NT BUZZ
Margao-based soft toy brand Snuggybuggy has turned to football for its first limited-edition collection, with Argentina and Portugal-themed plushies. The collection is for football fans, particularly supporters of Argentina and Portugal.
“The idea came while I was following the World Cup. I was also inspired by an article about Yolanda de Souza,” says founder Orson Dias. He adds that Goa’s love for football also played a part in creating the collection, while Argentina and Portugal were chosen because of the popularity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
The response, he says, has encouraged him to work on more themed collections.
The soft toy initiative began with a plush toy Dias made for his daughter. With help from his mother, who stitched the first plushie, he created a toy that his daughter soon named and carried everywhere.
Following this, he started Snuggybuggy three years ago. A Bachelor of Science graduate in Physics with an MBA in Marketing, Dias also uses his experience in shipping and logistics to run the business.
The toys are designed in Camurlim, Ambora and manufactured in Mahim, Mumbai. Dias works with a designer and introduces new characters every three to four months. He says, “Each toy is given its own name and story.”
The brand currently makes only animal-themed soft toys. Among its popular characters are Nelly the Elephant, Coco the Dog and Cotton the Rabbit.
The toys are made using fur and spandex and comply with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) requirements. Besides its website, Snuggybuggy products are available at popular retail outlets in Goa and select stores in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
“We also receive orders for customised plush toys from customers across India,” says Dias.
