Meet Valerie Burner | Owner, Bears & More

We had the good fortune of connecting with Valerie Burner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Valerie, what’s your definition for success?
We have several different ways that we define success at Bears & More. The easiest way to define success as a brick and mortar retail business is the receipt totals. However that is just one way we define success.

We opened in 1992 and will be celebrating our 30th Anniversary in April 2022. That is a huge milestone for any business, but especially a small retail shop like ours. We’ve survived economic downturns, recessions, and a pandemic all while keeping our focus.

A large part of our mission at Bears & More is to be an integral part of our community. Held annually in September Teddy Bear Day is our most visible community program and our signature event. Over the last 17 years, 10,000 + bears have been donated and provided to first responders, emergency rooms, and crisis centers. Add to that thousands of dollars donated to Arizona Search Dogs from the lemonade stand and bake sale held that same day, it’s an event that fills our hearts to overflowing. Knowing that a teddy bear will help a child in a scary situation checks another box on our list of what defines success. Knowing that dog will be able to find someone who is lost is a huge bonus.

We are believers in the power of imagination – toys that don’t require batteries or a screen – and family. We stock items that encourage imaginative play. When a customer (youngster or adult) comes back and shares with us the fun they are having with the item they found at our shop, we check yet another box. Connecting with customers and knowing that our products help them build stronger relationships with family and friends, that is a bonus.

Our business community is made up of locally owned independent service, retail and restaurant businesses. We work together on many different projects, be it the Glendale Elementary School District Related Arts Show, the many Specialty Promotions or community beautification efforts. We know that without a doubt, our neighbors’ success is a contributing factor to our success and we encourage all our visitors to explore Catlin Court & Old Towne.

Success is more than just the bottom line. It is making a positive difference in the community, paying it forward, moving the needle for the betterment of our neighbors, connecting with our customers and making, strengthening and nurturing our relationships.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
A series of events led us to open Bears & More in 1992. My mother-in-law is a bear collector and we would talk about “opening a bear shop some day”. That some day came and we’ve been at it ever since. Originally our focus was on collectible teddy bears and we were very comfortable in that arena. As we grew our customer base, we found we needed to branch out and that’s when we added toys, games, and puzzles. As trends ebb and flow, we continue to add more of the things we personally love (vintage, hand-made). It’s made us very versatile and always changing our product mix.
It’s been easy at times and challenging at times. Easy because we truly love what we do. Challenging because of elements out of our control. We know that by staying true to ourselves, connecting with our customers, and providing the best service and unique product mix, we bring something special to the business community.
We have learned that hard work and honesty, partnerships and strong relationships are keys to business success.
Our story is one of a mother-in-law and daughter-in-law that had a dream of owning their own business. A business where customers become friends. A business that gives back to the community. A business that is a good neighbor. A business that delivers exemplary service & wonderful products, with a dose of laughter. A fun business that involves the whole family. And 30 years later, it is still going strong.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
1)Wild Life World Zoo & Aquarium – with lunch at Dillon’s 2)Shopping and eating in Historic Downtown Glendale (The Spicery in Our 1895 Home for lunch, Papa Ed’s Ice Cream for a treat, Haus Murphy’s for dinner)
A must do – the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum
3)Trip to Flagstaff – lunch at Miz Zips – visit the downtown – head over to Sunset Crater or the Snow Bowl depending on the season
4)Take a Tour with Arizona Scenic Tours to the Grand Canyon – let Steve do the driving
5) Overnight in Prescott, stay at The Motor Lodge – wander the town, head to Jerome
6) Downtown Chandler and Gilbert for the day – great shopping and eating – Joe’s Farm Grill for sure

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to the Historic Downtown Glendale Merchants Association for supporting the business community.

Thanks to my friends in and outside of the business community who pitch in, get things done, and keep me on track.

Thanks to my husband, Coit for being so supportive and willing to do all they heavy work.
Website: www.bearsandmore.com

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