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Retailer Excellence Awards 2004

MY FRIENDS & ME Wins Retailer Excellence Award in Three Catagories

MY FRIENDS & ME is proud to announce that owner Maria Balser was

honored on August 27, 2004 at the 2004 Doll & Teddy Bear Expo, as the

winner of three Retailer Excellence Awards: Outstanding Retail Display,

Outstanding Marketer, and Outstanding Retail Event. Photo & Feedback

Outstanding Retail Display

This award is judged on permanent, holiday and special event displays. Points are given based on uniqueness, attractiveness, creativity and effectiveness.

Outstanding Marketer

This award is judged on the complete annual marketing presentation, including

attractiveness of advertising, literature, Web site and other marketing tools.

In addition, entries are judged on effectiveness, innovation, and return on investment.

Outstanding Event

This award is judged on outstanding events or artist signing events throughout the year. The contestants for this exclusive honor are judged on a reoccurring or special event of any type that stimulates interest or additional traffic for their retail location and for the industry in general. The judges use promotional material, photos and

descriptions to determine the retailer who has achieved the farthest-reaching event.

"The retailers in this industry have taken great strides to ensure the passion for doll and teddy bear collecting stays alive. These awards are a wonderful way to recognize the hard work and creativity that goes into making a suitable environment to sell dolls and teddy bears," said Trina Laube, Teddy Bear Review editor.

The Doll & Teddy Bear Expo, operated by Jones Publishing, Inc. on behalf of DOLLS and Teddy Bear Review magazines, is the largest exclusive doll and teddy bear showcase in the United States and is held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, D.C., August 28-29, 2004. Nearly 250 artists and manufacturers from around the world exhibit at this high-profile show. Celebrity signings, exclusive show specials by many of your favorite artists, club events, charity raffle drawings, the annual DOLLS Awards of Excellence and Golden Teddy Awards gala banquet make this event an absolute must for every serious collector. Thousands of collectors and professionals join to celebrate imagination.