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www.beanwatcher.com
Bean Watcher
News and Reports for Beanbag Collectors!
This site exists for your enjoyment. My goal is to make your beanbag collecting experience more enjoyable. I focus on Ty products
-- Beanie Babies, Beanie Buddies, Beanie Boppers, and more. I do not receive any financial compensations whatsoever --
I prepare it because of the joy that it brings to me and others. I hope you'll enjoy the news, photographs, and articles that you see.
So grab a beverage, sit back, and enjoy the read! ~ Bean Watcher
Worldwide News and Reports
JULY 2006 ARCHIVES
 Summer 2006 Show Schedule
July 31: Introducing the August 2006 Ty Products
 Today, Ty introduces the August 2006 Ty products. There are 10 Beanie Babies, four Canadian exclusive key clips, and two Ty Classics. Here they are: Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to Nigel from the UK for alerting us to this news!
July 31: The Week Ahead
 This week, the month of July will come to a close and August will begin. Expect Ty to be busy this week! Some announcements will include the August 2006 introductions, the August 2006 Beanie of the Month, the August desktop wallpaper, and the silent retirement of Summertime Fun the bear (Los Angeles Show exclusive) and Tortuga the July 2006 Beanie of the Month. What other surprises will Ty have for us? We'll soon find out...!
July 31: Style Numbers of Upcoming Beanie Babies
 A Ty retailer shares the styles number of the following August 2006 Beanie Babies. These eight styles will be introduced this week, perhaps as early as tomorrow. Here they are:
Thunderbolt - horse. Style number 40408
Divalectable - dog. Style number 40409
Divalightful - dog. Style number 40410
Parka - bear. Style number 40411
Groovey - bear. Style number 40412.
Funky - bear. Style number 40413
Cabaret - cat. Style number 40415
Deuce - bear. Style number 40417
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report with us!
July 31: Two Recent Ty Japan Retailer Promotions
 Sakurako from Japan, webmaster of Bottega Beanies, shares news of two sets of Ty Japan retailer promotional beanies. One of these features kimono-clad bears, immensely popular among collectors of such promotions. Here they are....
July 31: Canada's Supercentre Series 4 Beanies
 In my July 24, 2006 column, I posted a report from a reader in Canada about Ty products she found at a Super Store called Loblaws.
I found these displays at a big chain of supermarket called Loblaws in Richmond Hill, Ontario (click here, click here, and click here). I've been to many Loblaws, but this is the only store I have found them so far. I do not think this is an authorized dealer. Are these display boxes also used in the US? They look familiar. I am wondering what the 'Series 3' with the price on the shelf means. The cheapest price of the beanies at authorized dealers in Canada may be $6.95 (CDN). So $5.98 (CDN) is a good price, especially for Dora and SpongeBob. They usually cost $7.99 (CDN) or more. I could not find the price of the keychains.
Since that time, she shares that she found a set of Series 4 beanies at a store called Supercentre. She also states that there will be more beanies introduced at the store, sold by series, e.g., Series 5, Series 6, Series 7, and so on. To see her pictures from the Series 4 group, click here and click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report and pictures with us!
July 30: Buying Promotions and Exclusives at Retail Prices
I have been posting articles on how collectors can buy beanie promotions and exclusives at retail (or near-retail) prices. Such information benefits collectors, since they can buy unusual or hard-to-find beanies at affordable prices. On the other hand, the same information can lower demand, and thus, secondary market values.
I am quite interested in hearing your thoughts on this matter. I have posted a Quick Poll on the left side of this column. Feel free to share your thoughts. Or else, if you have more to say, send me an email and I will post your thoughts on this site, if you so desire.
July 30: Knott's Berry Farm Promotions for Sale Again
 Individual beanies from the Knott's Berry Farm Beanie Babies Day promotion set are back on sale at Knott's Berry Farm Marketplace. The beanies are Union the bear, American Blessing the bear, California Poppy the bear, and Weaver the monkey. The cost for each beanie is $6.95 (US). Shipping is extra. To place your order for the set, click here. If you cannot order by clicking on the link, visit the Knott's Berry Farm Marketplace, click on the category, plush; and you will find the set.
