her clothing, and a company was born.

When her artistic nephew joined the company in 1897, he designed moveable arms and legs for a new line of stuffed bears. That’s when they first started using mohair plush as well, and by 1904 added the emblematic “button in the ear” to designate each animal as a Steiff official rather than one of the many knockoffs they saw cropping up at toy fairs.

That elephant has a lot of furry friends & who doesn’t like a punky, happy unicorn?

It isn’t all elephants and bears, however. You can choose from an assortment of jungle animals, or even fantastical creatures like unicorns and dragons!

Too cute for words dragons & clothes

Before you get too excited, though, hold onto your WeChat wallet. This isn’t the place for impulse buys with the kids or any old birthday party. Prices went as high as RMB 2,020 for some of the more specialty items.

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Nothing says you care like a funny little lion clown or adorable owls

If you do find yourself unable to stop splurging on such quality snugglies made from mohair, alpaca, and organic cotton, for a limited time (through Sep 30) they’ll throw in a branded canvas bag or elephant pendant for purchases between RMB 1,380-1,880. It’s totally worth a look, especially if you need a smile while lunching at one of the wonderful Kerry Centre eateries. I just wouldn’t bring a kid in there without willing to walk out with arms full of fur and your WeChat wallet a little lighter.

Some of the just-as-special but won’t break the bank items  

Joseph’s pretty cute and pretty pricey

Steiff 泰迪熊
Address: Beijing Kerry Centre, Chaoyang District, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心商场一层

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Photos: Cindy Marie Jenkins

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