omi is changing the way people think about organic
Transcription
omi is changing the way people think about organic
BEDROOMRETAILERS.COM / SUMMER 2014 OMI IS CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE THINK ABOUT DIGITAL ISSUE SPONSORED BY ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESSES LAS VEGAS MARKET GUIDE SEE PAGE 18 BOOSTING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE WITH DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS NATUREPEDIC GOES BEYOND CERTIFIED BOYD OFFERS ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION BEDROOMRETAILERS.COM / SUMMER 2014 OMI IS CHANGING THE WAY PEOPLE THINK ABOUT ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESSES LAS VEGAS MARKET GUIDE SEE PAGE 18 BOOSTING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE WITH DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS NATUREPEDIC GOES BEYOND CERTIFIED BOYD OFFERS ADVANCED CUSTOMIZATION Discover our new latex MattReSSeS Island Dreams by by somn S p e c i a l t y S l e e p Visit our showroom at the Las Vegas Market July 27-31, 2014, Building B, Showroom B-960 Our Pillow Collection A proven way to increase sales and profits. Aquafoam Vitality Eucalyptus Bio Aloe Aquagel 1 866 973-7614 Florida Las Vegas Canada www.blusleepproducts.com 1501 Green Road, Suite B, Pompano Beach, Florida 33064 475 S Grand Central Pkwy, Building B, Showroom B960, Las Vegas, NV 89106 1550 Bernard-Lefebvre, Laval (Québec) Canada H7C 0A5 info@blusleepproducts.com IN THIS ISSUE 8 LAS VEGAS MARKET GUIDE SEE PAGE 18 COVER STORY Accountability, Authenticity, Assurance: OMI Is Changing the Way People Think About Organic Latex Mattresses DEPARTMENTS 6 Editors’ Picks 32 Q&A from the Editors What’s the most exciting aspect of the industry right now? 12 Social Media 14 Marketing Update RSAs Report Strong Sales Results with the PureCare One Pillow Program 15Wright Global Graphics Offers POP Alternative with DomeTEC Eclipse Launches New Marketing Program 16Royrack Maximizes Retail Floor Space Customer Experience Spring Air Invigorates Retail Sales With Promotional Prices 20 Features from the Editors Boosting Consumer Confidence with Diagnostic Systems 22 Mattress Update 14 29 36 34 Boyd Specialty Sleep Debuts New Broyhill Collections Simmons Updates Comforpedic iQ 23Blu Sleep Introduces Island Dreams Latex Bed Collection 26Aireloom Updates Synchronized Support Collection Value Price Points and High Margins with Spring Time 27PranaSleep’s New All Latex Collection 28Serta’s New Product Updates Boost Brand Loyalty 29Pure LatexBLISS Offers Latex Mattresses at Value Price Points Reverie Showcases Innovative “DreamCell” Latex Technology 30Therapedic’s “Agility Air” Offers Advanced Cooling Technogel Rejuvenates the Sleep Experience with VIVE 34 Materials Update Naturepedic Goes ‘Beyond Certified’ With New Campaign and Product Introductions 35Magniflex Ensures a Cooler Night’s Sleep with Magnigel Foam 36 Accessories Update Seahawk Updates its Popular Synergy System 37BedJet Unveils Proactive Climate Control System 38Reverie Enters Accessories Segment With Two Unique New Products 39SensorPEDIC’s Gel-Infused Top-Of-Bed Line Makes Las Vegas Debut Forever Foundations Max-Plus Provides Unparalleled Plus-Size Support 40Malouf Showcases its Latest Pillows in New Las Vegas Market Showroom 42Glideaway Adds Five-Sided Mattress Protectors to Sleepharmony Line Customatic’s New Edge-to-Edge Lumbar Feature Offers Advanced Support 43Mantua Debuts Customizable “Express Yourself” Bed Frame PureCare Introduces Unique FRíO Cooling Protector at the Summer Las Vegas Market 44Dormeo Launches Three New Bed Base Options for its Retailers 46Back Page from the Publisher ADVERTISERS Blu Sleep Products / 3 blusleepproducts.com 866.973.7614 International Market Centers / 13 imcenters.com/ 702.599.9621 Boyd Specialty Sleep / 7 boydspecialtysleep.com 314.997.5222 Leggett & Platt / 5 leggett.com 336.889.2600 Colonial LLC / IBC colonialllc.com 336.862.7380 Naturepedic / 17 naturepedic.com 800.917.3342 Organic Mattresses, Inc / Lifekind / 33, 46 lifekind.com 855.281.0355 PureCare by Fabrictech / 19, 24–25 fabrictech.com 800.785.8563 Reverie / 45 reverie.com 888.888.5990 Sleep Innovations, Inc. / 41 sleepinnovations.com 888.999.0499 South Bay International / IFC southbayinternational.com 800.723.0316 Spring Air International / BC spingair.com 617.884.2300 Sustainable Furniture Council / 31 sustainablefurnishings.org 919.967.1137 Tyler Retail Systems / 35 tylernet.com/furniture-pos-software 800.237.5913 Ext. 100 Classic style, with a modern twist. S•CAPE+ You’re in control of all-new comfort features, quieter performance, and safety options with our sleek, stand-up remote. We’ve added modern touches to our classic adjustable bases to bring you five solid-performing models at a great price. Visit us in Las Vegas to see our updated Pro-Motion, Signature, Simplicity, S-Cape and all-new S-Cape+ adjustable bases. LPAdjustableBases.com © 2014 Leggett & Platt Adjustable Bed Group, a division of Leggett & Platt Incorporated editors’ Publisher........................................................... Christopher Schriever ZZZest’s new GelSpring mattress boasts a unique design, unlike any other gel bed on the market. With a core made from 40 pounds of highstrength gel in a hollow-column buckling formulation, this mattress offers superior alignment, support, and pressure relief. Rounding out an already comprehensive portfolio, Jamison recently introduced its newest promotion mattress line, designed to attract shoppers and move products off showroom floors. . The Two-Thirty-Four Collection retails from $299 to $499 and offers both coil-based and foam-core constructions with a variety of poly-foam comfort layers. Savvy Rest’s signature organic mattress, the Serenity, offers advanced customization with healthful materials. Layers of natural Dunlop or Talalay latex in varying firmnesses are combined for each customer to create highly individualized comfort. The organic cotton casing is filled with organic wool batting that serves as a natural flame retardant. With organic add-ons like mattress toppers, bedding, accessories, Savvy Rest offers consumers the chance for a fully organic bedroom. chris@bluehouse.us Associate Publisher/Sales Director....................... Kyle Harrington kyle@bluehouse.us Assistant Editor......................................................Gretchen Kast gretchen@bluehouse.us Creative Director........................................... Katie Piwowarczyk katie@bluehouse.us Design & Print Firm.................................................... Blue House www.bluehouse.us Web Manager............................................................ Blue House www.bluehouse.us Providing bedding retailers with information and insights on a variety of Mattress and Bedding products. Since 1995. BEDROOM is published quarterly by Blue House Design, LLC and is mailed to more than 16,800 mattress and home furnishings retailers nationwide. © Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Address correspondence to: Editor c/o BEDROOM, Blue House, 2168 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20007. The views expressed by the editorial Based on the luxury designs the company sells to hotel chains, Englander’s new E Hotel Collection allows consumers to enjoy high-end quality at home. Outfitted in dramatic black and white quilted knit covers, the two-sided line features zoned encased coil cores and varying layers of soft poly-foams and gel-infused visco foams. Expected to retail from $799 to $1499, this new line offers luxury comfort and durability at introductory price points. staff of this publication are their own, and do not necessarily represent the views of the advertisers or their agents. BEDROOM is an independent trade publication. BEDROOM neither takes sides nor declares a preference for any one manufacturer, supplier, technology, process or solution. Instead, we try to provide neutral information concerning mattresses and related products. Advertis- Malouf’s Sleep Tite Five 5ided Mattress Protector incorporates three innovative technologies to provide a health sleeping solution. The five sided design ensures full mattress protection, while Tencel and Omniphase technology offers advanced moisture-wicking, temperature regulatation. The laboratory-certified H2Pro membrane has microscopic pores that block liquids, viruses, dust mites and allergens, preventing the development of asthma. ing space is available. Press releases or information about your company should be submitted to our editorial team for inclusion as space allows at bedroom@bluehouse.us. CIRCULATION NOTICE: BEDROOM will print 19,000 copies of BEDROOM. It will be mailed to our current list of more than 16,800 home furnishings retailers, buyers, owners and managers. We do not subscribe to a circulation auditing service but we are ready, willing and able to provide advertisers certification of mailing as reported by the US Postal Service. BEDROOM: ISSN 2163-7571 Magniflex and Carolina Mattress Guild have teamed up for a exclusive mattress collaboration. This new series of compressed hybrid beds integrates Magniflex’s popular memory foam with Carolina Mattress Guild’s innerspring technology. Designed to be rolled up for easy shipping, the collection is targeted to consumers with limited budgets who still want the adaptive support of a hybrid bed. 6 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 www.bedroomretailers.com www.facebook.com/bedroommagazine twitter.com/bedroommag 8 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 ACCOUNTABILITY, AUTHENTICITY, ASSURANCE OMI Is Changing the Way People Think About Organic Latex Mattresses By Gretchen Kast Just over a decade ago, it might have been difficult to find an organic bed on a retail showroom floor. For years, mattresses have been exclusively sold on two selling points—comfort and price—as consumers looked to buy something comfortable and supportive to sleep on, without breaking the bank. But the market is changing. S ales of organic goods as a whole have seen explosive growth over the past ten years—with more than 80% of American households choosing organic, whether it be food, personal care, cleaning supplies, or mattresses. No longer relegated to a small subset of “environmentally conscious” consumers, all-natural products now appeal to a wide range of demographics—from millennials to baby boomers. As a whole, people are getting smarter about their purchases, researching how they’re made and how they affect both the environment and their own health. Since founding OMI in 2003, President Walt Bader has strived to create a company that offers consumers the finest organic latex mattress money can buy. A longtime sufferer of Multiple Chemical Sensitivity himself, Bader was one of the first to shed light on the concerns he had regarding mattresses that off-gas from the ingredients used in their manufacturing. Freedom Press has published his two books on this subject: Toxic Beds in 2007 and Sleep Safe in a Toxic World in 2011. “We don’t sell our mattresses using information in my books to scare people or put down the competition.” Bader explains, “we just want to give organically preferenced consumers an organic mattress choice.” OMI was founded on the belief that people choosing to incorporate organic products into their lifestyle should be given the opportunity to purchase an organic mattress as well. In addition to comfort and price, Bader puts health and consumer choice at the top of the list of selling points—and it’s this unique trio of characteristics that sets OMI apart from its competition. Bader and his team have pioneered a unique product to inform the general public that not only do organic mattresses exist, but they are a growing part of the future of the bedding industry. With an organic mattress, consumers are not making any sacrifices in terms of price or comfort (as it was once thought). High-end and ultra-luxury prices for mattresses have become more common— placing OMI’s beds squarely in the mid-range price point of specialty beds. Each mattress features high-quality organic knit covers, certified-organic wool quilting and layers of comfort materials that include 100% certified-organic latex and certified-organic cotton. OMI’s customers receive the coveted “Purity Guarantee” that says, “If you find a product purer than ours we will give you our mattress for free.” With “safety” and accountability” as two of the most important tenants of OMI’s business model, Bader set out to make sure he bedroomretailers.com 9 “As the growth of the organic segment continues, we felt these consumers deserve to have organic bedding options that would meet their individualized needs.” 