Macy’s is cuddling up with Sid Bear for a holiday candy offering that will be available in its 83 West Coast stores.

The product consists of a 10-inch plush replica of Sid Bear, a character created and licensed by Los Angeles-based My Favorite Company, holding a box with two Joseph Schmidt chocolate truffles, one shaped like a Macy’s star. When hugged, the doll says, ‘I love chocolate.’

Mark Eisenberg, president of My Favorite Company, believes the gift item will have kid appeal because the company’s Carlos & Co. characters, including Sid Bear, Carlos and Mr. Shark, are designed for the children’s audience. As well, a hang tag packaged with the product will draw attention to the company’s Kids’ Copy on-line area (www.myfavoriteco.com).

While Sid and other Carlos & Co. characters have already made their retail debut on products such as Anagram balloons, this is the first time the company has entered such a large-scale deal for an exclusive product with Macy’s.

Eisenberg says Macy’s respected reputation makes it a good retail partner. ‘Also, Macy’s really saw the value of the character and the concept.’

Sid Bear will arrive in Macy’s in mid-October, supported by in-store signage that also features the Web site address, and will carry a suggested retail price of US$19.95. The product will be available through the holiday season.

Sid Bear is also traveling to Las Vegas next month visit the Ethel M. store in the new Showcase building. For this retailer, a plush Sid Bear will wear a backpack of Ethel M. chocolates.