CURRENT PRESS RELEASES

NEW ORNAMENT DESIGNS DEBUT FOR 2009 Back to Top
July 8, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan – Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is offering a number of new, exclusive ornaments for 2009. Businesses may call Bronner’s resale ornament department at 1-877-TRIM-A-TREE or visit www.bronnerswholesale.com for more information.

The legend lives on with Bronner’s glass dogwood ornament. Made in the USA, the ornament is available in polar white (#1141063) and measures 3 inches in diameter. Beautiful dogwood art is featured on one side while the legend is printed on the reverse. Retails for $9.99.

Celebrate the bride and groom with Bronner’s “Just Married” 3-inch glass ornament (#1141238). The ornament features a white pearl finish with black print and gold glitter and can be personalized. It retails for $8.99 and is made in Hungary.

Mushroom lovers will be on the hunt for Bronner’s morel mushroom glass form ornament (#1141374). This clip-on ornament is 4 inches tall and 1½ inches wide and features mottled earth tones with iridescent glitter. It retails for $6.99.

Sing “Joy to the World” with Bronner’s 3-inch, shiny gold and satin gold tri-tone glass ornament with black print and Nativity art work and gold glitter accent (#1143572). It retails for $8.99 and is made in Hungary.

Play ball! Bronner’s baseball cap glass form ornament is available in pink (#1138676), green (#1138675), red (#1138677) and blue (#1138678). The ornament is 3½ inches long and 1½ inches tall, and retails for $8.99. Can be personalized.

Celebrate your friends and family who travel with Bronner’s roller bag glass form ornament. The 4-inch ornament comes in red (#1143583) or black (#1143584) and can be personalized. Retails for $9.99.

Mr. and Mrs. Claus are sneaking a kiss under the mistletoe on Bronner’s 3-inch round, white pearl glass ornament featuring a full-color print. (#1142593). It retails for $8.99 and is made in Hungary.

Bronner’s annual form glass ornament, produced in Poland, features a gift-filled sleigh with glitter accents for 2009. The glass ornament (#1142471) measures 5 inches in length and retails for $23.99.

The 2009 annual round glass ornament features sleigh art on a
3-inch, polar white glass ornament with a message from artist Connie Larsen printed in black on the back. The annual round (#1137623) retails for $9.99 and is made in the USA.

Celebrate Christmas Eve, the “Night of Everlasting Love” (NOEL), with Bronner’s 3¾-inch, porcelain-finish glass disc ornament (#1143911). It retails for $8.99 and is made in the USA.

You’ll be stylin’ with Bronner’s curling iron glass form ornament (#1138674). The gray and blue curling iron with blue and silver glitter accents is 5¼ inches long and can be personalized. Retails for $9.99.

The fish, an early symbol of Christianity, encircles the word “Jesus” on Bronner’s glass form ornament, 4 inches in length. The ornament is available in red and silver (#1138681) and blue and silver (#1138682). Retails for $5.99.

The galaxy is yours with Bronner’s star-swirled, 3-inch, glass round ornament, available in eight colors: red (#1143560), purple (#1143563), dark green (#1143565), baby blue (#1143562), dark blue (#1143561), pink (#1143564), light gold (#1143566) and white (#1143567). It can be personalized and retails for $9.99.

Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan, is the World’s Largest Christmas Store, with over 50,000 trims and gifts. Thousands of items are available for purchase at www.bronners.com. Bronner’s commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls, churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.

SANTA ON VACATION Back to Top
July 2, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan – The search for Santa is on at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth. The jolly old elf is rumored to be vacationing and shopping at Bronner’s with the Mrs. on Friday through Sunday, July 10-12. The pair may be spotted wearing red and white Hawaiian shirts and pushing a shopping cart from noon to 4 p.m. daily.
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is the world’s largest Christmas store, offering over 50,000 trims and gifts from its Frankenmuth store, catalog, and online store at www.bronners.com. Bronner’s employs 250 people year-round – about 650 people in the busy fourth quarter.

BROOKS IS ON TARGET FOR YOUTH HAVEN RANCH Back to Top
February 9, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Local media celebrities were aiming at $1,014 in prize money for their favorite charities on February 6 at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland's 2nd Annual Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity Archery Contest.