10 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 could provide the necessary proof to effectively back up his claims. OMI has worked tirelessly over the years to combat “greenwashing” in the bedding industry to give retailers and consumers confidence that they are purchasing authentic, organic products. When first starting out, though, “most retailers weren’t concerned with organic certifications,” Bader says. “Their customers just weren’t looking for them.” But the company continued to invest in research and advanced technology to improve the quality control throughout the entire supply and production chain, ensuring that every single step was safe and organic. And, in the past few years, the demand for transparency has skyrocketed, changing the market drastically. It’s no longer enough for companies to simply slap unsubstantiated promises onto their products. With a wealth of information at their fingertips, consumers are more discerning than ever, and as we saw last year, the Federal Trade Commission is cracking down on companies falsely claiming that their products are “organic”. OMI produced the first mattress to receive the Global Organic Latex Standard, which was, itself, the first certification of its kind. Working with third-party auditors, OMI assures that they are strictly adhering to this standard’s guidelines. The GOLS certification requires more than using sap from USDA-certified rubber trees, OMI must be able to trace the raw rubber sap components to their sources and suppliers, and verify that no non-organic materials have been commingled or exposed to contamination throughout the full supply chain. OMI utilizes quality control systems to identify and minimize the chemicals used to process the latex and execute effective environmental practices for reducing and recycling waste. Additionally, safe working environments must be upheld throughout the entire process. In addition to GOLS, OMI boasts a long list of comprehensive certifications. In 2005, the company produced the first organic mattress in the United States to receive the stringent Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certification. The GOTS certification ensures that every aspect of the textile supply chain is organic: from harvesting to manufacturing to labeling. OMI’s exclusive ozone sanitation chambers assures that raw materials are protected from potential contamination from mold, yeast and bacteria. The compressed air is even sterilized so that pollens or other outside air contaminants are never forced into mattresses under normal manufacturing processes. OMI unveiled the culmination of all of this hard work at the 2014 Winter Las Vegas Market with the introduction of the Certified-Organic Latex Mattress Collection, which has quickly become the company’s most successful launch ever. The OMI Certified-Organic Collection is comprised of twelve beds, each of which adheres to the premium Global Organic Textile Standard and features a fully certified-organic Dunlop latex core. This doubled their number of third-party certified offerings, providing consumers with a level of choice that is not often associated with this niche. “As the growth of the organic Latex segment continues,” Bader explains, “we felt these consumers deserve to have organic bedding options that would meet their individualized needs as well, and this market is seeing the introduction of five certified organic pillow tops and certified wool and cotton pillows.” Over 80% of OMI’s retailers have experienced double digit sales growth in the first six months of the year, and the new certified-organic accessories introduced at this market will further add to the average dollar sales realized from these products. “OMI proves to consumers that they can have a mattress made of comfortable, or- ganic materials in the same price range as other luxury specialty beds,” Bader explains. Working closely with retail partners, OMI is dedicated to helping raise the awareness of the existence of organic bedding and its growing consumer interest. The company recently introduced the Organic Demographic Study (ODS), which allows retailers, for the first time, to calculate the size of the organic market around their showroom floors. This service analyzes the retail area based on a wide range of local geographic factors, including the number of other organic stores, demographics, median income, age, etc. All of this research informs the retailer about how likely it is that their customers would be interested in organic bedding—if only they know it existed. “The fact that so many organic shopping options, such as Whole Foods, are opening throughout the United States proves that independent bedding retailers can successfully address this important mattress segment for their individual communities,” says Bader. Over the years, the bedding marketplace has transformed in many different ways. On one end of the spectrum, giant chain stores and monolithic retail brands have taken over a large part of the retail sector—while the Internet has overtaken many brick-and-mortar retailers. In the middle remain the small mom-and-pop stores and the independently-owned regional chains, many of which are looking to find a way to differentiate themselves. It’s these kind of retailers with whom OMI fosters relationships, providing them with unique, high-quality organic mattresses that will help set them apart from many bigbox or online stores. Today, OMI mattresses are sold in retail stores across North America, including Bilt Rite Furniture, California Mattress and Long’s Bedding. Recently, the company has also partnered with a growing list of high-end specialty furniture stores: Elte, ABC Home and Carpet and HD Buttercup, among others. These placements have re-enforced OMI’s distinct positioning in the market. “These leading retailers are not selling us exclusively as an organic brand,” Bader explains, “but placing us right next to other luxury brands as a latex option with a great story.” Retailers across the board are looking to offer “authenticity” in their sleep products, as consumers are becoming more informed about the products they purchase. OMI provides them with an option to embrace this growing latex niche. By spending more time with the consumer and identifying the organic prospect, OMI is helping retailers grow their average dollar sales—with one of their retailers already making a $64,000 sale this year. “Word of mouth” has become a major part of OMI’s success, as almost half of all the company’s sales are referrals and repeat purchases. As a company, they have built a sense of trust with their customers—people who understand the unique benefits of an OMI latex mattress and, in turn, spread the word among friends and family to bring new customers into retail stores. Through its certification and educational efforts, OMI is also raising the bar for other mattress manufacturers—offering a superior level of assurance that will (perhaps) one day be required of all mattresses. But for the time being, OMI offers retailers a way to connect with a growing niche of consumers, a way to differentiate themselves among a changing market, and a full line-up of beds at a variety of price points and comfort levels—all of which move on showroom floors. “OMI continues to prove to the retailers throughout North America that organic latex mattresses sell!” Bader says. The success of the Certified-Organic line is proof that the perspective on organic mattresses has improved—and will continue to do so, as OMI shifts its efforts to Point of Purchase and expanding distribution in the coming months, with a focus on educating the consumer. Despite its strong sales number, Bader still considers OMI a “sleeper line”, simmering just under the radar. As the consumer interest in organics and latex continues to grow, though, and the rest of the industry continues to follow his lead, it looks as though this won’t be the case much longer. Visit omimattress.com. NEW FOR THE LAS VEGAS MARKET: CERTIFIED ORGANIC LATEX MATTRESS TOPPERS OMI is expanding its best-selling Certified Organic Mattress Collection at the Summer Las Vegas Market, adding five new third-party certified organic pillow tops that will retail for $575 to $1,175 in queen. “The certified organic mattress and accessory segment, following strong growth of organic purchases in the U.S. organic market last year, is continuing to experience sales growth significantly higher than overall industry performance,” Bader explains. The introductory Verona topper features 2-inches of GOLS-certified organic latex encased in certified organic cotton knit fabric. The Allura topper features 2-inches of GOLS certified organic latex encased in OMI’s signature OrganicPedic knit quilting. The Wave model is the highest profile topper in the collection, featuring 3-inches of GOLS certified organic latex encased in the company’s exclusive certified organic cotton knit fabric and a body-conforming sculpted surface to ease pressure points and increase air flow under the sleeper. The Wooly is made with 3-inches of hi-loft third party certified organic wool encased in a hand tufted certified organic cotton cover. The Wooly Lite is made with 1.5-inches of hi-loft third party certified-organic wool encased in a hand tufted 100% certified organic cotton cover. The line will also include third party certified wool and cotton pillows. bedroomretailers.com 11 Stay up to date with the bedding industry all year long! Check out bedroomretailers.com for the latest industry news as it happens and join the conversation by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Here’s a peek at what’s trending online now: LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: Bedroom Magazine Why We Sleep Together: a short history of people sharing their beds (via The Atlantic) Are you getting enough rest? The “Sleep Test” takes less than a minute and shows you just how sleep deprived you may be Diagnostic systems help consumers find their perfect mattress match—and help retailers grow their sales margins. Want to know how XSENSOR’s Reveal works? Watch the video below and learn more here: 5 Trends From the Spring High Point Market Learn More About the 33 Companies Featured in the SSA Showroom Companies 33 bedroomretailers.com 12 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @bedroommag @ParamountSleep teams up with @Bloomingdales to help new couples find the perfect mattress http://shar.es/PnioE The Mattress Recycling Council announces its 2014-2015 Board of Directors http://shar.es/Vg2Op @DormeoUSA’s new site helps retailers by better informing consumers about their unique mattresses and technology: http://shar.es/VfRQ4 Sleep Innovations and Flexible Foam Merge to Become Innocor new! EXPERIENCE IT ALL. • See 2,000+ of the industry’s best resources • Stay ahead of industry trends • Engage with top tastemakers • Shop thousands of new products • Discover cross-merchandising ideas to align with today’s lifestyle consumer ALL AT THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE FURNITURE, HOME DÉCOR AND GIFT MARKET IN THE WESTERN US #LVMkt Las Vegas Market Furniture | Home Décor | Gift July 27-31, 2014 MARKET NOW STARTS ON SUNDAY Register Today www.lasvegasmarket.com/register RSAs Report Strong Sales Results with the PureCare One Pillow Program By Gretchen Kast PureCare set out to create a new category of pillow with the February launch of One, the “Three Pieces. One Dream” pillow collection. Featuring a patented construction that works with all sleep positions, the goal was to simplify the pillow selection process and point of purchase concepts for the retail sales associates. Two of PureCare’s core customers, Sit ‘n Sleep in Southern California and Mattress Direct in Louisiana have reported extremely strong results with PureCare One in the first half of 2014. Ty Hingle, co-owner of Mattress Direct, a 22-store chain throughout Louisiana and Mississippi, was incredibly enthusiastic The goal with One was to simplify the pillow selection process and point of purchase concepts for the retail sales associates. 14 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 about the changes that the PureCare One collection has brought to his organization. “In the past we’ve taken a loss on pillows, approximately $9,000. a month in giveaways. But selling PureCare One, we have reversed that loss into $2,700. a month in revenues. That is something like a $13,000 per month positive impact on our bottom line all due to the PureCare One program. Your pillows stopped the bleeding of giving away free pillows. The RSA has excitement and something to sell: a real, credible story.” Pillows were previously seen as a free addon with mattress sales, but the PureCare One program has changed that process. “PureCare One is the most unique product to come through Mattress Direct in the seven years I’ve been here,” Myra Guillot, Vice President of Sales for Mattress Direct, explained. “Overall there is a huge increase in pillow sales. [PureCare One] absolutely drives up our numbers, making more money for the store and for the sales employees as well.” Lori Chichoski, a sales associate at the Upland Sit ‘n Sleep, emphasized the importance of the choices involved with selling the right PureCare One pillow. “The Pure Care One is the only one of its kind on the sales floor,” said Chichoski, who likes the PureCare One pillow for its health, wellness and unique story. “Anytime you get the customer engaged, it’s a good thing,” she continued. “Our customers like to see inside something, to break it down, to understand it. Why it feels good,” referring to PureCare One’s unique display system that allows customers to experience the materials and design of the pillow. David Wolfe, Store Manager at Sit ‘n Sleep’s Westminster, CA location mentioned choice and PureCare One’s unique sales compatibility within the popular adjustable bed segment as his reasons for the new line’s success. “When the bed is upright I suggest trying the softer side of the pillow. While the bed is flat, I suggest flipping the pillow to the harder or firmer side.” Matt Creeks, store manager at Sit ‘n Sleep’s Burbank location, believes that a successful salesperson needs two things: a strategy and a good story. Creeks believes that the uniquely constructed latex, memory foam and gel-wrapped memory foam PureCare One pillow line comes with just that—a story line that works for his team and his customers. Customers identify with PureCare One’s creator, Tanya Hawkins, whose inability to find the right pillow eventually lead her to create the first PureCare One prototype: an entirely new pillow concept that works for all kinds of customers. “Our customers react positively to the story. This is a story that women can connect with,” said Creeks. “The response from retailers and consumers alike has been unbelievably gracious. Retailers are excited about the pillow category again and RSA ingenuity is fusing into presentations of PureCare One to truly capture consumer interest,” says Sean Bergman, marketing chief at PureCare. “It’s been a lot of fun strengthening our partnerships with our retailers by delivering merchandising programs