Steiff Company History: From Teddy Bears to Over 135 Years of Success

Margarete Steiff GmbH, the German soft toy manufacturer, traces its origins back over 135 years. The company was founded by Margarete Steiff, with its success story beginning with a small elephant-shaped pincushion, her very first creation.

The company has undergone significant expansion over the years. Between 2017 and 2018, Steiff opened several new shops and flagship stores in locations such as Munich, Mannheim, and Frankfurt, alongside launching additional Steiff web shops in France and the Benelux countries.

Steiff has also engaged in numerous collaborations with well-known brands and designers. In 2018, the company received the Disney Heritage Award, acknowledging its long-standing partnership with Disney, which began in 1931. Furthermore, Steiff has produced limited collections in collaboration with figures like Karl Lagerfeld and brands such as RIMOWA.

Among Steiff's notable developments is the "The World of Steiff" museum, inaugurated in Giengen in 2005 to commemorate the company's 125th anniversary. This museum offers an immersive experience into the company's history and products. The Steiff Club was also established in 1992, catering to collectors and enthusiasts.

A significant historical milestone occurred in 1907 when Steiff produced nearly one million teddy bears. To mark this, the anniversary edition "A Million Hugs" was released in 2007, exactly 100 years after the initial production run.