World of Bears in Taunton to celebrate 20th anniversary

World of Bears, based in the town’s independent quarter, will mark the important milestone on Saturday, August 24.

The event will feature an amazing raffle with hundreds of pounds in prizes, goodie bags worth at least £20, a special Theodore Bear with a passport, and a friendly bear for photo opportunities.

The 20th anniversary event will take place later this month (Image: Contributed)

Elaine Moodie, the owner of World of Bears and its sister shop, The Gorge Bear Co. in Cheddar, has been perfecting her teddy bear collection for the last 25 years.

Although The Gorge Bear Co. is slightly smaller, it still stocks quality products across its two floors.

Elaine, a lifelong teddy bear enthusiast, said: “We like to source things and be different, at all price points," offering products for everyone from newborns to collectors.

“The store's inventory ranges from farm and wild animals to life-size figures and includes bear-themed mugs, gift cards, handbags, and purses.”

Elaine attributes her success to a great team, excellent customer service, eye-catching displays, especially the windows, and a balanced range of products available both online and in-store.

She also emphasized the importance of high street stores, which provide a tangible shopping experience that online stores cannot match.

“With a bricks-and-mortar store, you can feel the product and cuddle the product,” she said.

World of Bears prides itself on catering to all age groups and continues to thrive as a destination store in the South West.

The team at World of Bears is passionate about the importance of high street stores as a welcome alternative to online shopping.

Elaine also expressed her love for Taunton, enjoying the in-store experience where customers can feel the quality of the products.