July 30: Early Report from the California Gift Show
 A Ty retailer shares the following report of Beanie Babies that were introduced at the California Gift Show. According to the retailer, the names of these August 2006 introductions may differ slightly from the official names that will appear on Ty.com this week. Further, more styles will likely be introduced in a few days. Here is the retailer's list:
Beanie Babies
Viva La Delightful the white poodle
Thunderbolt the horse
US Open 2006 the bear
Viva La Divalectable the Chihuahua
Parka the polar bear
Groovy the retro bear
Funky the retro bear
Cabaret the cat
Beanie Buddies
None
Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to the retailer for sharing this report with us!
July 30: Differences in Finn the Shark's Poems
A reader from the USA shares that Finn the shark has two poems that differ very slightly. One version can be found on the retail beanie, the other on the Ty Warner Sea Center exclusive version. The difference? The additional word, "a" in the third line of the poem.
Two Poem Versions of Finn the Shark
To see a picture of the grey-colored retail version, click here. To see the blue-colored exclusive version, click here. To see the retail version's hang tag poem, click here. To see the exclusive version's poem, click here. If the link to the eBay auction does not work, you can still see a picture by searching for completed auction number 220008928659.
Bean Watcher comment: Pictures of the retail version of Finn come from Marilyn in Wisconsin. Pictures of the exclusive version of Finn come from a closed eBay (US) auction.
July 29: In Hand Pictures of Summertime Fun (Chicago Show Exclusive)
 Dusty from Texas shares his beautiful in-hand pictures of the pink-colored Summertime Fun the bear (Chicago Show exclusive). This Beanie Baby was silently introduced on July 22, 2006 and retired on July 25, 2006. To see a picture of this bear, click here. To see a picture of its hang tag, click here.
Click here to see a beautiful group picture of all three retired Summertime Fun bears. The bears from the following shows are represented: Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia, and Chicago, Illinois. They are certainly a sight to see!
July 29: From the Email Bag - Knott's Berry Farm's Union
 A reader from the USA shares an interesting thought about the Knott's Berry Farm Beanie Baby Days promotions. He writes:
I was just wondering, do you or any of your readers know if the Knott's "Union" Promo only came with the Flag Nose, or were there Black Nose "Union" promo's issued as well? So far, all the pictures I've seen on auction sites are of the Flag Nose version. I was just curious about that.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for your email. So far, I have not seen any Knott's Berry Farm Union promotions with a black nose. But then again, the black nose version was not shipped in the USA. We'll just have to wait and see if one surfaces!
July 28: Summertime Fun (Los Angeles Show Exclusive) Silently Introduced
 As expected, Ty silently introduces the latest version of Summertime Fun the bear. This yellow - colored bear's introduction coincided with the start of the California Gift Show. To see its appearance on Ty.com, click here.
July 28: California Gift Show Begins Today
Ty, Inc. is scheduled to be at the California Gift Show from July 28 to July 31, 2006. Lookout for the latest version of Summertime Fun the bear. It will likely be introduced silently on Ty.com. If I receive any updates, I will certainly share them with you!
July 28: Knott's Berry Farm Beanie Baby Days Promotion Sets Sold Out
A reader from California shares that SETS of the Knott's Berry Farm Beanie Baby Days Promotions are now sold out. However, all is not lost. You can still own one or more individual pieces. Please see the email below.
From: <merchandise@knotts.com>
To: ----------
Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2006 20:12:19 -0400
Subject: Sold Out
We're sorry to inform you that this item is sold out. Please check back with us soon. We have sold out of Titan Dog and California Bear. We will be listing Weaver Monkey, California Poppy Bear, Union Bear and American Blessing Bear individually.
Sorry for the inconvenience!
Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to the reader for sharing this news with us!
July 27: Latest Ask Ty Response Posted
 The latest winning Ask Ty question and response have been posted. Interesting, Ty refers to a beanie that has yet to be officially announced. Which one could that be? Just Ask Ty!
Q: If you could go to the US Open, which Beanie might accompany you? (submitted by jasminekittykat)
A: I think my travel companion would be our 2006 U.S. Open Beanie . . . . . Deuce !
