Switch Witch Shark Tank Update – Shark Tank Season 7
Rob Bouley and Lara Riley pitched Switch Witch on Shark Tank Season 7 Episode 5, but didn’t secure a deal. The product remains a seasonal favorite, sold on Amazon and in select stores. It is generating an estimated $5.3 million in annual revenue.
Rob Bouley and his sister-in-law, Lara Spear Riley, pitched Switch Witch, their Halloween-themed plush toy and accompanying storybook, in Shark Tank Season 7 Episode 5.
The Switch Witch is a small plush toy that “switches” Halloween candy for a gift or something else. The idea is that by using the Switch Witch, you’ll cut down on the amount of sweets your kids will eat.
About Switch Witch
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Business Name | Switch Witch |
| Founders | Rob Bouley, Lara Riley |
| Industry | Children’s Toys and Books |
| Product | Halloween-themed plush toy and storybook |
| Investment Asked | $55,000 for 25% equity |
| Deal Status | No Deal |
Bouley, who owned an ice cream shop, knew the occasional sweet was OK, but gorging on the pounds of candy wasn’t healthy.
When he heard of the “legend” of the Switch Witch in 2013, he thought he could create a product out of it. He asked Riley, a reading specialist, to write a storybook to accompany a plush toy.
Together, they created a storyline that gets a kid to behave – a la Santa Claus – when the Switch Witch is in the house (they’re supposed to arrive October 1). The toys are hidden by parents so the kids can play a magical game of hide and seek, too.
Bouley tried getting the business off the ground on Kickstarter, but his campaign to raise $14,500 was unsuccessful back in July 2014. He appears to have found the cash to produce the product. The doll and book will set you back 22 bucks.
Could Switch Witch bewitch a Shark and get an investment?
Switch Witch Shark Tank Pitch
After initially testing the market with a Kickstarter campaign, Rob and Lara brought Switch Witch to Shark Tank, seeking investment to scale production. They sought $55,000 for 25% equity from the Sharks.
Joining them are three kids in Halloween costumes, and one is dressed as a Shark. They demonstrated the story as the kids dumped tons of candy out of their bags. Then, the Switch Witch switched out the kids’ candy for a gift.
Kevin asked if they were worried about litigation over taking candy. Robert wanted clarification on the process the kids go through to give up some of the candy. Mark said he thinks it needs to go viral, while Kevin noted that the seasonality is brutal.
Rob explained that the concept had been around for a while. They sold 815 units in their first year, generating approximately $15,700 in sales.
Did Switch Witch Get a Deal on Shark Tank?
The Sharks wanted to know why it didn’t take off. Kevin liked the merits of the product, but noted it was a non-proprietary plush doll. He said they ought to take a cue from the Salem witch trials and burn it behind the barn due to his strong disapproval of the product. He was out.
Robert Herjavec noted he liked the idea of free candy but chose not to invest. He was out.
Lori Greiner did a deal with Christmas and Hanukkah products earlier, but Halloween is one day, not a whole season. She was out.
Mark Cuban explained that the product introduced more stress into the situation than it solved, and to succeed, Switch Witch would need to become organically viral. So, he decided not to invest. He was out.
Daymond John said it could be a hobby that will grow into a nice business, but it’s too soon. So, he was out. The founders left the stage without securing a deal.
Switch Witch Shark Tank Update
The Shark Tank Blog constantly provides updates and follow-ups about entrepreneurs who have appeared on the Shark Tank TV show.
Since appearing on Shark Tank, the company has taken a seasonal approach to marketing and sales. Parents have praised the Switch Witch for providing a fun, moderate way to manage Halloween candy consumption.
Customer feedback has driven improvements to both the book design and the plush doll, giving families a better experience each year.
The lack of a proprietary name and trademark has hurt the business. There are at least two other similar, “knock-off” companies doing the same thing. While this created confusion, the product is still for sale on Amazon, in the Paper Store, and in Hallmark stores in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire. This collaboration made it easier for families to get their hands on the product.
The company has also partnered with Operation Gratitude, donating extra Halloween candy to U.S. troops overseas.
As of August 2022, the company was still in business. Reliable revenue figures are unavailable.
As of 2025, Switch Witch remains a seasonal favorite, consistently selling well during Halloween. Marketing ramps up in mid-August, but the product is available year-round on Amazon.
Though the numbers are not publicly disclosed, the annual revenue of Switch Witch is around $5.3 million, according to some estimates.
Posts About Switch Witch on Shark Tank Blog
Learn more details about Switch your Halloween Candy.
Where Can You Buy It?
The Switch Witch is available at a few toy shops throughout the country, and it’s widely available on Amazon.
Interestingly, their official website appears to be down or experiencing issues. Visiting the page currently shows a Vietnamese write-up instead of the company’s content, suggesting a possible domain problem or downtime.
Check out their social media pages for more updates: Facebook and Twitter.
Quick Summary
- Founders Rob Bouley and Lara Riley pitched Switch Witch, a Halloween-themed plush toy and storybook that “switches” kids’ candy for gifts.
- No Sharks invested, citing seasonality, non-proprietary design, and the need for the product to go viral.
- Since the show, the company has grown as a seasonal favorite, sells on Amazon and in select stores, partners with Operation Gratitude, and generates an estimated annual revenue of $5.3 million.
FAQs
1. Is Switch Witch still available
Yes, it’s sold seasonally on Amazon and select retail stores in the New England area.
2. Did Switch Witch get a deal on Shark Tank?
No. The Sharks were concerned about seasonality, lack of proprietary protection, and viral potential.
3. Where can I buy Switch Witch?
Currently available on Amazon, The Paper Store, and Hallmark stores in Massachusetts, Maine, and New Hampshire.
Be sure to check out other products that appeared in the Shark Tank Season 7 episodes.
Interested in knowing about other businesses that appeared on the same episode? Check out their business updates!