that move the needle and substantially affect their bottom line, all while getting tremendous response from the customer,” he added. PureCare is harnessing the power of Twitter to further the conversation surrounding PureCare One, asking retailers to tweet their first-hand stories of how the program has helped them succeed on the sales floor. “Social media is so important to us today, it allows us to connect with salespeople on the ground, in the store, and have a conversation that we both learn from,” Bergman added. “The more we can participate in conversations within our industry, the better we can achieve the end goal of satisfying the consumer.” Visit purecare.com Wright Global Graphics Offers POP Alternative with DomeTEC By Christopher Schriever any top-of-bed product. It also can be a re- Wright Global Graphics’ visually dynamic DomeTEC Point-of-Purchase technology is making its Las Vegas debut at the Summer Market. DomeTEC can be applied to almost any surface, and features an embossed metallic look while maintaining a soft, flexible feel. “DomeTEC made a huge splash at this year’s ISPA Expo and we are excited to bring it to Las Vegas as well,” said Senior Vice President of Business Development & Chairman of the Board Don Wright. “We have a reputation for innovation and continue to bring great designs and quality products to market, and we believe DomeTEC is the next great innovation in quick, high quality on-site branding.” Highly versatile, DomeTEC can be developed as a brand label or an enhancement to placement to an embroidered border. With an unlimited color palette and more design flexibility than traditional embroidery, DomeTEC ensures that products will stand out on a crowded showroom floor. “From displays to top-of-bed to border branding, the DomeTEC application draws consumers to a product with its dimen- “DomeTEC made a huge splash at this year’s ISPA Expo and we are excited to bring it to Las Vegas” sional qualities and ability to capture and reflect light in the showroom, creating a strong visual impact for customers,” Wright continued. “The visual impact of products designed using the DomeTEC is stronger than traditional embroidery and standard printing techniques. We are excited to see response to DomeTEC at Las Vegas.” Visit wrightglobalgraphics.com. Eclipse Launches New Marketing Program By Christopher Schriever With a focus on the “real needs” of mattress consumers, retailers and licensees, Eclipse is introducing a new marketing program, to highlight the company’s clinically-tested, patented, and patentpending proprietary bedding technologies. The company is introducing a series of trade advertisements, point of purchase, and other marketing tools that focus on the critical requirements of healthy sleep: support, spinal alignment, comfort, lasting performance, and real quality for the price the consumer pays. “The majority of the mattress brands have been embracing the latest marketing ‘bells and whistles’, and seem to have forgotten about the fundamentals of support, alignment, comfort, lasting performance and real quality for the price the customer pays,” says company president Matt Connolly. “Naturally, we offer all the new technologies that any other brand fea- tures such as gel, gel-foam, natural latex, open-celled engineered foams, air-flow materials, temperature control, and phasechange materials. But more importantly, we design and build all our Eclipse and Eastman House mattresses with our own clinically-tested, proprietary construction features with a commitment to providing fundamental support, alignment, comfort, performance and real value.” The company’s focus is on the fundamentals, or “what really matters in designing and producing beds for healthy sleep. Our central message to consumers and our retail partners is that the Eclipse and Eastman House brands are designed and built to address ‘what really matters’ in mattresses…namely the fundamentals of better sleep.” The company’s unique design and construction elements include the patented Spinal Zone, Life Edge, Spinal Zone Quilting and the patent-pending ModuCoil Modular Foam Technology. “These mat- The company’s focus is on the fundamentals, or “what really matters in designing and producing beds for healthy sleep.” tress building blocks are second-to-none”, says Connolly. “Using these patented elements, we create mattress sets that really address the fundamental issues, the heart of superior and healthy sleep. We give the retailer something concrete to sell to today’s discerning consumers.” Visit eclipsemattress.com. bedroomretailers.com 15 Royrack Maximizes Retail Floor Space Customer Experience By Christopher Schriever Following its debut at the winter market, Royrack Company will showcase its updated Select-a-Mat mattress storage and display system at the Summer Las Vegas Market, including new display concepts. Retail businesses, both large and small, that are striving to maximize profit per square foot often utilize racks and shelves in order to efficiently display their products. The Select-a Mat system brings shelving to the bedding industry, providing the retailer efficient and cost-effective mattress storage and the retail customer a simple, easy, and safe way to try out the mattresses they want to rest-test. With the Select-a-Mat system, a mattress retailer can store and display sixteen queen mattresses in a 250 square foot space, more than three times the number of beds in a traditional display. By tripling the number of mattresses displayed, retailers can increase their square foot profit. For those retailers looking to expand their offerings, the Select-a-Mat system makes it possible to dramatically increase the number of mattresses on the show room floor without increasing square footage. This shelving solution helps bedding retailers free up space in their showrooms for other profitable collections or add-on accessories, like adjustable bases or pillow displays. Traditionally, when a retailer was faced with a limited amount of floor space, the only way display additional mattress offerings was to stack them up against the wall. This meant that, when a customer wanted to test a mattress, it was pulled out of the stack and manually put on a bed frame or placed directly on the floor. Royrack offers a unique, easy-to-use alternative to this labor intensive process, reducing the risk of injury and improving customer experience. Visit royrack.com Spring Air Invigorates Retail Sales With Promotional Prices By Gretchen Kast new fabrics and updated looks, and will be Following the revamp of its Sleep Sense, backed by fresh point-of-sale materials. With suggested retail prices ranging consumers), but also reinforced that nearly from $499 to $799, the four new promo- 95 percent of consumers prefer to buy a ers also would spend more to purchase a familiar name, the study showed. “Our objectives this market are to strongly communicate and emphasize the brand equity in our 88-year-old name and to showcase the great product lines that represent the Spring Air brand today,” said Rick Robinson, company president. Spring Air’s latest round of POP materials will include messages dedicated to brand awareness and the power of brand recognition on the selling floor. tional Back Supporter models will feature mattress brand they know. Most consum- Visit springair.com. Back Supporter 700 Series and Four Sea- Spring Air is also focusing heavily on sons lines over the past year, Spring Air marketing this summer, spotlighting its is coming to Las Vegas with several new current bedding lines and to reinforce the value-priced Back Supporter models and strength of the worldwide Spring Air brand. strong marketing tools to help retailers Recent independent research conducted drive business through the remainder of by Spring Air not only revealed the brand’s the year. recognition level today (one out of two U.S. 16 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 / LAS VEGAS WORLD MARKET CENTER JULY 27–31 EXHIBITORSHOWROOM EXHIBITORSHOWROOM EXHIBITORSHOWROOM AC Pacific.............................................A-816 Aireloom/E.S. Kluft............................ C-1501 Arason Enterprises............................ C-1565 Bedding Technology Industries........ C-1565 Bedgear by Guard Master...................A-840 BedJet................................................ C-1565 BluSleep Products........................... B-0960 Boyd Specialty Sleep........................ B-901 Caber Sure Fit.................................... C-1565 Carolina Mattress Guild..................... B-0946 Carpe Diem Beds of Sweden..............A-219 Chili Technology................................ C-1565 Classic Brands................................... B-0970 CleanRest...................................... B-201-34 Comfort Revolution........................... B-0800 Comfortaire Corporation................... C-1536 Corsicana Bedding............................ C-1579 Customatic Bedz..................................A-504 Dormeo.............................................. B-0922 DreamPur........................................... C-1565 Dreams Sleep Products.................... B-0958 Eclipse International.......................... C-1572 Electropedic Adjustable Beds........... C-1565 Englander........................................... C-1596 Enso Sleep Systems............................A-801 Ergo Bedroom......................................A-219 Ergomotion...........................................A-938 Excel International Sleep Products... C-1565 Forever Foundations......................... C-1565 FXI...................................................... C-1588 Glideaway Sleep Products................ C-1537 Gotcha Covered................................ C-1578 Hollywood Bed & Spring Manufacturing Company, Inc................ A920 Hudson Industries, Inc...................... C-1565 Innerspace Luxury Products............. C-1565 Innova Sleep...................................... B-0975 Jobri......................................................A-504 King Koil................................................A-546 Kingsdown......................................... B-1300 Knickerbocker Bed Co...................... C-1595 Latex International............................. B-0945 Leggett & Platt CPG........................ B-1326 Life Style Covers................................ C-1565 LMP Worldwide................................. C-1565 Malouf................................................ C-1540 Magniflex........................................... C-1532 Mantua..................................................A-504 Natura................................................ C-1576 Naturepedic...................................... C-1565 Organic Mattresses (OMI)............ ..C-1507 Prana Sleep....................................... C-1564 Palm Pring......................................... C-1565 Primo Bedding................................... C-1412 Proper Pillow...................................... C-1565 PureCare........................................... C-1595 Pure LatexBliss................................ B-0945 ReST.................................................. C-1565 Rest-Medic sleep Products.............. C-1565 Restonic Mattress............................. B-0926 Reverie.............................................. B-0925 RoyRack Co....................................... C-1565 Salem Sleep Systems....................... C-1565 Savvy Rest......................................... C-1554 Scott & Duval..................................... B-0946 Seahawk Designs.............................. B-0970 Sealy.................................................. B-0800 SensorPedic...................................... C-1565 Serta International................................A-701 Silhouette Organic Beds......................A-219 Simmons Company.............................A-501 Sleep and Beyond............................. C-1565 Sleep Inc............................................ B-1022 Sleepow............................................. C-1565 Spaldin Natural Sleep........................ C-1568 Specialty Sleep Association.............. C-1565 Spring Air International................... B-1126 Spring Time Mattress........................ C-1565 Suite Sleep......................................... C-1565 Symbol Mattress............................... C-1529 Technogel........................................... C-1584 Tempur-Pedic.................................... C-1512 Therapedic International................... B-0822 U.S. Sleep Products.......................... C-1565 Tyler Net Inc...................................... C-1565 Ultra Shield/Jondy Chemicals.......... C-1565 Vi-Spring...............................................A-219 Vivon Life........................................... C-1538 W. Silver............................................. C-1565 Wallbeds...............................................A-540 Wright Global Graphic Solutions...... B-1062 Xsensor.............................................. C-1565 ZedBed Internatinal........................... C-1558 ZZZest................................................ C-1552 INDUSTRY/RETAILER SUPPLIERS / B-1050 ACA/Advertising Concepts Best Buy for Business Credit Source CrossCheck, Inc FurnitureCore.com FurnServe GE Capital Genesis Software Systems JRM Sales & Management Moso Graphics Myriad Software Profitability Consulting Group R&A Marketing Retailer Web Services STORIS *Advertisers are Listed in Bold A GUIDE TO MATTRESS, BEDDING, FUTON AND TOP OF BED MANUFACTURERS WWW.BEDROOMRETAILERS.COM BOOSTING CONSUMER CONFIDENCE WITH DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS For the average consumer, finding the perfect mattress can be a challenge, especially with the growing number of brands, materials and comfort levels from which to choose. Looking for new ways to better serve their customers, many manufacturers and retailers are using diagnostic systems as retail selling aids. Whether high-tech pressure-mapping or thorough questionnaires, these systems help RSAs direct their customers to the beds best suited to their needs—a process that’s proven to boost consumer confidence and lower return rates. By Gretchen Kast KINGSDOWN: BEDMATCH Kingsdown’s bedMATCH program is the fourth generation of a highly-advanced diagnostic approach to mattress selection and personalization, first introduced in 1997. In working to streamline the customization process of therapedic support systems, sleep specialist Dr. Oexman and Kingsdown’s Director of Research Dave Scott developed an algorithm to diagnose the appropriate amount of pressure needed at various points of the body, determining the right level of support for the least amount of pressure. This ergonomic approach to mattress selection relied on the assumption that the right amount of support would ensure a better night’s sleep. Since then, Kingsdown has invested $5 million to verify these claims and today bedMATCH is the culmination of more than 15 years of research and 6 million sleeper profiles, providing the highest level of diagnostic analysis available. The in-store system is based on 18 different statistical measurements, including height, distribution of weight, degree of lumbar curve, and a variety of pain calculations specific to certain points on the body. By combining advanced measurement technology with a wealth of research, bedMATCH differentiates itself with its ability to make accurate, well-informed links between this information and the exact bedding features necessary for optimal sleep. When executed properly in-store, retailers using bedMATCH saw their close rates increase by an average of five points and the total store AUSP improve by $300 a set, resulting in higher store revenues. SERTA: ONLINE SHOPPING TOOLS In recent market research, Serta found that many bedding customers were frustrated and confused by the current mattress buying process. In an effort to reach out to the many customers who conduct extensive research online before coming in-store, the company is introducing its new mattress selector and Serta Test Rest app to help unify the online and in-store sales process. This two-step process first takes shoppers to the online mattress selector, which allows users to answer a short set of questions to provide them with specific iComfort and/or iSeries models to should try at their local retailer. Once in the store, shoppers can use the Serta Test Rest app (which is free to download through the app store) to rank their experience with each mattress, making it easier to remember which models were preferred. 20 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 BOYD SPECIALTY SLEEP: SLEEP METRICS Introduced in 2008, Boyd Specialty Sleep’s; Sleep Metrics Program uses specially designed software to analyze specific consumer information (body type, sleep style, special needs) alongside information gathered from the in-store diagnostic “selection mattress.” The system assigns a Comfort Index score, generating a list of recommended products to best meet their needs— including mattresses, pillows, protectors, adjustable power bases or phase-change materials. Sleep Metrics takes the guesswork out of buying a new bed. “The Sleep Metrics system creates a more consultative and professional experience for the shopper and enhances the selling skills and success of the retail sales associate,” president Denny Boyd explains. Boyd has recently updated the program to include an online version, based on current market research indicating that nearly 80 percent of consumers research products online before they shop in-store. Retailers can now include a link for Sleep Metrics on its own website, enabling consumers to take a diagnostic survey online and bring their results to the store. XSENSOR: REVEAL KING KOIL: SLEEP ID King Koil first introduced its SleepiD program in 2010 as a computer-assisted, in-store mattress selection system. Shoppers enter specific information about their sleep patterns, gender, height and weight, and SleepiD presents pressure map data of how different beds fit certain body-types. The system analyzes the consumer’s input to determine their sleep comfort identity based on the adequate levels of spinal support, and zero in on the system that will support their needs. King Koil is currently updating the SleepID system as an in-depth, online program that will be available to retail customers and on its own web site. Working closely with the International Chiropractic Association, the digital version will include new education platforms and terminology that will help consumers actually define comfort and what they want in a mattress “as opposed to simply guessing by trial and error on packed and confusing sales floors,” King Koil executive Owen Shoemaker explains. In its final form, King Koil’s new online mattress assessment program will be designed to pull consumers into stores with a far better understanding of what they want, helping retailers better stimulate traffic. The first phase of the new program is planned for introduction in January, 2015. Created specifically for the mattress market by XSENSOR, REVEAL simplifies the rest-test process. REVEAL analyzes the body surface pressures with 1,664 sensors to give unbiased, real-time recommendations of an appropriate mattress category. The highly accurate technology works to educate customers with a dynamic image of their body impression as it’s measured on a mattress—a real-time approach that provides consumer confidence and lowers confusion, while the three-step software ensures a more consistent selling process. Available in both mobile and stationary versions, REVEAL has helped retail stores increase closing rates by 80% and sales margins by 50%, in addition to drastically reducing return rates. SOFT-TEX: PILLOWISE Soft-Tex Manufacturing is bringing the innovative “Pillowise” app to the United States for the first time at the Summer Las Vegas Market. First created in 2003 by Dutch physical therapist Thijs van der Hilst, this unique system uses an advanced algorithm to determine the “perfect pillow” based on distance measurements between the head, neck and shoulders along with sleep style and preferred mattress firmness. The sleek retail display stand holds the six pillow options, a hook for measuring tapes and an iPad holder to input the measurements. The app analyzes the results and assigns the consumer a color—pink, orange, green, blue, red, or purple—that is embroidered on the edges of the pillows found in-store. Consumers can access the Pillowise app online, on a mobile device, or in-store to enter their individual information, allowing them to do the measurements at home and come into the store with their color to simply test and buy the pillow. “The concept of one or few sizes fits all has gone away in many other aspects of the bedding industry as a customized approach to sleep has become more popular,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development Jeff Chilton. “With Pillowise we are pushing that sleep is what’s most important and finding the best sleep doesn’t have to be a guessing game anymore.” Visit kingsdown.com, Serta.com, boydspecialtysleep.com, kingkoil.com, xsensor.com, and soft-tex.com bedroomretailers.com 21 Boyd Specialty Sleep Debuts New Broyhill Collections Each chamber has an air valve that, when open, “breathes” air in and out to provide the sleeper with a unique floating sensation. a single mattress. Each bed contains 18 This unique collection will be on display separate cubes or chambers (nine on each at the Summer Las Vegas Market, alongside side). Each individual cube is two-sided, the new, three-model Broyhill O2 line. Afford- with each side offering the sleeper a dif- ably priced and aimed at consumers 45 and ferent comfort/support feel using different under, this collection uses resilient, gel-in- materials. Sleepers also can rearrange the order of the cubes from head to toe on their side of the bed to achieve their ideal feel. The quilted mattress cover unzips easily to allow for customization. By Christopher Schriever Boyd Specialty Sleep is unveiling a series of highly innovative sleep products under the licensed Broyhill brand, including two new bed lines and an adjustable wedge pillow. The new, three-model Broyhill Cube line provides increased flexibility and a multitude of customization opportunities in The top Broyhill Cube model features chambers of both foam and air. Each chamber has an air valve that, when open, fused engineered latex and features Celiant fibers to activate oxygenation and increase blood flow. Boyd will round out their product portfolio with new bedding accessories, including the Broyhill adjustable wedge pillow. Set to retail at $49.99, this new pillow is made of gel memory “breathes” air in and out to provide the foam and high density poly foam. A smaller sleeper with a unique floating sensation. foam wedge inside the poly foam enables the The new product concept uses a patent- user to comfortably sit up to read or watch TV, ed Boyd design and promises “innovation or to remove the inner wedge for sleep. without complication.” Visit boydspecialtysleep.com. Simmons Updates Comforpedic iQ By Gretchen Kast Following the successful launch of the ComforPedic iQ mattress at the winter market, Simmons Bedding Company is reintroducing the innovative collection with new plush feels and an introductory model. Backed by research from the Temple University School of Medicine, the Comforpedic iQ collection has been proven to help participants, on average, fall asleep faster and experience increased REM sleep. Simmons has listened to feedback from dealers and consumer about the smart, selfadjusting mattress and will unveil the updated line-up at the summer Las Vegas market. “By listening to and acting upon valuable feedback from our retailers and consumers, we are able to keep our finger on the pulse of the industry, enabling us to continuously develop state-of-the-art innovation and create 22 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 premium products like ComforPedic iQ that help consumers achieve better sleep,” says Jeff Willard, EVP of Marketing for Simmons. The new entry-level ComforPedic iQ160 model features the line’s signature Smart Response Technology. This state-of-theart system of foam chambers continuously adapts to body movement throughout the night without the need for motors, plugs, buttons or electronics. A layer of Ultra Cool memory foam is designed to provide temperature regulation and a quick response rate for cool, comfortable sleep. Priced at $1999, this introductory model allows retailers to offer high-end technology at a popular price point and more consumers to experience the revolutionary ComforPedic iQ system. In addition to the entry-level ComforPedic iQ160, Simmons is further expand- ing the line by offering additional comfort choices. The line’s new plush feels are available for a suggested retail price of $2599 for the iQ170, $2999 for the iQ180 and $3699 for the iQ200. “We are excited to expand the consumer reach of ComforPedic iQ through the introduction of these new line additions. We now have a product to satisfy the industry’s desire for high-end, state-of-the-art technology at an introductory price point, and the new feels give consumers more opportunity to experience the line,” said ComforPedic Brand Director Anne Kozel “As ComforPedic iQ continues its roll out across the country, we are renewing our commitment to create competitive products that drive up dealers’ AUSPs and satisfies consumer demand.” Visit simmons.com. Blu Sleep Introduces Island Dreams Latex Bed Collection By Gretchen Kast Blu Sleep Products is introducing the Island Dreams Latex Bed Collection, the newest models in the Somni International Sleep mattress line, at the summer Las Vegas market. This four-bed latex line ranges from low to high profile and offers soft, plush to firmer feels with a variety of support options. “Our goal is to offer a line of latex beds that is an escape to exotic comfort, joy, rest, and relaxation,” say Alex Ciccolella, owner of Blu Sleep. “We use the finest Dunlop process latex foam to create a full range of mattresses from super soft to medium and firm toppers and cores.” This is the latest introduction from the growing company. Earlier this year, Blu Sleep opened its first South Florida-based distribution center, warehouse and showroom to better serve the US market. Each mattress features a removable, wash- “Remaining consistent with our ‘adap- able zippered cover, made with breathable tive foam’ story, our beds are designed stretch fabrics that are designed to work to adapt to the body not the body to the with and enhance the latex foam comfort bed,” Ciccolella explains. “A big problem layers. The covers also have adaptive tem- that consumers face in choosing a bed is perature detection, cooling and drying capa- that most beds don’t work for both part- bility and Purotex active probiotics to reduce ners. One person has to settle, to really not dust mite allergens. The unique, integrated get the right bed. It is often a compromise. covers and stretch FR-sock assures a fully All of our foam mattresses, whether latex breathable and luxurious feel. The beds will foam, memory foam, or high-engineered have a contemporary, bright fashion design polyurethane foams, are designed to have presence—with the top-of-the-line Tahiti fea- an increased range of adaptability to fit turing a bold three-in-one pattern—including both sleepers. We design all of our beds matching or contrasting colored zippers and with the adaptive foam concept in mind. breathable, flexible borders. Working together the different engineered While the basic latex line is made up of the foam designs increase the range of body four Island Dreams beds, Blu Sleep can also types that work with one bed.” custom design and create