July 27: Discover's Hang Tag
 There is an in-hand eBay (US) auction for Discover the bear (Northwestern Mutual exclusive) with a picture of the inside of the beanie's hang tag. The inner left side is identical to that found on the tag for Promise the bear. To view the auction, click here.
July 27: Retired Ty Classics
 Daniel from Maryland, webmaster of Beanie Universe, shares that the following Ty Classics were silently retired on July 25, 2006. Here they are: Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing the news with us!
July 26: Knott's Berry Farm Beanie Baby Days Promotions Now on Sale
Knott's Berry Farm Theme Park in California recently sponsored a Ty Beanie Babies Day promotion. Initially, five specially-tagged styles were being offered during five consecutive weekends: American Blessing (May 27-29), Weaver (June 3-4), California (June 10 - 11), California Poppy (June 17 - 18), and Union (June 24 - 25). However, the California bear sold out during its weekend, and Titan was also offered -- as a substitute.
Because of the promotion's popularity, Knott's Berry Farm is now offering the set of six specially-tagged beanies through its online store, Knott's Berry Farm Marketplace. The cost for the set of six beanies is $41.70 (US). Shipping is extra. To place your order for the set, click here. If you cannot order by clicking on the link, visit the Knott's Berry Farm Marketplace, click on the category, plush; and you will find the set.
July 26: In Hand Pictures of 2006 US Open Deuce and Dora
 A reader from the USA shares his in-hand pictures of the 2006 US Open exclusive versions of Deuce and Dora del Tenis. He writes:
I received the US Open 2006 exclusive Deuce and Dora Del Tenis Beanie Babies today. Attached are photos of the Beanies and the swing tags. I included the retail version of Dora Del Tenis for comparison. Note that the US Open version of Dora does not have a tennis racquet. Go figure...!
To see the inside and backs of the hang tags for Deuce and Dora del Tenis, click on the links below. The style number for Deuce is 47034. The style number for the exclusive Dora del Tenis is 47039, which is different than the retail version (40393).
Hang Tags for Deuce and Dora del Tenis
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
July 26: In Hand Pictures of Summertime Fun
 Dusty from Texas shares his beautiful in-hand pictures of the first two Summertime Fun exclusives -- from the Dallas Gift Show and the Atlanta Gift Show. To see Dusty's pictures, click on the links below.
Summertime Fun the Bear
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
July 26: An Oddity Alpha Key Clip
 Terry from Singapore shares his recent find -- an oddity Alpha Key Clip. Here is what he has to say about this Australia exclusive:
Juz wanna share the attached pic with everyone, it's an oddity of Alpha...I had juz received my package a few days back...and there's a total of 15 Alpha in the bag...while going through the bears 1 by 1, trying to pick a bear that 'scream keep me'...I saw this one bear that totally stand out from the rest...instead of 'Angel Flight', it stated 'Ahngel Flight'...I know the pic is kind of blur... so sorry about that...This is the 1st time after many years of collecting Ty I got some thing 'different'...
To see Terry's picture, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
July 26: From the Email Bag -- Having Your Say About Discover
A reader from the UK shares his thoughts about Discover the bear, a Northwestern Mutual exclusive Beanie Baby. He writes:
TY must be running out of ideas again. the new Discover bears are only Decades with their noses changed. When are we going to see something REALLY DIFFERENT apart from revamped bears?
When are collectors going to watch and wait without jumping in and paying silly prices for bears. The Discovers on ebay at the moment are silly prices and no doubt will get sillier. There are rarer bears out there at decent prices if they would just look.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your point of view! Likely, prices will fall with time. How low though? We'll just have to wait and see!
July 25: Discover the Bear Silently Introduced
 Today, Ty silently introduces the gold and royal blue versions of Discover the bear. These Northwestern Mutual - exclusive Beanie Babies are the successors to the company's Promise the bear. To view the silent introductions, click here and click here. Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to all who wrote to inform us of the news!
