Edinburgh is North America's sole distributor of Schulte® Mohair. Click here to read about Reinhard Schulte.
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EDINBURGH IMPORTS, INC.
THE STORY BEHIND THE COMPANY...
In the summer of 1972, I was vice-president of a major liquor company
and was touring some of the finer scotch facilities in Scotland (with maybe a we nip now and then). Elke was beginning
her work as a pharmacist's assistant in Germany and took a vacation with her friend to Great Britain. On a warm
and sunny day in July, I found myself next to her at a display of old uniforms at the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland.
We began to talk, hesitantly, since her "English" was from school and my German nonexistent. We promised
to meet in London several days later. She did call and we met at Garner's Steak House in Piccadily. Call it fate
or karma, it was the beginning.
Elke came to the United States in 1973 to get her degree in Oregon and several years later we were married. Having
been raised in Germany, Elke fondly remembered the Steiff bears and animals she played with as a child. We began
to bring over many Steiff to add to her collection and to sell. It was a small business we hoped would cover the
expense of the hobby (what optimists). One day, someone asked if there was any mohair material available to repair
old Steiff bears. The only source for the plush mohair at that time was old coats and even older automobile seat
covers. That's when we began importing the fabrics from Germany. We called our contact at Steiff for their maker
of mohair and was given the fine firm who made the original German mohair for Margarete Steiff in 1903. You now
know the rest of the story!
It was natural to name our company after the place where we met and our lives together began - Edinburgh! When
our business outgrew our children's rooms, the hallway, and the living room we moved to a new warehouse location.
We both are extremely lucky to have wandered into this wonderful world where we have made so many friends. Where
handshakes are hugs and caring is the daily menu.
The world of teddy bears has allowed us to visit all corners of the world by order or in person, and I'm sure,
wherever you're sitting and are reading this page, there is a personal connection brought by -- you guessed it
-- teddy bears.
If you find yourself in our neck of the woods, Torrance CA, please call and come visit.
Ron Block |