Seven broadcast and print media celebrities competed in the archery shoot:

-Bill Walsh with WNEM TV5 for the Saginaw County Animal Care Center,
-Jim Geyer with WEYI TV25 for Concordia University,
-Larry Elliott with WJRT TV12 for the Frankenmuth International Aid Foundation,
-Peter Brooks with 997 Family Life Radio for Youth Haven Ranch,
-Mandi Martin with WIOG for the Children's Miracle Network,
-Karl Hiipakka from WHNN for the Johnny Burke Children's Foundation and
-Scott Wenzel with the Frankenmuth News for the American Cancer Society's Frankenmuth Relay for Life.

Peter Brooks, Larry Elliott and Karl Hiipakka advanced to the final round where Brooks finished in the top spot, winning a check from Bronner's for $1,014 for Youth Haven Ranch.

The Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity Archery Contest kicked off Bronner's Be My Valentine Sale. Guests receive 14 percent off most in-store purchases $14 and over throughout the month of February. For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.

MEDIA CELEBRITIES COMPETE TO BENEFIT CHARITY Back to Top
January 30, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan Local media celebrities will be aiming at $1,014 for their favorite charities when they take a bow and arrows in hand on February 6 at Bronner s CHRISTmas Wonderland. The preliminary round of Bronner s Hot Shot Local Media Celebrity Archery Contest will be held at 10:30 a.m. at south checkout. Three entrants will advance to the final round at 11 a.m. The winner will earn a check from Bronner s for $1,014 for his favorite charity.

Seven broadcast and print media celebrities are competing in the archery shoot:

-Bill Walsh with WNEM TV5 for the Saginaw County Animal Care Center,
-Jim Geyer with WEYI TV25 for Concordia University,
-Larry Elliott with WJRT TV12 for the Frankenmuth International Aid Foundation,
-Peter Brooks with 997 Family Life Radio for Youth Haven Ranch,
-Mandi Martin with WIOG for the Children s Miracle Network,
-A representative from WHNN s Johnny Burke & the Morning Crew for the Johnny Burke Children s Foundation and
-Scott Wenzel with the Frankenmuth News for the American Cancer Society s Frankenmuth Relay for Life.

The public is invited to attend and cheer on their favorite media celebrities. Each archer will receive five points in the preliminary round for each fan who attends and registers his support.

This event takes place in conjunction with Bronner s Be My Valentine Sale. Guests will receive 14 percent off most in-store purchases of $14 or more February 1-28. For more information, contact Bronner s customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.

CLICK OF THE CAMERA WINS WOMAN $100 GIFT CERTIFICATE Back to Top
January 10, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan Willi Motschenbacher of Oshawa won Bronner s CHRISTmas Wonderland s 2008 Bronner s Shoppers Travel the World Photo Contest. The winning photo featured Motschenbacher holding a Bronner s bag in front of the Käthe Wohlfahrt store in Germany. She received a $100 Bronner s gift certificate for her winning entry.

Entries must capture a person enjoying a visit to a famous landmark while holding a Bronner s bag or brochure. One annual winner is randomly drawn from all entries. Rules and an entry form for the annual photo contest are available at www.bronners.com. Motschenbacher s winning photo as well as other 2008 entries can be viewed at the website.

Bronner s CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth, is the world s largest Christmas store, with over 50,000 trims and gifts. Several thousand items are also available for purchase at www.bronners.com. Bronner s commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls, churches, and film companies with seasonal decorations.

CAMERA CAPTURES MOMENT THAT WINS FAMILY $100 Back to Top
January 10, 2009

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Scott and Janel Eikenberry of Muskegon, Michigan, recently won Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland's® Family Fun Photo Contest. The Eikenberrys received a $100 Bronner's gift certificate for the winning photo of their daughter affectionately admiring Santa Claus.

The biannual photo contest runs January through June and July through December. Rules and an entry form are available at www.bronners.com. Three finalists are selected by the Bronner staff and posted at www.bronners.com where guests to the site vote to select the winner.

Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, located in Frankenmuth, is the world's largest Christmas store, with over 50,000 trims and gifts. Thousands of items are available for purchase at www.bronners.com. Bronner's commercial department also supplies cities, parks, shopping centers, malls, churches, and movie production companies with seasonal decorations.

