Silly Bandz
Silly Bandz are a brand of silicone rubber bands formed into shapes including animals, objects, and letters. They are distributed by BCP Imports and are normally worn as bracelets.
Origin and concept
The original shaped silicone rubber bands were created in 2002 by a Japanese design team who wanted to introduce a more environmentally sustainable rubber band as an office product.[1] Robert Croak, owner of Toledo, Ohio-based BCP Imports (known for distributing the Livestrong wristbands[2]), encountered the bands on a business trip and decided to re-purpose them as a toy by making them larger and thicker, and marketing them as a kids' fashion accessory.[3]
Silly Bandz come in dozens of shapes, colors, and themes. On a wrist or ankle, they function like a regular bracelet, and when taken off they revert to their original shape. They are often worn many at a time and are traded like collectables. They can also be used for their original intent—as a regular rubber band or hair tie.
Distribution and reception
The first Silly Bandz sets were sold online in November 2008.[4] In early 2009, Learning Express in Birmingham, Alabama became the first retail store to stock Silly Bandz.[5] By fall they were a strong seller, and became widespread across the Southern United States. Popularity began to move up the East coast of the United States, reaching New Jersey, Long Island, and Staten Island in November the same year.[6]
As of August 2010, Silly Bandz sells their product in 8,000 stores across the U.S. Seven spots on Amazon's April 22 list of best-selling toys and games were occupied by the bracelets.[7]
One parent attributed the toy's success to their being easily lost and broken, and said that, "If your friend has the princess kind, then you have to have the princess kind, too."[6] Seth McGowan, a toy industry analyst for Needham & Company, said it is refreshing that the "lowest of technologies" is appealing to children.[6] Silly Bandz have been banned in many classrooms for being too distracting.[8] Safety concerns have also arisen as reports of children injuring their arms due to extended wearing of Silly Bandz. [9] The toys are sold in packs of 24 for about $5.00 and some are in packets of 12 for $2.00.[6]
References
- ^ ":: profile ::". Plus-d.com. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
- ^ "Silly Bandz all the rage this".
- ^ Berfield, Susan (2010-06-10). "The Man Behind the Bandz". BusinessWeek. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
- ^ [1]"Creation date: 28 Nov 2008 18:28:40"
- ^ Wellington, Elizabeth (2010-05-12). "It's all on the wrist: Bandz are ultra cool | Life | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle". Chron.com. Retrieved 2010-08-19.
- ^ a b c d George, Tara (April 16, 2010). "Silly Bandz, the Bracelets That Spring Off Shelve". The New York Times. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
- ^ Janes, Théoden (April 22, 2010). "Silly bandz = serious business". The Charlotte Observer. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
- ^ [2]"Schools in several states, including New York, Texas, Florida and Massachusetts, have blacklisted Silly Bandz."
- ^ [3]"Silly Bandz injures"