Librarian Turned Entrepreneur Featured on CBS Early Show

National Television Coverage Creates Business Boom for Bears

Cape May, NJ  -  Since appearing on the CBS Early Show in late January, entrepreneur Jeanne Degatano has been flooded with orders for her customizable teddy bears.  Degatano, owner of The Cape May Teddy Bear Company^®, a line of hand-crafted teddy bears and teddy bear clothing, was featured on a segment highlighting successful home-based businesses.  (A clip of the show can be viewed here http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/01/26/earlyshow/living/main2400756.shtml)

“I’m amazed that the business has taken off the way it has,” says Degatano.  “Our customers were surprised to learn that they could send an heirloom-quality teddy bear as a gift for the same price as a box of chocolates or flowers.”

Cape May Teddy Bears^® are produced in limited editions, each delivered with a numbered and signed certificate of authenticity.  Through the company’s website, www.capemayteddybear.com, the Cape May Teddy Bear Company quickly sold out of the first edition of 8,000.  The second edition of 4,000 is currently available in two color options, “champagne” and “mocha.”  The Cape May Teddy Bears^® come in a choice of nearly 200 outfits, ranging from military gear to bride and groom attire to a mermaid costume.  Unlike larger companies, the Cape May Teddy Bear Company^® offers custom clothing options for their bears, so costumers can get exactly what they are looking for.  

Jeanne Degatano and her husband Tony have been operating the teddy bear enterprise out of their home since 2000.  In 1999, when the couple moved to Cape May, New Jersey in preparation for retirement, they decided to open their own business as a way to supplement their income and occupy their time. Teddy bears were a natural fit.

A collector of teddy bears for many years, Jeanne Degatano poured her passion into the design and development of the perfect bear: a huggable plush bear with classic features that reflect the Victorian history and style of their namesake town.   To further distinguish her bears, The Cape May Teddy Bear Company^® name and initials are embroidered on the lower paws of each bear.   

In 2004, the Degatanos added a line of teddy bear clothing to their offerings.  Degatano, who learned to sew at a young age, turned their garage into a design studio and began designing and sewing clothing for the bears.  As demand grew for the clothing, she focused on designing the patterns and had the clothing manufactured abroad.

Future plans for The Cape May Teddy Bear Company^® include expanding their clothing line and introducing further editions of their bears. 

To place an order for a Cape May Teddy Bear^®, visit www.capemayteddybear.com or call toll free 866-348-3339.