BRONNER'S HOSTS HOLIDAY SING-ALONGS Back to Top
December 11, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Join Bob Spletzer for Bronner's annual Christmas-caroling sing-along on Monday and Tuesday, December 22 and 23. Spletzer will lead everyone in singing a variety of favorite Christmas carols while Irene Bronner will accompany on an old-fashioned pump organ. Everyone is welcome to attend this traditional celebration in Bronner's program center from 1:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.

On Wednesday, December 24, in the Silent Night Memorial Chapel, Bob Spletzer and guest guitarist Ryan Spletzer will lead guests in singing "Silent Night." The public is welcome to attend this peaceful assembly from 3 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

For more information, call (989) 652-9931.

BRONNER'S ORNAMENT ARTIST INVITED TO WHITE HOUSE Back to Top
December 5, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: an invitation to visit the White House.

Late last summer, Connie Larsen, ornament artist for Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, received an invitation from Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, via the Bronner family, to participate in a nationwide effort to decorate the official 2008 White House Christmas tree located in the Blue Room of the presidential mansion. Each member of Congress had been asked to secure an artist from his state or district to design an ornament for the tree. Over 360 artists participated from across the United States.

Larsen returned a form to the White House in which she agreed to keep the theme of the tree a secret and to not speak to the press about the project before the November 30 announcement of the theme, "A Red, White and Blue Holiday." Larsen soon received a silver, plastic ornament, 6 inches in diameter, in the mail.

"I thought about what to put on the ornament," Larsen said. "I settled on the idea of the Silent Night Chapel because it's an inspiring memorial to the most beloved Christmas song ever. I also think Wally (Bronner, late originator of Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland) was whispering in my ear because he loved the building project that resulted in Bronner's Silent Night Memorial Chapel, a replica of the original in Oberndorf, Austria."

"I applied a heavy coat of white tempera to half the ornament to prepare the surface for painting. I took a picture of the chapel, drew a layout, wrapped my pattern around the ornament, transferred some reference lines and in the words of Nike, 'Just did it.'"

"I shipped the finished ornament to Washington about three days before the October 1 deadline and didn't think much more about it. I thought it was pretty cool to have something I created on the White House tree and hoped that maybe I would get a nice thank-you note on some official-looking stationery. On November 17, a lovely, handwritten envelope did appear and when I opened it, I was shocked to see it was an invitation from Laura Bush to attend a reception at the White House on December 2. I made travel plans and excitedly waited for the adventure to begin."

"I didn't know what to expect for a reception at the White House. Maybe a formal program? It wasn't at all what I expected. It was like an open house, casual, warm and friendly. The artists mingled freely among themselves and the White House staff was friendly and helpful. Each artist had a formal picture taken with the Blue Room tree; there was food, a pianist. Mrs. Bush appeared and spoke to the group for about 10 minutes, thanking them for their ornament designs."

"I'll always remember my visit to the White House," Larsen said. "It was a magical event."

ORNAMENT ARTISTS TO APPEAR AT BRONNER'S Back to Top
November 24, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Jacki Edwards, designer of clay dough ornaments, will be signing and personalizing her ornament purchases at Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, on Saturday and Sunday, December 6 and 7. Edwards will be appearing on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Teresa Thibault, glass ornament artist, will be signing her Heart Gifts line of ornaments purchased at Bronner's on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 12, 13 and 14. The ornament line features inspirational to whimsical themes. Thibault will be signing Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.

SANTA CLAUS JOINS SPECIAL GUESTS AT BRONNER'S Back to Top
November 13, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Santa Claus is joining the roster of special guests at Bronner's this holiday season. Artists from around the world will make their way to Bronner's for special appearances.

Mohamed and Linda, owners of Egyptian Glass, will sign Egyptian Glass perfume bottles, ornaments and other decorative pieces purchased at Bronner's on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. They will sign Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Stefano Fontanini of the House of Fontanini, makers of exquisite Nativity figurines for four generations, will greet collectors and sign purchases at Bronner's on Saturday and Sunday, November 22 and 23. Fontanini will sign each day from noon to 4 p.m. He will sign two pieces from each guest's personal collection plus all items purchased at the event. The 2008 Fontanini event figurine, "Emanuele, the founder," will be available for $19.50. The 2008 Fontanini personal appearance figure, "Jeshua & Adin," will be available for $29.50.

