Santabear collectors ho-ho-horrified

It's the last season shoppers can cuddle with a new Santabear.

Hitting store shelves for the final holiday season is the last edition of the furry white teddy bear that Marshall Field's and then Macy's stores have sold for more than two decades.

Some stores have already sold out of the first shipment with more to arrive through the end of the month.

For the past 23 years, Santabear has created quite a following, appearing in different outfits, getting married and even having twins.

The final Santabear, sporting comfy pajamas, is available for $38.50 at Macy's stores.

"The bears have become collectors' items. Every good collection has a beginning and an end," said Natalie Bushaw, senior manager of public relations for Macy's North division.

Some shoppers have expressed dissatisfaction with the end of yet another Marshall Field's tradition.

Macy's took over the Marshall Field's chain about two years ago. Shoppers have shown frustration with the loss of the Field's name, the temporary disappearance of Frango mints and other Marshall Field traditions.

The decision to "send Santabear back to the North Pole" has nothing to do with the company change, Bushaw said.

The idea has been around for several years, Bushaw said. Retiring the bear was considered in 2004 on its 20th anniversary. In addition, interest in the bear hasn't been as strong as it used to be, she added.

The teddy bear tradition debuted at Dayton's stores in 1984, when Santabear was sold for $10 with any $25 purchase. Within three days, 400,000 of the bears were sold leaving shelves empty. The following day, one million Santabears were ordered and eventually sold out as well.

The tradition of collecting the bears continued at Marshall Field's when it united with Dayton Hudson in 1991. The stuffed animals were sold at Macy's last year.

Saying farewell to the teddy bear is creating a fabulous marketing opportunity for Macy's.

"The bears are selling well. They're arriving at stores in waves of shipments. By Tuesday, they were flying out of the stores," Bushaw said. Some stores are creating waiting lists.

To mark the end of the bear era, the retailer launched a limited edition family set of bears that sold for $175. They were available to purchase by phone and all 2,000 sets sold within the first four hours last week, Bushaw said.

In addition to the Santabear, Macy's is also selling a mini-Santabear with a gift card bag for $10 and an anniversary throw selling for $40.

"It's hard to say goodbye, but it's time for this collection to end," Bushaw said.

The Santabear story

• Santabear debuts in 1984 at Dayton's. Selling for $10 with a $25 purchase, 400,000 are sold in three days.

• In 1986 Santabear appears in the Ice Capades.

• Musical Bear with a cassette is the themed teddy in 1992.

• In 2000 Santabear and Miss Bear tie the knot. She sported a satin dress, veil and "diamond" ring.

• Twins Berry and Belle were born in 2002. Mr. and Mrs. Santabear cuddle the babies complete with pacifiers.

• Santabear tucked into pajamas waves farewell in 2007.