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In the years after Alexander's retirement, the
Alexander Doll Company floundered under its new
management, despite the production of many new and
highly-praised dolls. In 1995, on the edge of
bankruptcy, the Company was acquired by the Kaizen
Breakthrough Partnership. With new management and
production methods, it has regained its
footing.
Beatrice Alexander's achievements over a
lifetime were prodigious. In an era when
high-powered businesswomen were a rarity, she
created—virtually single-handedly—a company
that became large, profitable, and long-lived. A
gifted designer with an unerring eye for what would
appeal to her customers, she demonstrated
instinctive business acumen. She also contributed
significantly to the creation of the American toy
industry, a business sector previously dominated by
Germany. The toy industry continues to recognize
Alexander's accomplishments even after her death,
inducting her in February 2000 into the American
Toymakers Hall of Fame. Today, rare Alexander dolls
can fetch thousands of dollars from those eager to
expand their collections.
But Alexander was more than just a
businesswoman. As a generous philanthropist, she
serves as a valuable example for others fortunate
enough to enjoy similar means. She also took on an
almost mythic position in the eyes of many of those
who purchased her dolls; customers adored not only
the dolls but also their creator. A "Madame
Alexander" doll now memorializes the legendary doll
maker, whose dolls and own experiences continue to
inspire new generations of both children and
adults. As collector Pat Burns comments, "There
were no 'glass ceilings' for this lady—just the
role model I wanted for my daughter!"
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