For over 70 years, Simpich Dolls held a special place in the hearts of Colorado Springs residents and doll collectors around the world. These intricate, handmade dolls, crafted with care and attention to detail, became synonymous with holiday traditions, family gatherings, and local heritage. Though the iconic Simpich Showcase store closed its doors in 2021, the Simpich Dolls have made an exciting return — this time through an official online store.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the rich history of Simpich Dolls, why their disappearance left a void, and how their online comeback could spark new interest from both seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
The History of Simpich Dolls
Origin Story
Founded in 1952 by Bob and Jan Simpich, Simpich Dolls quickly became a treasured part of the Colorado Springs community. Nestled in Old Colorado City, the couple began their journey by creating delicate, handcrafted dolls that captured the spirit of everyday life and festive seasons. Over time, the dolls evolved, most notably into holiday-themed characters like charming carolers with bright blue eyes and a rosy-cheeked Santa Claus with finely detailed wrinkles.
Each doll was unique, as every piece was painstakingly sculpted, painted, and dressed by hand. The meticulous craftsmanship behind these creations drew attention not just locally but across the country, establishing Simpich Dolls as collectibles of significant cultural and artistic value.
The Simpich Showcase
As their popularity grew, the Simpich family opened the Simpich Showcase, a museum and gallery dedicated to their stunning collection of dolls and marionettes. Visitors were captivated not only by the artistry but by the storytelling each figure conveyed. The museum remained open for decades, allowing families and tourists to explore the world of Simpich dolls and witness firsthand the level of care that went into each one.
By 2009, the museum was managed by the Simpichs’ son, David Simpich, who continued the family legacy after his parents retired. However, all good things must come to an end, and the Simpich Showcase closed its doors for good in December 2021, leaving collectors to wonder if they would ever see these iconic dolls again. –> visit our shop <–
The Legacy of Simpich Dolls in Colorado Springs
A Local Tradition
For generations, families and tourists made annual trips to the Simpich Showcase a beloved holiday tradition. Walking into the store during the holiday season was like stepping into a world of festive magic. The shelves were lined with character dolls that seemed to come to life, each figure telling its own story. Whether it was the familiar sight of carolers or the jolly presence of a detailed Santa Claus, the Simpich Dolls were part of countless holiday memories for many in the Colorado Springs community.
Cultural Significance
Leah Davis-Witherow, curator of history at the Colorado Springs Pioneers Museum, once remarked, “If you grew up in Colorado Springs anytime between 1952 and 2007, Simpich Dolls are likely part of your story.” Indeed, the dolls became more than just collectibles; they were embedded in the cultural fabric of the city. Because Simpich Dolls were exclusive to the area, families visiting from out of town would often purchase these treasures to take a piece of Colorado Springs home with them. However, as collectors quickly learned, one doll was never enough.
The rarity of these dolls made them highly sought after. Over time, they became symbols of nostalgia, representing cherished moments spent with loved ones, making their eventual disappearance all the more poignant.
Why the Simpich Dolls Disappeared
Retirement and Store Closure
After nearly 70 years of craftsmanship, the Simpich family decided it was time to retire. In December 2021, the Simpich Showcase closed its doors, marking the end of an era. While the museum and gallery had been staples in the local community, the family’s decision to retire was met with understanding. After all, maintaining the high-quality, handmade nature of Simpich Dolls required a level of dedication and labor that few could sustain indefinitely.
The Impact on Collectors
The closure left collectors feeling a sense of loss. The dolls were not just toys; they were heirlooms, passed down from one generation to the next. For many, visiting the Simpich Showcase was an annual pilgrimage, a way to reconnect with family traditions and acquire new additions to their collections. When the doors closed, many feared they had lost access to a piece of history that couldn’t be replaced.
The Simpich Dolls Return – Now Online
A Comeback Story
In a surprising and exciting turn of events, the Simpich family announced in September 2024 that Simpich Dolls would make their return through an official online store. Due to overwhelming demand from collectors, the family decided to bring back these beloved dolls, allowing a new generation to discover their charm while offering long-time fans a way to reconnect with the tradition.
The online store, launched on September 23, 2024, will feature a limited, curated selection of high-demand and rare Simpich Dolls. This comeback marks a new chapter for the family and collectors alike, opening the door to new possibilities in the digital age.
What’s New
While the physical store may be gone, the new online store offers collectors an opportunity to purchase these cherished dolls from anywhere in the world. The Simpich family has made it clear that they will focus on releasing high-demand, rare dolls — some of which haven’t been available for years. Each doll will be meticulously crafted and restored to “heirloom quality,” ensuring that these timeless figures maintain their high level of artistry and craftsmanship.
What the Online Store Offers
Curated Selection
Collectors can look forward to a carefully curated selection of Simpich Dolls, each piece chosen for its significance and demand among the Simpich community. The online platform will allow the family to release limited runs of popular designs, ensuring that the quality of each doll remains at the level fans have come to expect.
Exclusive Offerings
For those seeking specific or hard-to-find Simpich Dolls, the online store will feature a waitlist where collectors can sign up to be notified when certain dolls become available. This ensures that loyal customers will have the chance to get their hands on rare items before they sell out, making the experience even more exclusive.
Global Reach
The transition to an online platform opens Simpich Dolls up to a global audience for the first time. Fans and collectors outside of Colorado Springs can now enjoy the artistry and history of these dolls without making the trip to the original store. This shift not only increases access but also allows the Simpich legacy to live on in homes across the world.
What Does the Future Hold for Simpich Dolls?
Ongoing Demand
Given the overwhelming demand from collectors, it’s clear that the return of Simpich Dolls will likely be a success. The limited, curated selection of rare and high-demand dolls ensures that these items will retain their status as collectibles. As more fans discover (or rediscover) the magic of Simpich Dolls, the online store is poised to become a go-to destination for high-quality, handmade dolls.
Future Potential
While the focus for now is on restoring and releasing existing designs, there’s potential for new creations in the future. The Simpich family could expand their offerings by introducing fresh designs, expanding the holiday-themed selection, or even collaborating with other artisans to breathe new life into this beloved tradition. As the online store grows, so too may the opportunities to expand the Simpich legacy.
Conclusion
The return of Simpich Dolls signals a beautiful blend of tradition and innovation. While the physical store may no longer exist, the dolls — and the memories they evoke — live on through their new online presence. Collectors, both old and new, can now experience the magic of these handcrafted treasures from anywhere in the world. As the Simpich family enters this new chapter, the dolls continue to capture the hearts of those who appreciate fine craftsmanship, storytelling, and nostalgia.
