Enesco traces its roots back to the N. Sure Company. This comany was formed in 1888 and is recognized as one of the oldest importing companies in the United States. In the 1950s the N. Sure Company was located at 200 West Adams Street in Chicago, Illinois. The N. Shure Company had showrooms located in Chicago, but like so many successful companies from this time period, representatives traveled to gift shows. Even then the company specialized in novelty items and kitchenware imported from Japan, but they also distributed furniture and sporting goods. All of these items were offered though catalogs to their customers.
In 1958, there was a great deal of change in the N. Sure Company. Eugene Freedman was hired as a salesman and soon became the CEO and President of a new importing division formed when the parent company was sold. The name was changed to Enesco Imports, a division of N. Shure Company.
New items which included some of our present day collectibles were introduced. The Humpty Dumpty, Kitchen Pixie, and Sweet Shoppe were among some of the lines presented. By 1965 Mother-in-the-Kitchen (one of the most popular Enesco collectibles of all time), Dearie is Weary, and Busy Biddy, and numerous lady head vases were added to the line.
Due to the Japanese focus on the export of high ticket items during late 1960s and 1970s many importers of giftware items fell upon hard times. Enesco, with its superior foresight prospered while many other companies folded. Their 1960 catalog reflects this with its listings of Oriental giftware, Art Nouveau items, Capodimonte, Majolica, musicals, Italian figurines and gift items from wood and brass. Personalized giftware was also offered. During this time Enesco also began hiring talented designers such a Suzy Spofford, Lucy Rigg, Eve Rockwell and the Kersten Brothers.
In the late 1970s Precious Moments was introduced. Initiallt, just a few pieces were made, but they were very popular and the line became one of Enesco's top sellers. In a short time, Precious Moments made Enesco a household name.
In 1983 Enesco was sold to a company in Massachusetts called Stanhome, Inc. This company expanded Enesco overseas and Enesco International, Ltd., was formed in 1985. In 1988, Enesco Worldwide Giftware Group was created.
This innovative company still prospers today. Their top selling collectible is still Precious Moments. They also market Cherished Teddies and a line of more then ten thousand gift items.
This company is well known throughout the world as one of the largest sellers of giftware and collectible items.
Information for the history of Enesco came from the following source:
"Enesco Then & Now An Unauthorized Collector's Guide"by Kathleen Deel.
Please be sure to check out some of Enesco's Patterns
Enesco Collectibles