Russ

When they were young, Rikey Austin's three sons listened to her stories about teddy bears and their adventures. Her characters include Cobby, who fell overboard during a boat trip around the bay, and Mary-Jane, who was so busy with shells, buckets, and flags that she didn't notice the tide coming in. Part of Russ-Berrie's Alice's Bear Shop Collection, Cobby is an adorably soft 15� tan bear wearing blue denim overalls. Cobby is also available in a miniature, 6� version. His pal and fellow Alice's Bear Shop cohort, Mary-Jane, is a fuzzy, 14.5�

More than 1,000 Russ teddy bears provided comfort for children in Massac County, Illinois, following devastating tornados that cut a mile-wide swath through the community in 2003.    

Andrew R. Gatto has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer at Russ Berrie and Company, Inc. (RUSS). He succeeds Angelica Berrie, who will serve as the company's Vice Chairman of the Board. Gatto has more than 30 years of experience in the toy industry, most recently as Senior Vice President of Product Development, Imports, and Strategic Sourcing for Toys 'R' Us. He assumed his duties at RUSS in May 2005.    

In 2004 Russ signed a licensing agreement with DreamWorks Animation LLC to create products for the film Madagascar, which was released in June 2005. These new plush toys, in stores now, and have been quite a hit. With character toys of Madagascar's Penguin in large plush, Alex Lion, Gloria Hippo, Marty Zebra, Melman Giraffe and the Monkey, it's no wonder. The toys look very much like the characters in the film, and the fabrics used on the line feel like extremely soft terry cloth, making them extra cuddly.

In January 2005 RUSS becomes the Maser Licensee for Raggedy Ann & Andy. That means some new products from Russ will remind us of our childhood even more. In 2005 Raggedy Ann celebrated her 90th birthday after being created by Johnny Gruelle in 1915 for his ailing daughter. Raggedy Ann & Andy dolls are now an American classic recognizable to anyone.

For over 40 years Russ has been Making People Happy ® with their fun loving gift items. With gifts for every occasion from plush toys to home decor, they have something for everyone. Find a Russ Retailer near you.