specific models The Island Dreams Latex Bed Collec- “Our goal is to offer a line of latex beds that is an escape to exotic comfort, joy, rest, and relaxation.” for higher volume retailers who want to offer tion includes the 9-inch Aruba, the 10-inch a different latex mattress program. Bali, The 11-inch Fiji and the 12-inch Tahiti. Visit blusleepproducts.com. bedroomretailers.com 23 Da vid Wo lfe I St or eM an ag er Sit ‘n S lee p Lori Chich oski I Slee p Cons ultant Sit ‘n Sleep p Tre Ho n pso ee I Sl nt p lee nS Sit ‘ ulta ns Co r re tt C Ma ge na Ma eep e r l S to I S Sit ‘n eks r ne I Co-Ow Ty Hingle Mattress Leave your own rave review for PureCare One on our twitter feed using the hashtag and we’ll tweet you a $5 Starbucks gift card*. Visit us today to read all of our #ravereviews at www.twitter.com/PureCare_Kayla * Offer valid to the first 200 participants only. Direct Aireloom Updates Synchronized Support Collection By Gretchen Kast E.S. Kluft & Co. is showcasing its enhanced Aireloom Synchronized Support Collection at the Summer Las Vegas Market. The six SKU line-up will have an updated look and feature the same unparalleled quality hand-stitched side panels, outer tufting, superb materials and artisan handiwork for which Aireloom is known. In addition, the collection will be available with a standard foundation or adjustable base option. The line-up, which has always been known for its sophisticated aesthetic and feel, now touts a luxurious new ticking and border design featuring a dove gray Chinoiserie medallion. Enhancing the collection’s sumptuous feel, the company has added more natural Talalay Latex and plush memory foam into its comfort layers. Each model is hand-tufted and made with the highest quality organic cotton, Belgian damask fabric, silk, Joma wool, individually wrapped nested coils, and the company’s patented open-chamber design for maximum comfort and conformability. The line will also feature Aireloom’s eight-way hand tied box springs, which act as a shock-absorber to help the mattress better contour to the sleeper. “Customers know the Aireloom name is synonymous with expert craftsmanship and attention to detail. The Synchronized Support Collection has been one of our best sellers for many years,” said E.S. Kluft & Company President and CEO Earl Kluft. “We wanted to up-the-ante and challenge ourselves to make it even more luxurious and comfortable than it was before. The new aesthetic and added Talalay Latex and high density memory foam married with our patented open chamber design take comfort and conformability to a new level. The adjustable base option is an added benefit for both the consumer and our retail partners.” The Synchronized Support Collection will retail from $5,000 to $12,000 and includes five different models. The South Hampton, Maxfield, and Halcyon are available with or without comfort pad, while the Luxetop Demure and Streamline Willowbrook are offered in plush and firm. Visit kluftmattress.com and aireloom.com. Value Price Points and High Margins with Spring Time By Christopher Schriever Spring Time Bedding is introducing its new three-model, high-end Tufted Hybrid collection to its Medicci & Saville brand at the Summer Las Vegas Market. The collection features top quality materials at value price points, offering its retail partners the potential for high sales margins. All three models in the Tufted Hybrid line incorporate a hand tufted design that anchors the top quilt panel to the bottom of the mattress to keep all components solidly in place, prolonging the life of the bed and improving full body support. A tufted pocket coil support system reduces motion transfer and improves comfort, with heavier gauge coils at each end of the sleep surface to pre- 26 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 vent a roll-off sensation. The top model in the collection, the 16-inch box top Lavarie, includes over 2,000 coils, a 100 percent natural wool layer and a layer of charcoal-infused bamboo. The Arkala mattress features over 1,100 coils and a layer of cooling gel atop convoluted foam, while the Halivaara mattress features over 1,000 coils and includes a layer of hybrid latex atop convoluted foam. Each of the tufted SKUs in the collection is specially designed for easy roll compression and nationwide shipping and features a moisture-wicking stretch knit blended cover and a heavy-weight, wrinkle-free border. “Hybrids are what the industry is looking for right now—it’s become a buzzword for retailers and consumers alike. What hasn’t been seen yet in the industry is a line of hybrid models that looks incredibly high end and incorporates the best materials available today while keeping price points at a value level,” said Spring Time Vice President Sarah Appleton. “Not only does the Tufted Hybrid collection fall into all of those categories, but it also creates an incredible potential for our retailers to pull in high margins. That is an important differentiator in today’s market. This collection offers consumers quality and style at the prices they want and offers our retailers the high margin sales potential they need.” The Tufted Hybrid collection will retail from $1,499 to $1,999 in Queen. Visit springtimebedding.com. PranaSleep’s New All Latex Collection “With a focus on construction and feel, all PranaSleep mattresses feature our proprietary blend of pressure relieving latex.” By Gretchen Kast The latest introduction from PranaSleep is the Fourth Generation Prana Collection, a luxury latex line designed to properly position the spine for restorative sleep. Made in the U.S. at the company’s state-of the-art manufacturing facility, each mattress in the eight-bed collection features a core that is constructed with a proprietary blend of latex to ensure the durability, support and comfort consumers look for in an all-latex mattress. Proper positioning of the spine is critical to a perfect night’s sleep and the Prana Collection is hand crafted using the highest quality and most technologically advanced materials. The line’s trademarked UltraQuilt enhances air flow and creates a cool, cushioning comfort through its use of high-density quilted foams and Outlast technology, which is applied directly to a luxurious stretch-knit fabric. Like the collection’s name—“prana” is the Sanskrit word for “energy”—each model has a Sanskrit name to evoke the feeling of calm and well-being associated with yoga. “As consumer demand for latex sleep products continues to grow, retailers are looking to add more latex SKUs to their showroom floors. The Fourth Generation Prana Collection is the most advanced latex sleep system available on the market today,” said PranaSleep CEO Stephen Schiller. “With a focus on construction and feel, all PranaSleep mattresses feature our proprietary blend of pressure relieving latex and are engineered for the ultimate comfort, feel, and support.” The 15-inch Wahe (meaning “state of ecstasy”) mattress is available in Luxury Plush and Luxury Firm. Designed for back or side sleepers and stomach, back, or side sleepers respectively, each features a thick supportive core and extra plush or firm Talalay latex to provide deep restorative support and comfort. With its added layers of soft cushioning latex, the 14inch Samadhi (meaning “state of joy and peace absolute bliss”) Luxury Plush was designed to accommodate the back or side sleeper, providing extra pressure relief and comfort. The 13-inch Nidra Extra Firm (meaning “state of deep relaxation and peaceful rest”) provides a firm and supportive sleep surface that conforms to the body without feeling hard and is an excellent choice stomach and back sleepers. Rounding out the collection are four Vinyasa (meaning “the marriage of breath and movement”) models—the 11-inch Vinyasa Firm, 12-inch Vinyasa Plush, and 13-inch Super Vinyasa Super Plush and Super Vinyasa Luxury Firm. Each features PranaSleep’s solid latex core and additional comfort layers to hug the body’s curves while supporting the spine properly. “Our company is dedicated to restoring life’s energy through sleep. Every mattress in the Fourth Generation Prana Collection is hand assembled and meticulously designed for the highest attainment of pressure relieving support and comfort.” added Schiller. The Fourth Generation Prana Collection ranges in price from $3,599 to $7,299 in queen. Visit pranasleep.com bedroomretailers.com 27 Serta’s New Product Updates Boost Brand Loyalty “We heard from consumers that they are interested in building relationships with brands they believe in, so we have developed Serta VIP Rewards as a direct answer to that request.” 28 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 By Gretchen Kast Serta is helping its retail partners boost their mattress sales this summer with its latest iComfort gel memory foam and iSeries hybrid mattress collections, new online shopping tools, and the launch of its VIP Rewards consumer loyalty program. Inspired by the company’s own consumer research, Serta is unveiling updates to two of its most popular collections. Their research indicated that mattress shoppers often feel overwhelmed during the shopping process. It also showed that mattress shoppers want to build personal relationships with the mattress brand they select. “We have always believed that our product innovations and shopping tools should be designed around the consumer need, which is something that is continuously changing as new technology emerges,” says Andrew Gross, senior vice president of marketing for Serta. The updated collections were inspired by the company’s own consumer research, which indicated that mattress shoppers often feel overwhelmed during the shopping process, but want to built personal relationships with the brand they select. First introduced by Serta in 2011, the iComfort Sleep System featured memory foam infused with Serta’s MicroSupport gel. Then, in 2012, Serta introduced its iSeries collection of hybrid mattresses, which combined the same gel memory foam with an advanced innerspring system. Serta is now unveiling the all-new iComfort and iSeries models for 2014, which boast more innovations designed to provide enhanced cooling comfort and targeted support for a rejuvenating sleep experience. All of these new mattress models feature Cool Action Dual Effects gel memory foam—Serta’s latest breakthrough in gel memory foam technology. This material combines two types of gel, giving consumers up to 25% more gel than the original formula, providing the enhanced cooling comfort and added support where it’s needed most. “While some mattress shoppers are interested in the benefits of an-all foam mattress like iComfort, we know that others want the feel of a more traditional mattress construction, which is why we introduced iSeries,” says Gross. “Our new iComfort and iSeries collections now share similar features and price points, so consumers can easily shop both collections and find the type of mattress and level of comfort that’s right for them.” All iComfort and iSeries mattresses are compatible with Serta’s adjustable foundations for a completely customizable bedroom experience. Shoppers can choose from a variety of models, including Serta’s most advanced Motion Custom which includes features such as Bluetooth connectivity to pair the base with consumers’ smart device, a wireless backlit remote, USB power ports, variable massage options and wireless speakers. Serta’s new iComfort gel memory foam and iSeries hybrid mattresses are now available at Serta retailers across the United States. As an added sales tool, Serta is also introducing VIP Rewards, the company’s groundbreaking new consumer loyalty program that lets new mattress purchasers earn up to $1,000 towards their next mattress purchase. Customers who buy iComfort and iSeries mattresses as of May 2014 will earn $100 per year for up to 10 years to be used towards the purchase of a future Serta mattress. At no additional cost to the retailer, RSAs can direct customers to Serta’s website to register for the program. Once registered, customers can redeem their earned dollar value as soon as 120 days after purchase and they will also receive exclusive third party offers as a gesture of appreciation for their loyalty to Serta. “We heard from consumers that they are interested in building relationships with brands they believe in, so we have developed Serta VIP Rewards as a direct answer to that request,” said Gross. “The program gives us a way to thank consumers for their loyalty, provide them with ongoing communication touch points from our company, and give them rewards towards every new Serta purchase.” Visit serta.com. Pure LatexBLISS Offers Latex Mattresses at Value Price Points By Christopher Schriever On display at the Summer Las Vegas Market, Pure LatexBLISS’ new all-latex InteLa-Tec collection has been designed to offer consumers the feel and muscle-relaxing benefits of Talalay all-latex mattresses at lower price points. With the same uplifting feeling for which Pure LatexBLISS products are known, the three mattresses in the Oeko-Tex Certified InteLa-Tec collection feature synthetic Talalay Latex pressure relief layers, synthetic Talalay Latex support cores and are available in 8-inch, 10-inch and 12-inch profiles. The InteLa-Tec collection is priced below the company’s core Pure LatexBLISS line. “Our goal with the InteLa-Tec collection was to round out the latex category and provide a range of pricing options for consumers. We recognized that consumers interested in latex mattresses come from different points of entry—some buyers are natural-oriented, whereas others have different lifestyle and environmental concerns. The InteLa-Tec collection appeals to the consumer who cares about living a green lifestyle, but puts less weight on it than those who would turn to some of our higher-priced collections,” said Latex International President and Chief Executive Officer David Fisher. “We believe that our industry-first