Renowned business tycoon Warren Buffett, known for his astute business decisions, has displayed his playful side by acquiring companies that produce products he personally enjoys, such as Dairy Queen and See’s Candies. The latest addition to his portfolio is the popular plush toy phenomenon, Squishmallows.
This year, Squishmallows made its first appearance at the annual meeting of Berkshire Hathaway in Omaha, Nebraska. Within a few hours, shareholders eagerly purchased 10,000 of these cuddly dolls, including ones featuring the likeness of the “Oracle of Omaha” himself, Warren Buffett, and his longtime business partner, Charlie Munger. Berkshire Hathaway gained ownership of Jazwares, the parent company of Squishmallows, through its acquisition of Alleghany in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Under the Berkshire umbrella, Jazwares’ founder and CEO Judd Zebersky and president Laura Zebersky now report to and maintain regular communication with Greg Abel, Berkshire’s vice chairman for non-insurance operations and Warren Buffett’s designated successor. The couple, who transitioned from being lawyers to toy entrepreneurs, expressed their enthusiasm for being part of Berkshire and appreciate the autonomy to independently manage their business.
Laura Zebersky expressed her excitement about being part of the remarkable structure, stating in an interview, “We’re thrilled to be part of it. It has exceeded our expectations, and being in the presence of the world’s greatest leaders is phenomenal. We are also keen on exploring the synergies that exist within this setup.”
Recently, the 92-year-old Warren Buffett spoke highly of Greg Abel, emphasizing that Abel has assumed a significant portion of the responsibilities within Berkshire Hathaway. Abel has been entrusted with the oversight of various sectors within Berkshire’s extensive empire, including energy, railroad, and retail.
Although Warren Buffett’s involvement in Jazwares came indirectly through Alleghany, he has demonstrated a willingness to invest in smaller businesses that may not significantly impact Berkshire’s substantial earnings and revenue. Buffett frequently appreciates the management of these businesses and expects them to sustain growth and profitability in the long run.
In a remarkable achievement, an impressive 100 million Squishmallow units were sold in the previous year alone, with prices varying from $5 to $30. Laura Zebersky credited the accelerated growth of Squishmallows to the impact of the pandemic. Additionally, endorsements from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Lady Gaga on TikTok contributed significantly to the toy’s popularity.
According to Zebersky, the concept of offering something nurturing, cozy, and affordable that provides instant gratification has resonated with a wide range of individuals.
She noted that Squishmallows appeal to not only children but also adults, resulting in a remarkably diverse and expansive demographic. Such wide-ranging appeal is uncommon in the toy industry and has been an intriguing observation for the company.
In April 2020, Jazwares acquired Kellytoy, the creator of the Squishmallow brand established in 2017.
To ensure the enduring success of Squishmallows, Jazwares maintains a cautious approach to avoid oversaturation and carefully selects partnerships, as mentioned by Zebersky. The plush toy brand has accounted for 40% of Jazwares’ total revenue over the past two years, highlighting its substantial contribution to the company’s financial performance.
According to Zebersky, the Squishmallow brand is now in its sixth year and has demonstrated longevity and steady growth. It is not a short-lived trend but rather a sustainable success. Jazwares takes a prudent approach by carefully managing production levels. They ensure that each retail channel offers distinct products, promoting collectability and featuring unique styles and sizes.
Recently, Squishmallows unveiled an exciting collaboration with McDonald’s Happy Meal. This partnership will be launched in 70 countries worldwide throughout the course of 2023.
Source : cnbc.com