July 25: The July 2006 Ty Product Retirements
 Today, Ty announces the July 2006 retirements. Several styles in three product lines say "farewell" to us. Here they are:
Also, Ty silently retires Summertime Fun the bear (Chicago Show exclusive) today. To view the retirement, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thanks to Daniel from Beanie Universe for alerting us to these retirements!
July 25: Pictures of the Santa Barbara Zoo Admiral Promotion
 A reader from the USA shares his pictures of the Santa Barbara Zoo's Admiral the penguin promotion. He writes:
I received my Santa Barbara Zoo version of Admiral today. The swing tag and tush tags are identical to those on the regular retail version but, as previously reported on your site, an additional swing tag has been added. Attached is a scan of both the front and back of the additional tag.
The front side of the special tag has the words, Beanie Baby and Santa Barbara Zoo. The back side has the following special message:
The Santa Barbara Zoo
is dedicated to the preservation,
conservation, and enhancement
of the natural world and its
living treasures through
education, research,
and recreation.
www.sbzoo.org
To view a picture of the specially-tagged Beanie Baby, click here. To see a picture of the front and back side of the special tag, click here.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
July 25: One Deuce Gone, Another to Appear ?
 If you who placed orders for the 2006 US Open version of Deuce the bear and Dora del Tenis, you are fortunate. I wrote to the online store's Customer Service department and asked if these two beanies might be sold again online. Here is the response I received.
Unfortunately, neither one will be available in the future. However, we will be offering another version of the blue bear soon. Please check the site in 1-2 weeks.
Could Customer Service be referring to a retail version of Deuce.... There is a retail version of Dora del Tenis.... We'll just have to wait and see!
Bean Watcher comment: Collectors are reporting that Deuce and Dora del Tenis are now beginning to ship. We should soon see in-hand pictures of these two unannounced beanies!
July 25: Ty Warner Sea Center and Ty Store Finn are the Same
 When I wrote to Ty Store's Customer Service last week, I asked if there was a difference between the Ty Warner Sea Center Finn the shark sold in the Sea Center's Museum Shop and the one sold in Ty Store, Since I did not receive a clear response, I wrote back. Based on their reply, I can now affirmatively say that the two beanies are the same. Here is their response:
There is no difference between the Ty Warner Sea Center of Finn the shark that is sold at Ty Store and the one sold at the Ty Warner Sea Center in its Museum Store. They are identical in every way, including the tags.
Bean Watcher comment: So now you have two ways to buy the exclusive version of Finn at retail prices. Life is full of choices, isn't it?
July 25: From the Email Bag -- Final Thoughts About Finn
Talking about Finn... I continue to receive emails about the Ty Warner Sea Center version of Finn the shark being available at Ty Store. These thoughts are worth sharing and will be the last emails I will post on the matter. Here they are: A reader from Canada writes: ... it seems that those people still locked into making money on beanies get angry and feel it is their right to be able to make money. Whilst those who enjoy the chase and the find and the fun are thrilled with all the curves we get from Ty. I firmly belong in the latter group. A reader from Massachusetts writes: The Ty Warner Sea Center posted a while ago on the Ty Message Board that they were unsure if they could sell Finn by phone or online. Last year their system crashed with so many orders for Opie, and they didn't want to risk it this year. So, what they did was they allowed the Ty Store to sell Finn for them, that way their (computer) system won't crash. The Ty Store is used to large orders ! So, if you want Sea Center Finn, go to Santa Barbara or www.ty.com. A reader from the USA writes: The point of Finn the Shark is to raise money for a good cause - the sea center. So regardless of how or where you buy it, the fact is that the sea center is benefiting as well, which is great!
July 24: Two Unannounced Northwestern Mutual Bears Surface
 Several readers, a post on the Ty Talk Cyberboard, and Ms. Janie all report of an eBay (US) auction that has what appears to be the next pair of Northwestern Mutual - exclusive Beanie Babies. The auction states the pair's name is Discover and contains a picture of both bears (which resemble the gold and royal blue versions of Decade the bear). For more information, including the beanie's hang tag poem, click here to see the auction. Bean Watcher comments: Thanks to all who shared news of this auction with us!