combination of the Talalay Process with a synthesized formulation of latex and lower price point is a true differentiator for retailers.” Pure LatexBLISS is sourcing the components in the InteLa-Tec collection from the same materials found in 100% latex medical gloves. All three SKUs are designed with a special all-synthetic Talalay Latex which is repurposed from high-grade virgin synthetic latex. An industry first, the process is as innovative as it is environmentally friendly, keeping the unused latex out of landfills. Visit latexbliss.com. Reverie Showcases Innovative DreamCell Latex Technology By Christopher Schriever In response to retail requests, Reverie will soon begin selling its innovative DreamCell natural latex mattress technology to specialty sleep shops following the Summer Las Vegas Market. Made of natural latex foam springs, DreamCell allows for individualized support levels for both partners in bed. Because this technology is customizable, the firmness can be adjusted as each person’s sleep preferences change over time. The latex mattress materials are naturally anti-microbial, hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant and extremely durable, and the covers are made with breathable bamboo or eucalyptus fiber depending on the model. “We have been showing natural latex mattresses on our adjustable foundations since our first showroom in Vegas. Many of our customers—especially specialty mattress retailers—have asked if we could start supplying the full sleep system after lying on our product,” said President and CEO Mar- tin Rawls-Meehan. “We are confident our competitive price points and our customizable mattress technology paired with our high-tech foundations will help differentiate smaller dealers and will drive traffic to showroom floors.” The DreamCell technology comes in 8-, 10-, and 11-inch mattresses, retailing from $1,599 in queen, and will be shown on the company’s cutting-edge adjustable bases at the Las Vegas Market. Visit reverie.com. bedroomretailers.com 29 Therapedic’s Agility Air Offers Advanced Cooling By Gretchen Kast In response to the growing demand for products offering heightened airflow, Therapedic International is introducing its new AgilityAir collection at the Summer Las Vegas Market. The line, which includes three SKUs in visco, gel visco and latex options, is a new sub brand of Therapedic’s popular Agility collection. AgilityAir is made from layers of high-density foams, cooling gel memory foam, latex, pocketed coils and varying combinations of minipocket and micro-mini pocket coils. All of the three SKUs in the collection are made with a convoluted reticulated foam support layer, which is 100 percent air-permeable and enhances airflow by 43-percent over flat foams. The Windward model features a 2-inch “The addition of perforations in multiple visco-foam layer and a single layer of per- levels within these mattresses is really a forated micro and mini-micro coils. The unique technology. The multiple airflow- Freshscent model adds a 2-inch gel layer in increasing components are exactly what addition to perforated micro and mini-micro retailers need to stand out amongst the coil layers. The top model in the collection, competition, and we believe we’ve cre- Oceanbreeze, includes a 2-inch latex layer ated the right airflow-fix for the bedding with double micro and mini-micro coil lay- industry,” said Therapedic International ers. One of the enhancements in the line is President and CEO Gerry Borreggine. the use of mini and micro-mini pocket coils “We pride ourselves on being nimble and that are wrapped in a perforated, three-way bringing innovative products at value price stretch encased fabric, allowing for even bet- points to the market. We felt the Agility ter airflow and increased comfort throughout collection was the perfect line to reinvent the bed. A unique innovation, the mattresses to address the industry’s greatest issues— in the lineup also include perforations in the cooling and airflow.” side support rails to increase air circulation. Visit therapedic.com Technogel Rejuvenates the Sleep Experience with VIVE By Gretchen Kast A good night’s sleep is the ultimate luxury, but it can be an elusive one without the right mattress. With three sumptuous bedding styles to their credit, Technogel recently introduced the VIVE, its latest collection of gel mattresses and pillows. Like all of its unique products, VIVE fuses high-end Italian design with cutting-edge gel technology, but offers even more style and science with nearly double the gel of any other collection in its portfolio. 30 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 “We like to say that Technogel is about much more than bedding,” said Technogel US general manager Alvise Bertoncello. “You spend much of your life sleeping, but what you remember is your waking hours. Our products are designed to help consumers attain the true luxury of an extraordinary night’s rest by waking up feeling healthy, refreshed and ready to meet the day ahead.” Unlike other offerings on the market that infuse tiny gel beads into supporting construction material, VIVE’s visionary assortment features thick layers of its patented gel placed on top of high quality foam and latex to maximize the technology’s performance capabilities. The result is a one-of-a-kind application that provides unparalleled help with spinal alignment, pressure relief and thermal regulation, which ensure an elevated experience when resting and rising. Research shows that users experience an increase in deep sleep by 45 percent. VIVE also features up to 110 pounds of gel– which cradles rather than contorts the body— for superior comfort, enhanced breathability and adjustable base compatibility. The VIVE mattress is available in Twin XL, Queen, King, and California King sizes, and is complemented by a selection of coordinating pillows. The three available styles each boast three pounds of gel and an international patent-pending design to deliver exceptional ergonomic support. The options include: the Classic for those who primarily sleep on their back and prefer low height cushions, the Deluxe for lateral position sleepers who favor thicker padding, and the Anatomic, a solution for those who rest on their sides or back and suffer from neck, back or shoulder pain. “We take the art of sleeping seriously,” said Bertoncello. “We are continually reinventing ourselves to provide consumers an experience worthy of investing in. VIVE is designed for those seeking uncompromising relaxation and support that will last today, tomorrow, and beyond, and proves, time and time again, that pure comfort can be an attainable luxury.” Visit technogel.com. why green? Kathy Ireland DESIGNINGreen Leader Some personal faves... Dessert: My mom’s chocolate chip cookies (or Chef Andre’s!) Play: Wicked Treasure: Artwork of our children Erik, Lily, and Chloe Dame Elizabeth Taylor Color: Green “We’ve all been too careless with the beauty of our God-given planet. We must protect, honor and live with design that is gracefullly green.” why not? For free directions to hundreds of green sources visit www.sustainablefurnishings.org With a steady stream of new materials, formulations and technologies every year, the pace of bedding innovation can be staggering. As retailers look to find the perfect products to stock their showroom floors, it can be a challenge to keep up with a constantly changing market. We asked three manufacturers to pick the most exciting aspect of the industry moving forward and how it can help retailers succeed. WHAT’S THE MOST EXCITING ASPECT OF THE INDUSTRY RIGHT NOW? I think one of the most compelling things happening in our industry is the continuing expansion of the power and influence of the internet—not merely to educate, but to sell. New relationships are evolving and developing between manufacturers and retailers as an outgrowth of technology and its increased importance to consumers. Just as technology is evolving to address consumer needs and behaviors, consumers in turn are being shaped by new technologies. It’s exciting to be both an observer and a participant in this expanding digital world, which constantly demands new thinking and new strategies for buying and selling.” The most exciting aspect of our industry right now is the genuine interest from consumers to find the best sleep solution amongst an increasing set of attractive choices. This creates a need for us as manufacturers to make the research and buying process as simple as possible, while rewarding the consumer for the time, effort and money spent on their purchase. We’ve responded with our new interactive shopping tools, including our mobile shopping app, and Serta’s VIP Rewards program.” —ANDREW GROSS, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF MARKETING SERTA —RICK ROBINSON, PRESIDENT SPRING AIR Visit Springair.com, Serta.com, and Kluftmattress.com 32 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 I think that one of the most exciting trends in the industry is the ability to provide better temperature regulation and rich comfort through specialty fabrics and upholstery materials. While interesting, the massive amounts of innovation—whether real or perceived—has caused the RSAs and consumers to become leery of many of the feature and benefit claims that are being made at point-of-sale. This trend has created a unique opportunity for Aireloom to stand out among the rest because we have been and continue to use the finest materials, providing truly functional designs, and honest quality in all of our collections.” —EARL KLUFT, PRESIDENT KLUFT Naturepedic Goes ‘Beyond Certified’ With New Campaign and Product Introductions By Christopher Schriever Naturepedic is going ‘Beyond Certified’ with a new campaign at the upcoming summer Las Vegas Market, to educate retailers about the company’s innovative product variety. The ‘Beyond Certified’ campaign works toward two goals. The first is to reinforce the importance of the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). Naturepedic’s manufacturing facility and mattresses are independently certified to this standard. The other goal of this new campaign is to explain the ways in which Naturepedic is bringing a fresh approach to organic mattresses and sleep products. Their product portfolio includes a variety of GOTS-certified designs. In addition to allorganic latex mattresses, Naturepedic is the only manufacturer of GOTS-certified organic cotton encased coil mattresses in the U.S. For a best of both worlds design, they offer beds made with organic latex comfort layers atop organic cotton fabric encased coils, alongside models with luxurious latex-free encased comfort coils. Naturepedic differentiates itself in the market by offering a choice of innerspring, latex core, or innerspring and latex hybrid beds—all of which follow strict standards to which the company adheres. By investing in unique sewing and encasement machinery in their GOTS certified factory, Naturepedic is able to manufacturer organic coils and sew them into cotton encasements without the use of glue or synthetics. This creative approach to organic bedding can also be seen in the company’s latest product introductions. Naturepedic is showcasing an updated organic sleep 34 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 system and three new bedding accessories at the summer Las Vegas Market. The EOS Customizable Organic Mattress Sleep System allows customers to create their own dream mattresses with a variety of customization options, including different firmness levels on each side of the bed for sleep partners with clashing preferences. Naturepedic has updated this collection to include support coils encased with biobased fabric. Derived from non-GMO vegetable sources, this fabric is made from environmentally sustainable raw materials. Naturepedic’s innovative design allows them to securely wrap the innerspring assembly with this fabric without the use of adhesives or toxic glues. Naturepedic will also debut three new sleep bedding accessories. The Trio is a new organic pillow system which features a three-piece design to provide dual action compression along with a luxurious outer comfort layer and an adjustable organic latex inner pillow. A zippered compartment allows users to adjust the fill for proper postural alignment and optimal comfort and support. The company will also introduce a waterproof organic cotton protector that safeguards mattresses without altering its comfort feel, or utilizing any PVC, phthalates, latex rubber, and PFCs. The final market introduction is the FlexSlate Adjustable Slat Foundation, which provides greater air circulation and tension adjustments for customized support using flexible wooden slats instead of the springs found in a traditional box spring. Visit naturepedic.com. Magniflex Ensures a Cooler Night’s Sleep with Magnigel Foam By Gretchen Kast Just in time for the rising temperatures of summer, Magniflex is showcasing their patented Magnigel Foam. This unique formulation provides a superior solution for maintaining a cool sleeping environment throughout the night. Similar to their renowned MagniFoam, Magniflex’s third generation Magnigel features a high-density molecular structure to encourage proper spinal alignment and circulation, while also promoting increased airflow and heat dissipation throughout the bed. The structure of the flexible gel highly breathable, providing an unmatched feeling of fresh, dry comfort, keeping mattresses and pillows cooler for longer. Lower temperatures assist with the body’s natural thermoregulation to help sleepers fall asleep sooner and ensure a more restful night’s sleep. The Magnigel Collection consists of three mattress models and three pillow options. The Magnigel 9 and the Magnigel Dual 10 feature medium-soft support, while the Mag- nigel Dual Deluze 12 boasts a soft support feel. The Dual 10 and Dual Deluxe 12 models also feature