Remember Those Beanie Baby Days?

We have been owners of Sweet Tooth for over 20 years.  During that time we have seen fads and trends come and go.
One of the biggest and most exciting products available during this time was BEANIE BABIES.
I have no doubt that most of you remember those Beanie Baby years.  Remember the mad rush to get the latest Beanie Baby?  Remember people fighting over certain Beanie Babies in stores and even at Woodland Hills there were times when stores selling Beanie Babies had to shut their doors and just let a few people in a a time?
I remember telling the florist in The Farm that she had one of the greatest selling items in her front window and she didn't even know it.  As a florist she would purchase inexpensive plush to attach to a floral display.  Beanie Babies in those days were wholesale priced at $2.50.  That's why it was incredible when people would pay $150.00 for a Beanie Baby and remark that some day they would go on Ebay and finance their children's education by selling off their plush collection.
Ah, if only retailers could experience more exciting times like those.
Well today I received an email newsletter and the top story was about Ty Warner, the CEO of Ty, Inc. designer and distributor of Beanie Babies.
Currently Mr. Warner has been found guilty of federal tax evasion, to the tune of $53.6 million .  It seems Mr. Warner had secret off-shore accounts for which he did not report income and now owes a bundle of back taxes on those accounts. 
In fact, this has been going on since 1996 and those found guilty of federal tax evasion usually go to prison for a 5 year term and owe a fine of $250,000.00. 
Wow!  This is certainly one of the biggest, most explosive stories in retail history.
And in case you weren't aware of it, Beanie Babies are still around and you can find them in some local stores.  We occasionally get a question about whether we are carrying them.  Truthfully, I am glad we got out of that line. 
I can't help but wonder what Mr. Warner will do if he ends up in prison.  Maybe bring along a few special Beanie Babies to keep him company??