Brand Collaborations
Brand Collaborations: Before They Were Called Brand Collaborations
Long before “brand collaborations” became a marketing buzzword, Chris Herrington was pioneering the concept in the gift and specialty retail industry.
When Herrington Teddy Bears was founded in 1985, Chris believed there was an opportunity to create something more meaningful than traditional private-label merchandise. Rather than simply producing products for other companies, he envisioned a true partnership—what he referred to at the time as co-branding. His goal was to create collectible teddy bears that proudly carried both the identity of the client and the reputation of Herrington Teddy Bears.
That philosophy began with some of America’s most recognizable brands. Early collaborations included The Cheesecake Factory, Hard Rock Cafe, Giorgio Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive, Mercedes-Benz, and many others. These weren’t simply branded souvenirs; they were Herrington Teddy Bears creations developed specifically for each organization, combining the unique character of the brand with the craftsmanship and quality that became synonymous with Herrington Teddy Bears.
As the company grew, so did the scope of its collaborations. Herrington Teddy Bears became a trusted partner to world-renowned restaurants, luxury hotels, universities, retailers, and iconic consumer brands. From Hard Rock Cafes across more than 60 countries to prestigious institutions such as the University of Notre Dame and the University of Michigan, each project reflected the same commitment to quality, creativity, and authenticity.
Chris understood that successful collaborations required more than simply adding a logo to a product. Herrington Teddy Bears assumed responsibility for the entire creative process—from concept development and design to manufacturing and delivery—allowing partners to offer distinctive, high-quality collectibles that reflected their brand standards.
Over the years, this approach helped establish Herrington Teddy Bears as one of the most recognized names in the specialty teddy bear industry. Customers around the world discovered the brand through memorable collaborations with organizations they already knew and loved. Whether purchased at a Hard Rock Cafe, displayed in a luxury hotel gift shop, offered through a university bookstore, or featured by a luxury retailer, each bear served as an ambassador for both brands.
Today, these collaborations remain an important part of the Herrington Teddy Bears story. Many of the collections have become highly sought-after collectibles and can still be found in private collections and on the secondary market around the world.
We are grateful for the trust that so many exceptional organizations placed in us over the years. From The Cheesecake Factory and Hard Rock Cafe to Giorgio Beverly Hills, Mercedes-Benz, Notre Dame, The Plaza Hotel, Fairmont Hotels, and countless others, these partnerships helped shape our history and establish the foundation upon which Herrington Teddy Bears continues to build today.
The following gallery highlights many of the remarkable collaborations that have defined our journey and celebrates the brands that have been part of the Herrington Teddy Bears story.
BRAND COLLABORATIONS:
Cheesecake Factory
Giorgio Beverly Hills
Hard Rock Cafe
Cartier
The Plaza Hotel New York
Mercedes Benz
University Of Notredame
The Bowery Hotel
USC
Ferrari
Barnes & Noble
Wakaba
US Open Tennis
US Open Golf
Wynn Hotel
Calgary Stampeed Band
Walt Disney World
Trump Marina Hotel
Japan Duty Free
Ginza Hana Tokyo
Choc Children’s Hospital
Nascar
Fairmont Hotels
The Langham Hotel
The Mark Hotel New York
Vanderbilt Homes
US Military
The Dream Center
Union Pacific Rail Roads
Elvis Presley
The Grand Old Oprey
Neiman Marcus