two gel foam cores within a removable zip cover, each featuring a firmer and softer side so couples can customize their sleep experience based on individual comfort preferences. Like all of Magniflex’s products, the Magnigel Foam mattresses and pillow are OEKOTEX certified, sourced from local, EU-regulated suppliers. Visit magniflex.com. bedroomretailers.com 35 Seahawk Updates its Popular Synergy System By Gretchen Kast Seahawk Designs Inc. is making a two exciting changes to the Synergy System. At the Summer Las Vegas Market, the company will debut a first-of-its-kind headboard design for the popular line, available with the choice of interchangeable, upholstered panel options, and a variety of colors and patterns. Seahawk will also begin manufacturing the Synergy System in the same factory where its patented STO-AWAY series is exclusively made, making it possible for smaller retailers to request combined containers with both products. These changes are part of the company’s strategy to appeal to a wider base of retailers and consumers. “There is a practical element to our design as consumers will be able to change their bedroom décor without worrying about having to buy a new headboard to match, adding to the life of the product and upping the value to consumers,” said Seahawk Designs CEO William Jahn. The 36 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 upholstered panels can be easily changed to match the décor of any bedroom, sliding into place in the center of the headboard. Available in a plain, tufted or box stitch design, Seahawk offers the headboards in an array of popular hues and fabrics, allowing the ultimate in customization. “Borrowing from the consumer electronics industry, which is constantly adding personalization and design choices for its products, the upholstered panels are our way of giving the consumers even more options when it comes to the design of their sleep systems,” Jahn explained. “We are confident the practicality and the ability to completely personalize the style of the headboard will be great selling points for our retailers and help drive traffic to their stores.” This design update follows the news that Seahawk will move manufacturing of the Synergy System to the same factory as the STO-A-WAY series, allowing smaller retailers to benefit from being able to request more than one product in a container. “While the bulk of our business has been larger retailers, we are regularly approached by smaller dealers who would love to join our family of customers but needed greater shipping flexibility, which this new move offers. By combining production under one roof we can more easily mix a container of goods and ship it much more efficiently for a smaller retailer than in the past,” said Jahn. “We are happy to be able to offer this collection to smaller retailers now as they have the option for combined containers, providing them with the perfect amount of inventory of multiple Seahawk products to fit their needs. Our Synergy systems are the most versatile product we’ve ever created. They were engineered and designed to fit 85-percent of all adjustables, to be durable and provide a practical and functional alternative for consumers.” The Synergy Collection features as much storage capacity as a bedroom chest, with four 22-inch full extension drawers. It is offered in five upholstery options as well as two wood finishes—Espresso and Pecan. Each storage platform can be sold alone or with a matching 60-inch headboard, creating a standout centerpiece in any bedroom. The low profile design sits at nineinches with three-inch side rails that allow adjustable bases to sit partially hidden inside. The collection also features an innovative dampening pad to help eliminate the noise associated with adjustable bases when the message feature is used. Visit sto-a-way.com. BedJet Unveils Proactive Climate Control System By Christopher Schriever Temperature is one of the foremost causes of lost sleep and this system solves that problem BedJet is introducing a whole new way of heating and cooling a bed at the summer Las Vegas Market with the debut of the BedJet bedding comfort system. The BedJet is a proactive bed cooling, heating and climate control system, providing users near instant control of their sleep temperature. The BedJet’s patent pending DirectConvect air technology is capable of warming the bedding of a king size bed to the feel of a hot towel just out the dryer in a mere 180 seconds. The BedJet-powered cooling and ventilation instantly disperses accumulated body moisture and heat from the bed, cooling users faster than a standard air conditioner. Temperature is one of the foremost causes of lost sleep and this system solves that problem, delivering instant relief to those suffering from night sweats or bedtime hot flashes. Using an intuitive bedside remote control, users can operate the BedJet their smartphones and tablets. The sophisticated BedJet software app uses a Bluetooth connection, allowing intelligent programming, dispatch and control based on their comfort preferences—users can even program the BedJet to wake them up in the morning with a cold blast of air as an alarm. “The BedJet is the most powerful and technologically advanced temperature management technology ever released for the bedding and sleep comfort market,” said Mark Aramli, inventor of the technology. “Engineers, medical device technologists and sleep doctors from four countries have collaborated on its design and development. Sleep science is more and more correlating deep and restful sleep to proper bed temperature regulation and the BedJet offers an industry unique solution.” Aramli has previously held engineering responsibilities supporting the heating, cooling and climactic comfort systems of the NASA space suit used by astronauts during space walks. The BedJet system is easily installed in minutes with any bed size, mattress type and existing bedding—it does not require any special mattress foam toppers, wires or tubes. The low profile system fits under nearly any frame or at the foot of the bed. An optional dual zone accessory allows couples to enjoy different temperature preferences for each half of the bed using independent remote controls. The DirectConvect air technology on the BedJet also includes patent pending acoustic dampeners, enabling the system operate at a near silent level, quieter than any room air conditioner or window fan. “We are very excited to present the BedJet to the retail community at the Las Vegas Home Show,” Aramli said. “We applaud the mattress industry’s developments with mattress gel technologies, cooling gel foams and improved ventilation designs, but none of these passive thermal management approaches can match the active electric powered cooling or heating luxury experience of the BedJet.” Visit bedjet.com. bedroomretailers.com 37 Reverie Enters Accessories Segment With Two Unique New Products “The surround sound speaker system we developed was such a big hit at the last Las Vegas Market we decided to refine it and give retailers the option to sell the system as an accessory item.” By Gretchen Kast Reverie is entering into the accessories segment with the introduction of the Sweet Slumber latex pillow collection, alongside its new ELATION surround system. These unique new products will both be unveiled at the Summer Las Vegas Market. Sweet Slumber Collection The new Sweet Slumber Pillow collection consists of two SKUs (firm and plush), both of which are universal for all sleep positions. The shredded latex core is hypo-allergenic, dust mite resistant and durable, offering better airflow and a cooler night’s sleep. The pillows also use an ultra-soft, washable cover for added comfort and convenience. Designed for consumers who like the feel of a pillow that conforms to head and shoulders in any position, the Sweet Slumber collection is a solution for the many complaints associated with down filled top-of-bedproducts such as allergies, the continuous need to fluff, and usually hefty price. “Down has consistently been synonymous with luxury and, in turn, high price points. We are excited to introduce a product lineup that is not only affordable but eliminates the negatives associated with down while maintaining all the positives of the material,” said Reverie President and CEO Martin RawlsMeehan. “Our Sweet Slumber pillows act as a great accessory to our DreamCell mattresses. The competitive pricing and the fact that these pillows use latex, which is becoming more and more popular, in its core are all great selling points and we are confident will increase sales tickets.” The suggested retail price for the Sweet Slumber collection is $79. ELATION Surround Sound System As part of Reverie’s push to always be at the edge of innovation in the industry, the compa- 38 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 ny is introducing its new ELATION four-speaker plus subwoofer surround-sound system. Each of the four speakers attaches to the foundation legs with a universal mount that can be easily attached to the legs of an adjustable base or standard foundation to achieve surround sound for any bed, while the subwoofer is specially designed to sit underneath most beds. The mounts eliminate the need for holes in the walls and can be easily disguised so as not to interfere with the bedroom décor. The system features Bluetooth 3.0 technology, allowing consumers to experience high-quality sound streamed wirelessly from their iPhone, iPad, or other smart device from the comfort of their beds. Reverie brought in tuning experts to tune the speakers’ acoustics and optimize the sound coming from underneath a bed. Reverie’s unique design is optimized to rest under the beds and provide the best sound experience to users on top of the bed. “The surround sound speaker system we developed was such a big hit at the last Las Vegas Market we decided to refine it and give retailers the option to sell the system as an accessory item, allowing them to grow their tickets sales. It also gives consumers a chance to upgrade easily by just attaching the speakers rather than having to buy a whole new foundation,” said Rawls-Meehan. “We are constantly pushing the boundaries of what we can do to enhance the bedroom experience. First, we created the technology and then figured out how to integrate it into our bed design and now we have created an easy way to offer the technology for every foundation on the market, giving the opportunity for greater up-sells for our retail partners.” Suggested retail price for the ELATION surround sound system is $400. Visit reverie.com. SensorPEDIC’s Gel-Infused Top-Of-Bed Line Makes Las Vegas Debut By Gretchen Kast SensorPEDIC is introducing its new “Super Cool” collection, an assortment of gel-infused bedding accessories at the Summer Las Vegas Market. The eight-piece line-up consists of five pillows, two toppers, and a mattress pad. Each offering is covered with a unique, cool-to-the-touch fabric made using a revolutionary textile technology that allows a sleeper to rest at as much as 10 degrees lower than the ambient temperature of a bedroom. Unlike other temperature regulating technologies that manage moisture or thermal heat, the “Super Cool” collection uses a natural mineral woven into the fabric to make it cool on the surface. Providing additional airflow, breathability and therapeutic pressure-relief, the cores of each pillow, topper, and protector will feature SensorPEDIC’s SensorFoam with Gel® gel-infused, ventilated memory foam which uses gel support beads for a slightly firmer and more supportive memory foam feel. “At SensorPEDIC, we are always looking to improve our expansive product offerings to bring the most innovative sleep solutions to our customers. We recognize that cooling and airflow is still a major issue within the industry and so we are doing our part to develop products that incorporate the latest technologies into our top-of-bed offerings,” said Senior Vice President of Sales and Business Development Jeff Chilton. “After a great response to our Super Cool collection at the New York Home Fashions Market, we felt the next natural step was to highlight it in Las Vegas. The line-up’s unique cooling technologies appeal to a wide consumer base, leading to increased sales and higher attachment rates for our retail partners.” The Super Cool collection’s suggested retail price for pillows is $49-$99 and for toppers is $249–$399. Visit sensorpedic.com Forever Foundations Max-Plus Provides Unparalleled Plus-Size Support By Chris Schriever With the Max Plus Foundation, Forever Foundations offers a very important bedding solution to the growing segment of overweight consumers. With research showing that more than 30% of people worldwide have a Body Mass Index that places them in the overweight category, it is important for retailers to have support systems made especially for larger and taller people. “We are not making this stuff up,” said Forever Foundations President Dennis Rodgers. “Approximately one third of all potential mattress/bedding customers coming into the store is a bigger, larger or plus-size person these days. Confidence has to start from the floor up, from the bed base or support structure all the way to the top or surface of the mattress.” It is not just the mattress that matters in addressing the health, wellness and performance needs of these customers. Forever Foundations has done extensive research with RSAs and overweight customers to learn more about their experiences with frames, foundations and bedding that has failed them within a year or two. “There really are two issues”, said Rodgers. “The first is the industry, in the past, simply has not provided heavy-duty support systems and foundations specifically designed to hold up, to last over the life of a normal mattress. These people have experienced repeated early failures over the years. It is imperative that products purposely built for the