July 24: Marilyn's Pictures of More July 2006 Beanies
 Marilyn from Wisconsin shares her beautiful in hand pictures of Admiral the penguin, Charlie the monkey, and Dooley the retriever puppy. All three Beanie Babies were introduced as members of the July 2006 Ty product introductions. To see Marilyn's pictures, click on the links below.
Note... One of my favorite pictures is her display of the Beanie Baby and Beanie Buddy version of Admiral (click here).
Marilyn's Pictures of Admiral, Charlie, and Dooley
Bean Watcher comments: Thank you for sharing your pictures with us!
July 24: Pictures of Ty Products in Canada
 A reader from Canada shares pictures of Ty products that she found at a Super Store called Loblaws. Here is her report:
I found these displays at a big chain of supermarket called Loblaws in Richmond Hill, Ontario (click here, click here, and click here). I've been to many Loblaws, but this is the only store I have found them so far. I do not think this is an authorized dealer. Are these display boxes also used in the US? They look familiar. I am wondering what the 'Series 3' with the price on the shelf means. The cheapest price of the beanies at authorized dealers in Canada may be $6.95 (CDN). So $5.98 (CDN) is a good price, especially for Dora and SpongeBob. They usually cost $7.99 (CDN) or more. I could not find the price of the keychains.
Bean Watcher comment: Thank you for sharing your report and pictures with us!
July 24: From the Email Bag -- More Thoughts About the Exclusive Finn
As I expected, more readers have something to say about the Ty Warner Sea Center version of Finn the shark appearing at Ty Store. I have posted a few emails below. A reader from the USA writes: Ty has every right to [sell] Finn on the Ty Store! Those who purchased this beanie through secondary market chose to do this... no one forced them to do it! Sometimes it just pays to "wait and see what Ty will do next"! I came real close to buying this shark from my usual secondary market dealer for $39.95 and I'm sure glad I didn't want it that bad to pay that much! A reader from California writes: When I first found out about the exclusive, I called the Sea Center. The representative told me they were not planning on selling it on-line at their site - at least not at first - to keep checking the web site for information.... Where did people get the idea that they could go to Santa Barbara and have a financial bonanza in their hands by buying up as many Finn as possible and offer for sale on the bay? It is really very logical that they use the Ty Store or some other web site capable of handling the traffic to sell the exclusive. As the Sea Center has explained and you have published, their phone and computer system just cannot handle the traffic that they experienced last year. A reader from the USA writes: I was one of those people who bought early. Of course go figure, Ty puts in the Ty Store. The Sea Center or Ty should have announced it that it would be in the Ty Store too. Unless it retires quickly like faster than Raine, the Ty Store beanie is not going back up in value which truly [impacts] people who bought early.... I hope next year... if they do release another Sea Center Exclusive that... Ty decides to announce it in the Ty Store and the Sea Center instead of halfway into the month after its introduction.... Bean Watcher comment: Well, there you go. Thanks to all for sharing their thoughts with us!
July 23: The 2006 Sanyo All Star Game Romance the Bear
 The 2006 Sanyo All Star Game Romance the Bear is now in hand. This sports promotion is limited to 500 pieces and each bear wears a pink, serially-numbered jersey. Click here to see a picture of its front and back.
On the front of the jersey, the 2006 All Star Game logo and the words JINGU and MIYAZAKI can be found on the bear's chest. Jingu and the Sun Marin Stadium - Miyazaki are two baseball stadiums where this year's Sanyo All Star Games are being held. On the back side, you can see a similar 2006 All Star Game logo and the logos of all Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) teams.
This Sanyo All Star Game collectible is the fourth to be sold by the NPB to collectors. Other Sanyo All Star Game collectibles feature Addison the bear (2003), Classy the bear (2004), and Baby Boy the bear (2005).
Bean Watcher comments: (1) Many thanks to Sakurako from Japan, webmaster of Bottega Beanies, for sharing her report with us! Many thanks to Orion from Japan, webmaster of Beanie Tenjishitsu for sharing her beautiful pictures with us! (2) To see Sakurako's picture of all Sanyo All Star Game bear promotions (2003 to 2006), click here.
