FAO Schwarz Introduces New Lee Middleton Original Dolls Boutiques

Business Wire, Sept 7, 2000

Business Editors

BELPRE, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 7, 2000

Lee Middleton Original Dolls, Inc. a subsidiary of Bando McGlocklin Capital Corp. (NASDAQ/NMS:BMCC) and world-renowned toy store FAO Schwarz announced the grand opening of a distinctive series of Lee Middleton Original Dolls boutiques nationwide.

Lee Middleton Original Dolls have been available at FAO Schwarz stores for nearly two years. Their popularity with customers served as the catalyst for the creation of this unique series of FAO Schwarz boutiques. "We're absolutely delighted to have Lee Middleton Original Dolls join our line of special, individualized boutiques," says David Niggli, FAO Schwarz's COO/Director of Merchandising. "After noting our customers' positive response to the dolls, we invited Lee Middleton Original Dolls to open a series of expanded, in-store boutiques featuring the company's high-quality collection of doll creations."

"We are exceptionally proud to have the Lee Middleton line of dolls showcased at FAO Schwarz, a toy store which has become an internationally-recognized destination place and one-of-a-kind shopping experience for children of all ages," says Tim Voss, President of Lee Middleton Original Dolls.

Each Lee Middleton Boutique showcases the company's Artist Studio Collection of limited edition, collectible dolls from award-winning artist Reva Schick, the ever-popular My Own Baby(TM) collection and the award-winning Small Wonder(TM) line of play dolls. Additional Lee Middleton Original Doll Boutiques are located in FAO Schwarz stores in Las Vegas, Boston, Orlando, Chicago and San Francisco.

Lee Middleton has designed five exclusive dolls for FAO Schwarz customers. Two are limited-edition collectible dolls named "First Recital" and "Our Little Sweetie," which measure 19" long and retail for $180. The remaining trio are members of the My Own Baby(TM) collection; their names are "Cuddle Me FAO Baby," "First Born FAO Baby" and "Honey Love FAO Baby." Each doll is 19" long, weighs four pounds and retails at a price of $99.99.

Upon entering a Lee Middleton Boutique, FAO Schwarz customers are immediately drawn to the display's focal point -- a "nursery" running across the boutique's back wall. There, Lee Middleton Dolls are displayed in cozy, real-life isolettes. An in-store display resembling a baby's changing table allows customers to touch and hold the dolls and discover for themselves the incredibly life-like feel of each doll.

Lee Middleton Original Dolls also announced the introduction of a new video which intertwines interviews with Lee Middleton staffers and the dolls' collectors. Collectors share touching stores about the special connection they feel with their Lee Middleton Dolls, the joy they bring and their unique life-like appearance. The video will be showcased at collectors' conventions and be used by retailers nationwide during special in-store events.

For more information about FAO Schwarz's Lee Middleton Original Dolls Boutiques and Lee Middleton Original Dolls, Inc., contact the firm at 1301 Washington Blvd., Belpre, Ohio, or call (800) 242-3285. You may also visit the firm's website at www.leemiddleton.com.

Bando McGlocklin Capital Corporation is an established financial services company that owns Lee Middleton Original Dolls, Inc., a rapidly growing designer of high quality collectible and play dolls. Lee Middleton is the largest manufacturer of baby dolls in the United States.

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