Jellycat

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jellycat
IndustryManufacturer and retailer
GenreHome décor and toy manufacturer
Founded1999
FounderThomas and William Gatacre
Headquarters,
Websitehttps://www.jellycat.com/

Jellycat is a British soft toy and home décor company,[1] known for its plush toys and collectibles. Founded by brothers Thomas and William Gatacre in London in 1999, the company expanded into Minneapolis in 2001, forming Jellycat Inc.[2]

While the company mostly sells soft toys, it also sells books, nursery items, bags and other accessories.[3] The longest serving design is likely their Slackajack Monkey who will celebrate his 25th birthday this year.[4]

In 2024, Jellycat celebrated its 25th anniversary where the Institute of Contemporary Art stocked up on the plushies and attracted hundreds of customers for an anniversary party. [5]

Popularity[edit]

Jellycat has received media coverage for its audience of young children and even adult collectors.[6][7][8][9]

The soft toys' popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic has been compared to Squishmallows,[8] which saw a similar increase in sales and notability in the same time period.[7] Jellycat products have a strong social media presence, with the number of reported views on TikTok reaching several billion.[6][9]

Awards[edit]

Jellycat won Earnshaw Magazine's Earnie Award in both 2015 and 2018, within the Toys category.[10][11] The company received the Outstanding Achievement Award at The Greats Awards in 2020.[12]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Brewer, Susan (2013-01-01). Famous Character Dolls. Casemate Publishers. ISBN 978-1-84468-094-8. Archived from the original on 2023-09-08. Retrieved 2023-09-07.
  2. ^ ""Making beautiful things that people remember": in conversation with William Gatacre, co-founder and MD at Jellycat - Fashion & Luxury, People, leadership & talent, Weekly Column Executive Search". The MBS Group. Archived from the original on 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  3. ^ Watts, Robert (2023-09-01). "Puppy love". The Times. ISSN 0140-0460. Archived from the original on 14 December 2022. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  4. ^ "Do You Own The Most Popular Jellycat?". Elys Wimbledon. Retrieved 2024-03-25.
  5. ^ news; Gaikwad, Tanisha (2024-02-29). "ICA visitors celebrate 25 years of Jellycat toys". The Huntington News. Retrieved 2024-03-25. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  6. ^ a b Kemsley, Saskia (24 July 2023). "Best unique jellycats for all ages: Stuffed toys to brighten your day". Evening Standard. Archived from the original on 8 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023.
  7. ^ a b Alcántara, Ann-Marie (2023-05-28). "Why Adults Are Snapping Up a Stuffed Toy Originally Meant for Babies". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  8. ^ a b "Meet The Parents Secretly Obsessed With Jellycat Stuffies". Romper. 2021-11-07. Archived from the original on 1 September 2023. Retrieved 2023-09-01.
  9. ^ a b Wilson-Beevers, Helen (3 March 2023). "Jellycat stuffed animals are still a top trend: Here's where to buy the popular kids' toys". The Independent. Archived from the original on 7 September 2023. Retrieved 7 September 2023. It's safe to say, the most recognisable soft toy brand name today is Jellycat, which was first established in 1999.
  10. ^ "EARNIE AWARD PAST WINNERS". Earnshaw's. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  11. ^ "Toys: Jellycat". Earnshaw's Review. 102 (10): 20. 2018. ISSN 0161-2786.
  12. ^ "Jellycat's Co-Founder And MD Honoured At The Greats Awards". Archived from the original on 2023-09-01. Retrieved 2023-09-01.