Julie Dix, an early-childhood teacher, made the first TAGGIES® for her child who played endlessly with the satin tags on her toys. Within the week Julie found the local play-group surrounding the blanket -- each holding their favorite tag! Soon Dix was making the blankets for her friends’ babies with the urging of Danielle Ayotte, a fellow play-group mom. Their next stop was a local craft fair. They knew they had truly touched a nerve with moms and kids when their entire inventory was sold out in two hours! Taggies incorporated in 1999
.Although security blankets were a staple long before Linus first hugged his ratty blanket in Peanuts comic strips, Dix’s patented design turned out to be a revolutionary advancement for the product. Moms seem to intuitively recognize the comfort that their child will receive from this unique concept. Recent scientific studies on the calming effects that security blankets have on infants, published in the New York Times Science Section and other publications, have added to the appeal of the blankets.
At the core of Taggies' success are these qualities:
Soft, comforting fabrics and colors. Unique designs Taggies touch a nerve – basic baby comfort, security and play Moms and their children are the chief "salesmen" through word-of-mouth support National press "discovering" the product too Exponential growth – surprising sell-through in tough times Great merchandising cross-marketing potential Distribution channels are expanding all the time
The Taggies concept has grown into numerous new categories and territories:
Soft plush toys for the crib and stroller Wristies – toy characters that attach to the child’s wrist. New distribution partnerships in Canada and EnglandEnormously successful licensed Scholastic book: My First Taggies Book: Sweet Dreams launched with
an initial print run of 120,000 books!
And 2004 marks the launch of their worldwide licensing program, seeking partners for:
Apparel: T-shirts, onesies, headwear, scarves, vests, pajamas, belts, footwear and more Bed and bath linens New toy classifications Infant and juvenile furniture and equipment (strollers, chairs, car seats, etc.) and Videos, DVDs, and music products/productions.