Patty Duke Collection by Boyds a Hit Right out of the Gate!

Business Wire, Oct 3, 2005

GETTYSBURG, Pa. -- The results are in and the public has spoken; The Patty Duke Collection of plush bears by The Boyds Collection Ltd. (NYSE: FOB) is a bona fide hit! Making their official debut for sale to the public on September 27 during a special daytime broadcast on the QVC network, the initial offerings in the line became an instant hit, with many of the creations offered reaching sellout status during the one-hour presentation. After making their debut on the QVC network, the thirteen plush bears of The Patty Duke Collection by Boyds will be available at participating local Boyds retailers beginning in October. E[acute accent]"We were absolutely thrilled with the consumer response to The Patty Duke Collection," said Boyds Vice President of Product Development, Liz Smith. "Every time we have shown this collection since the summer, enthusiasm over the unique designs and personalities that couple naturally with the Boyds tradition of quality and value has been overwhelming." Smith said, noting "that enthusiasm definitely carried through into the launch on QVC and we're confidant the momentum will keep moving through to our local retailers." E[acute accent]Inspired by fond memories of childhood and that which has brought smiles and comfort to her life, Hollywood and Broadway legend Patty Duke teamed up with close friend and renowned teddy bear artist Ann Inman to design the line. Featuring different outfits, embellishments, body styles, fabrics and sizes from four-and one-half inches to 38 inches, each of the thirteen bears is unique in appearance and the emotion it evokes. When the time came to have their creations produced, Ms. Duke personally asked Boyds to have the honors. A long-time collector of teddy bears, many of them Boyds Bears, Ms. Duke knew that only Boyds could bring her creations to life with such a high level of quality, value and brand recognition and loyalty. The September 27 on-air debut of The Patty Duke Collection by Boyds on the QVC network was presented live and in person by Ms. Duke herself. For complete information regarding The Patty Duke Collection by Boyds, consult your local Boyds retailer or visit www.boydsstuff.com.

E[acute accent]Biographical information for Ms. Duke follows.

E[acute accent]About Boyds

E[acute accent]The Boyds Collection Ltd. is a leading domestic designer, importer and distributor of high quality, branded plush and giftware products. The company sells its products through a large and diverse network comprised of independent gift and collectibles retailers, premier department stores, selected catalogue retailers and other electronic and retail channels. The company launched its first retail operation, Boyds Bear Country, a unique entertainment and retail experience in Gettysburg, PA in 2002 and has recently expanded with a second location in Pigeon Forge, TN. Founded in 1979, Boyds has successfully developed a strong niche and brand identity because of its affordably priced, high-quality, "Folksy with Attitude" products.

E[acute accent]Biographical Information for Patty Duke

E[acute accent]Known for her successful stage, screen and television acting career spanning 50 years, Ms. Duke has garnered numerous awards including: an Academy Award, three Emmy Awards, two Golden Globe Awards, a People's Choice Award and a Theatre World Award. Starring in several television productions and commercials in the 1950s, Ms. Duke's first major role was that of Helen Keller in the Broadway production of The Miracle Worker in the late 1950s and early 1960s. In 1962, at age 16, she became the youngest person to ever win an Oscar, for the same role in the feature film version of the play. E[acute accent]Ms. Duke went on to play dual roles of cousins with identical appearances, but different personalities and backgrounds in The Patty Duke Show, which ran with great popularity from 1962 to 1965. After The Patty Duke Show, several major feature film roles followed for Ms. Duke in films like 1965's Billie, 1967's Valley of the Dolls, and 1969's Me, Natalie. Ms. Duke went on into the 1970s and 1980s to star in many acclaimed television roles including the mini series Captains and Kings, George Washington, and George Washington II: The Forging of a Nation. Ms. Duke played the role of Ann Sullivan in the extremely popular 1979 television version of The Miracle Worker. E[acute accent]Over 70 television films later, Ms. Duke still acts in many productions today and champions several health causes including those related to mental illness and blindness.