July 23: From the Email Bag - Having Your Say About the Exclusive Finn
I received a few interesting emails from readers about the availability of the Ty Warner Sea Center version of Finn the shark at Ty Store. Here is a sample of emails I received: A key official at the Ty Warner Sea Center writes: Ty Warner and his crew have been kind enough to sell the limited edition Finn on their website for a limited time. The Ty Warner Sea Center still benefits and all proceeds continue to support education and ocean stewardship! A reader from the USA writes: Ooh, if the Ty Store Finn is the exactly as the Santa Barbara Finn, then I am going to be very (deleted). I mean, what about the... "only available at the Santa Barbara Ty Warner Sea Center"? (Grrr). A reader from the USA writes: Is this exactly the same beanie as the secondary market dealers have been selling? If so, this will become a TY rip-off and hurt any collectors who purchase early.... Since TY must own all the rights, I guess he can do whatever he wants but I think this really took guts to stiff everyone who bought early from a dealer.
And what are YOUR thoughts about the sale of the exclusive Finn the shark at Ty Store? It seems like everyone has an opinion!
July 22: Summertime Fun (Chicago Show Exclusive) Silently Introduced
 As expected, Ty silently introduces Summertime Fun the bear, a Chicago Gift Show exclusive today. The pink-colored bear's introduction coincides with Ty's first day at the July 2006 Chicago Gift & Home Market. To see the silent introduction, click here.
July 22: Chicago Gift Show Begins Today
 Ty, Inc. is scheduled to appear at the July 2006 Chicago Gift & Home Market (also called the Chicago Gift Show) from July 22 to July 25, 2006. What might we expect? We can expect to see the latest trade show version of Summertime Fun the bear. It will likely be silently introduced on Ty.com. And we may hear of new beanie styles for retailers to order.... If I receive any updates, I will certainly share them with you!
July 22: Summertime Fun is In Hand
 Talking about Summertime Fun the bear.... The two latest show exclusive bears, the orange-colored Summertime Fun the bear (Dallas Show exclusive) and the lime-colored Summertime Fun the bear (Atlanta Show exclusive) are both in hand. Pictures can be seen in current eBay auctions. To see both versions of this Beanie Baby, click on the links below.
Four more summer trade shows left.... So we'll likely see four more versions of this bear (to include what will likely be a Canadian exclusive!). Happy hunting!
July 22: Pictures of the Official US Open Shop's Deuce and Dora
I have received a number of emails from readers, asking if I have pictures of the Official US Open Shop's Deuce the bear and Dora. Pictures of both Beanie Babies were removed from the shop's site after they sold out yesterday. Fortunately, I still have pictures and working links (as of this writing). To see Deuce and Dora, click on the links below.
July 22: The Ty Store Version of Finn the Shark
After Ty introduced the Ty Warner Sea Center version of Finn the shark at Ty Store, I decided to write to Customer Service to see if the exclusive beanie was in any way different from the one sold in the Sea Center's museum store. Here is the response I received:
Thank you for your e-mail regarding the Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center Finn Beanie Babies.
Below are links showing the differences between the two Finn Beanie Babies:
Limited Edition Ty Warner Sea Center version
Retail version
Please note that the Finn Beanie Babies available on the Ty Store is not the same as the Finn Beanie Baby currently available at retail locations.
Our listing of Finn on the Ty Store website was intended to help the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History in fulfilling its mission to inspire a passion for the natural world. While quantities of Finn are limited on our site, you can still help make a difference today. For additional information on how you can help support an animal at the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center, please visit
We appreciate your interest and support.
Customer Service
Although I did not receive a straight answer, it appears that the Ty Store version is indeed, identical to the one sold in the Sea Center's museum store. If so, here's your chance to add this exclusive to your collection -- without having to travel to Santa Barbara, California!
Bean Watcher comment: Many thanks to all who wrote to me, sharing the response (or a version of it) from Ty Store Customer Service!
July 21: Deuce and Dora Have Sold Out
 Less than 24 hours after I posted news of the availability of Deuce and Dora del Tenis, both beanies have sold out at the Official US Open Shop. Deuce retired a few hours after Dora del Tenis. To see the "announcement," on the shop site, |
