3 Secrets Behind the Success of Bearbricks | What are bearbricks 2023 | Why are Be@rbricks popular?
# The Rise of Bearbricks: From Collectible Toys to High-Value Art Pieces
## Origins of Bearbricks
Officially stylized as BE@RBRICK, the very first Bearbrick was released on May 27, 2001 as swag for attendees of the World Character Convention in Tokyo, Japan. The bear was all white with the BE@RBRICK logo of a blue bear silhouette with the @ symbol in red. This simple design was a result of a request from the convention to create a toy for their guests.
## Humble Beginnings of Medicom Toy
Medicom Toy, the Japanese company behind Bearbricks, had very humble beginnings. Starting in 1996 without its own unique space in Tokyo, the company was founded by Tatsuhiko Akashi, who previously worked in computer manufacturing. Inspired by a visit to a toy shop in Shibuya, Akashi decided to create collectible art pieces rather than mass-produced toys.
## Strategies to Win: Scarcity
Medicom Toy created a sense of scarcity around Bearbricks by selling them in blind box assortments, where collectors didn’t know which type of Bearbrick they would get. This marketing strategy, similar to collectible sports cards, created a sense of urgency and rarity among collectors. Bearbricks were divided into different categories, each with its own level of rarity, making some figurines highly sought after.
## The Value of Collaboration
One of the most valuable mainstream Bearbricks is the Chanel collaboration of 2006, with only 1,000 of them made. Designed as Coco Chanel, the Bearbrick has become a rare collector’s item, with most of them displayed in select Chanel stores. The rarity and exclusivity of collaborations like these have made Bearbricks highly valuable in the collector’s market.
In conclusion, Bearbricks have evolved from simple toys to high-value art pieces through strategic marketing, collaborations, and a sense of scarcity. The rise of Bearbricks as collectibles highlights the intersection of art, design, and consumer culture in the world of toys.
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