Master painter Ulrich Tendera will demonstrate Hummel figurine painting daily at Bronner's from November 28 through 30. He will also sign any Hummels purchased at Bronner's during the event. Tendera will appear Friday from 3:30-5 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. On Saturday he will sign from 9:30-11:30 a.m., 12:30-2 p.m., 3:30-5 p.m., and 7-8 p.m. His Sunday hours will be 12:30-6 p.m. Goebel recently announced that they will discontinue the production of M.I. Hummel figurines by the end of 2008. Tendera's appearance at Bronner's provides area collectors with one last opportunity to add signed figurines to their collection.

Santa will be greeting children at Bronner's from Friday, November 28, through Wednesday, December 24. His hours will be Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. On Sunday, Santa will be greeting children from noon to 5:30 p.m. For groups of 25 or more, please call (989) 652-9935, ext. 556. Because Santa is so busy on Christmas Eve, his visiting hours will end at 3 p.m. (Bronner's closes at 4 p.m. on Christmas Eve.)

For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.

FALL INTO HOLIDAY FUN AT BRONNER'S Back to Top
November 5, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Looking for something fun and educational to usher in the holidays? Meet Connie Larsen, ornament artist for Bronner s CHRISTmas Wonderland. Connie will be personalizing and signing her ornament designs purchased at Bronner s on November 13, 14, 20, 21, and December 4 and 5 near west entrance. She will also be signing purchases of Bronner s book, Ornament Legends, Symbols, & Traditions, which she illustrated.

André Gabricht serves as creative director and artist with G. DeBrekht Artistic Studios. He will greet guests and sign purchases of the company s fine Russian gifts on Saturday, November 15, from noon to 5 p.m.

Kids of all ages will enjoy the presentation, St. Nicholas: from Saint to Santa, in Bronner s program center on Saturday and Sunday, November 15 and 16. The half-hour performance by St. Nick at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. daily involves audience participation. There is no charge to attend.

Michigan ornament artist Margaret Cobane will sign purchases of her ornaments at Bronner s on Saturday and Sunday, November15 and 16. Santa is a recurring subject in much of her work.

For more information, contact Bronner s customer service department at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com ELEPHANT AND

DONKEY SALES TO FORECAST ELECTION RESULTS? Back to Top
October 20, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland has sold 762 Republican elephant ornaments to date in 2008 compared to 349 Democratic donkey ornaments - more than a 2-1 ratio. Could 2008 Republican elephant and Democratic donkey ornament sales at Bronner's forecast presidential election results?

"Not necessarily," said Lori Libka, Bronner's communications assistant. "Republican elephant ornaments outsold Democratic donkey ornaments at Bronner's in 2007, a non-election year, by 1,175 to 762 - more than a 1.5-1 ratio. It's difficult to say why we sell more elephants than donkeys. Do more Republicans shop here? Are Republicans more passionate about displaying their political affiliation on their Christmas trees? Or is it a forecast of election results? I don't know."

"You can defiitely tell it's an election year," said Bronner's buyer Kerri Kritzman. "Elephant and donkey ornament sales are brisk."

ARTIST APPEARANCES USHER IN HOLIDAYS Back to Top
October 13, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Glass ornament designer Susan Cherry will greet guests and sign Cherry Designs ornaments purchased at Bronner's on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26. She will appear on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. Each new 2008 Cherry Designs ornament comes with a coordinating, silver-plated charm that can be added to a charm bracelet or necklace.

Annalee designers Linda and Leslie will assist guests in assembling their own Annalee dolls on Saturday, October 25. Guests may pick hair color, clothing and accessories from all seasons to create a special look. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Santa room near Bronner's south entrance.

For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.

BRONNER'S WELCOMES DEPARTMENT 56 ARTIST GREG BEILKE Back to Top
October 3, 2008

Frankenmuth, Michigan - Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland will hold its annual Department 56 Open House on Friday and Saturday, October 17 and 18. Village artist Greg Beilke will greet guests and sign Department 56 purchases. Beilke is known for his designs for the Alpine Village series.

Beilke will sign on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. A Department 56 representative will be available to answer Department 56 product questions, and guests may enter a drawing for a chance to win retired Department 56 pieces. Village buildings from the new line centered on the classic holiday film, "A Christmas Story," will also be available.

For more information, contact Bronner's customer service at (989) 652-9931 or customerservice@bronner.com.