There are several reasons a Beanie Baby may retire: a) The Beanie Baby has been around long enough, (e.g. Bronty) b) There may be an error in the Beanie Baby.(e.g. Peanut (royal blue version) c) it was a Limited or Special edition Beanie Baby, such as a BBOM(Beanie Baby Of The Month) (e.g. Holiday Teddies) d) There may be too many complaints about it for a specific reason. (e.g. Runner) and e) There may be a lawsuit or upcoming lawsuit on the Beanie Baby from a different company for copying the name or design.