Who owns Oriental Trading Company?
Oriental Trading Company is a direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys, novelties, and school supplies. Alternative known names for Oriental Trading Company include “Oriental Trading” & “OTC”. Who owns Oriental Trading Company? The company was founded as a gift shop in 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska by Harry Watanabe. The company expanded…
Oriental Trading Company is a direct merchant of value-priced party supplies, arts and crafts, toys, novelties, and school supplies. Alternative known names for Oriental Trading Company include “Oriental Trading” & “OTC”.
Who owns Oriental Trading Company?
The company was founded as a gift shop in 1932 in Omaha, Nebraska by Harry Watanabe. The company expanded to 17 shops in the Midwest. During World War II, with restrictions against imports from Japan, the company shrank back to its Omaha base. Watanabe then bought a ceramic shop that made Kewpie dolls and other ceramic items. Steve Mendlik was named acting CEO in January 2018.
Oriental Trading has been recognized as one of the top 100 Internet retailers and one of the top 50 catalog companies. It is based in Omaha, Nebraska, and is owned by Berkshire Hathaway. Oriental Trading acquired MindWare Holdings, Inc. in 2013 and SmileMakers in 2014.
MindWare is a manufacturer, wholesaler, and direct retailer of “brainy toys for kids of all ages, that complements the Oriental Trading family of educational products. SmileMakers is the leading brand catering to the dental and healthcare markets.