plus customer are available at the retail level.” “The second issue is the mattress retailer is uncomfortable approaching this customer. They don’t know how to respectfully address the obvious needs this customer has.” Rodgers says that the larger or heavier customer is keenly aware of the weight and size issues in his or her life. Instead of the RSA ignoring this issue, we encourage them to take a positive approach, one, which would include training and products specifically designed for the plus-sized customer. “It is very impor- tant to politely ask questions and uncover needs with respect, with care and then to offer this customer a workable solution. The common thread here is to address the needs and the desires of all mattress customers, including the big and tall - they all want a good night’s sleep. And they all deserve it.” In addition to the superior performance of its products, Forever Foundations offers retail consumers the stylish designs they’re seeking. “As we grow our company and diversify our line, we are also introducing new elements to our product mix including fashion designer covers,” Rodgers explained. The new Designer Fashion CAP is designed to cover the foundation/platform to give it a beautiful upholstered appearance. The Designer Fashion CAP will be available in two “Now” colors and fabrics specifically selected to work with today’s mattress fabrics, elevating Forever Foundations to a whole new level of style and support. Visit foreverfoundations.com bedroomretailers.com 39 Malouf Showcases its Latest Pillows in New Las Vegas Market Showroom The newly redesigned showroom will give customers an opportunity to interact with Malouf products in a literal way 40 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 By Gretchen Kast With a newly redesigned showroom at the Summer Las Vegas market, Malouf is focusing on promoting more interaction with its products as part of a complete aesthetic overhaul that more closely aligns with their new brand. The company will also unveil the new Lavender Pillow, the latest addition to their comprehensive portfolio of bedding accessories. The newly redesigned showroom will give customers an opportunity to interact with Malouf products in a literal way. Malouf’s popular Z pillow line will be displayed without its packaging throughout the showroom to encourage customers to feel the different materials the Z line offers, in particular the exclusive Dough memory foam. The company will showcase stools topped with their ISOLUS mattress toppers, jars that demonstrate the breathability and liquid-proof abilities of SLEEP TITE protectors, and a sheet display to allow customers to feel the different materials offered in the WOVEN line. Malouf will also introduce the new Lavender Pillow in Las Vegas. This memory foam pillow is infused with real lavender, creating a natural aromatherapy experience to relieve tension, promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Made from Zoned Dough technology, the Lavendar Pillow combines the softest memory foam with dual comfort zones for specialized neck support and added breathability. Accompanying this pillow is a luxuriously soft bamboo velour cover excellent for sensitive skin and temperature regulation. “We recognize the strong appeal of our packaging, but there’s a wow factor when you touch Malouf products for the first time that we need to communicate. A major goal of our new showroom design is to promote hands-on interaction so customers can visualize the Malouf experience even before it changes the way they sleep,” says Shauna Spencer, the lead interior designer at Malouf. “Malouf creates high value products and we want consumers to be able to physically feel the quality of our materials.” Malouf debuted their first-ever permanent space in Las Vegas last year and expanding to this new, larger showroom allows the company more room to give an open, fresh feel that better communicates the brand experience. “The goal in remodeling our showroom is to align our displays with our rebranding efforts,” said Emily Bunnell, the creative director at Malouf. “In addition to unveiling our showroom, we’ll be releasing our new website featuring a forward-thinking design, high-quality images and compelling content. We’re confident the new showroom and website will echo our recent design shifts and really help customers get a feel for our brand viability.” Visit malouffinelinens.com Glideaway Adds Five-Sided Mattress Protectors to Sleepharmony Line By Gretchen Kast Expanding its already extensive top-ofbed collection, Glideaway is introducing its first five-sided mattress protector designed to guard against stains from spills on the top layer of the mattress as well as the four side panels. This new protector was constructed using Seamless Edge Technology to prevent stains from penetrating its seams, a common problem for many products on the market. It features a soft cotton, breathable fabric with Ultra-Fresh technology, preventing anti-microbial growth and forming a protective barrier against dust mites and allergens. “Our retailers have had great success selling our top-of- bed line and they asked us to develop several new SKUs for them to add to their floor,” said Glideaway Vice President of National Sales Dan Baker. “Our five-sided protector offers the lat- est in mattress protection by providing a safeguard not just on the top layer but on the sides as well. When you add our Seamless Edge Technology it really creates something unique at value oriented price points.” The company will also debut its new youth protector set complete with the fitted protector, a pillow protector and flat sheet touting bold colors for added curb appeal. Glideaway’s youth protector set is especially designed to fit youth size mattresses, provide protection against accidents, allergens and dust mites and comes in two vibrant colors, pink and blue. The set is a one-stop-shop for a parent’s top-of-bed needs for their children. The series will be unveiled at the Summer Las Vegas Market. Suggested retail price ranges from $79.99–$129.99 for the fivesided and $99 for the youth set. Visit glideaway.com. Customatic’s New Edge-to-Edge Lumbar Feature Offers Advanced Support The Edge-to-Edge Lumbar feature spans the width of the whole mattress, providing lumbar support across the entire sleep surface 42 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 By Gretchen Kast Customatic Adjustable Bedz is continuing its collaboration efforts with retailers, manufacturers and distributors by addressing the “tipping effect” in adjustable bed bases with lumbar-support designs. To combat this issue, the company is showcasing its new patent-pending Edge-to-Edge Lumbar feature, an industry-first innovation, at the Summer Las Vegas Market. “The impetus in creating the Edge-toEdge Lumbar feature came out of conversations we’ve had with buyers at big name sleep stores, manufacturers and distributors regarding the dreaded tipping effect that is so common to lumbar supportbased adjustables,” said Customatic Adjustable Bedz Partner Phil Sherman. The tipping effect that occurs in lumbar support adjustables is caused by the central- ized placement of the supports within the base and results in the sleeper “rolling” out of the position they were in, effectively negating the importance of the lumbar feature itself. Customatic’s Edge-to-Edge Lumbar feature is an all-over, edge-to-edge lumbar support that is designed to form to the natural shapes of the body and prevent the rolling effect from occurring. “Our focus has always been on fostering collaboration with our business partners to create innovative product solutions that benefit their individual consumer bases,” Sherman continued. “The Edge-to-Edge Lumbar feature spans the width of the whole mattress, providing lumbar support across the entire sleep surface—we are confident this product will be a game changer.” Visit customaticbedz.com. Mantua Debuts Customizable “Express Yourself” Bed Frame By Christopher Schriever With a focus on pioneering under-the-bed customization, Mantua continues to introduce innovative bed frame solutions with the debut of the Express Yourself series at the Summer Las Vegas Market. This new line-up includes the Express Yourself Frame and the Express Yourself Valance, featuring interchangeable inserts on the outer sides of the bed frame. The Express Yourself Frame is available with either wood or steel legs. The Express Yourself Valance, available in either contemporary or traditional styles, features frame inserts that can be individually purchased in 16 color options including black, white, off-white, chocolate brown, light blue and green, and wood grain and fabric-look styles. Customized Point-of-Purchase (POP) designs are also available so a retailer or mattress manufacturer can print their logo or tag line on the bed frame. “Express Yourself gives the bed frame a whole new presentation for the consumer, allowing them to have the support they need for a better night’s sleep, while having the design element that really finishes the look of the bed. With our Express Yourself series, there is no longer a need to ‘hide’ the bed frame under a bed skirt,” said Mantua President David Jaffe. “The possibilities are also endless for retailers who can use the series to differentiate mattresses on their floors— whether it’s a green valance for organic bedding, a light blue valance to indicate latex, or another color to highlight a sale or promotion on particular models. We believe that this product will really revolutionize an otherwise stagnant category.” The complete Express Yourself series retails for $149, with the individual valances available to purchase for $59 and the frames starting at $89. Visit bedframes.com. PureCare Introduces Unique FRíO Cooling Protector at the Summer Las Vegas Market By Christopher Schriever PureCare continues to push the boundaries of sleep innovation with the Las Vegas launch of PureCare FRíO cooling 5-sided mattress and pillow protectors. PureCare FRíO mattress and pillow protectors combine PureCare’s lightweight OmniGuard Advance fabric with Rapid Chill Cooling Fibers—a Micarex-based responsive textile with unique cooling properties. The 5-Sided and pillow FRíO protectors move heat away from the core of the body by utilizing a combination of nano-technology, nylon and mica minerals. As a result, PureCare’s Rapid Chill Cooling Fibers actually disperse body heat throughout the surface of the FRíO protector at a rate that is five times faster than that of regular polyester fabric. PureCare’s Frio protectors are treated with antibacterial silver, and continue to be allergen, dust mite proof and waterproof, backed by PureCare’s lifetime stain guarantee. “We created the FRíO collection to provide our retailers with an entirely different cooling story,” says Jeff Bergman, President and COO of PureCare. Bergman points out that most “cooling” products on the market today feature phase change material, which allows temperatures to fluctuate between hot and cold. “PureCare’s FRíO collection was created specifically for people who want to sleep cool year—round. It is a fast-acting cooling fiber that is completely washable. The construction of the FRíO fiber itself is such that the cooling properties will last the lifetime of the protector.” The FRíO’s Rapid Chill Cooling fibers are a crushed mineral-infused textile. The cooling effects of this unique yarn are built right into the fabric, as opposed to the dotted surface application typically found on microcapsule constructions. The coolant materials are inherent to the fabric and will not wash out, therefore providing rapid cooling for the life of the mattress and pillow protectors. Unlike phase change products, PureCare FRíO focuses on providing a continual cooling affect year round. FRíO will be released as an official mattress and pillow protector of the National Sleep Foundation. The 5-sided mattress protector’s suggested retail is $119.99 in Queen, with the pillow protector’s suggested retail at $28.99. Visit PureCare.com bedroomretailers.com 43 Dormeo Launches Three New Bed Base Options for its Retailers “Our mattresses already incorporate the latest technology the bedding industry has to offer, so it was only natural that we pair the technology within the mattress with the technology people expect to have from their entire sleep system” 44 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 By Christopher Schriever Dormeo N.A is expanding its support offerings, introducing two adjustable bed base options and its first “UPS-able” foundation at the Summer Las Vegas Market. These new support systems offer unique solutions to a wide variety of consumers. The Infinity and Infinity Deluxe adjustable bed bases are made in the USA in an exclusive partnership with Hickory Springs, and are specially designed to work with the company’s innovative Octapsring mattresses. The Infinity Deluxe Base features a head-up, foot-up and zero gravity position option, dual massage, a backlit wireless remote with four pre-set positions, LED under-bed lighting, and a wall- hugger design that allows the body’s position to stay in place even if the base is moving. The base can hold up to 700 pounds, more than enough for Dormeo’s luxury mattress construction. The Infinity Base features a one-touch, flat-position option, head- and foot-up capability and variable leg height options. “Our mattresses already incorporate the latest technology the bedding industry has to offer, so it was only natural that we pair the technology within the mattress with the technology people expect to have from their entire sleep system,” said Dormeo N.A. Chief Executive Officer Jon Stowe. “We are excited to partner with Hickory Springs to offer our dealers the latest in adjustable bases as a way to increase sales tickets and to enhance the sleep experience for consumers.” Dormeo will also debut its first “UPSable” foundation at the Summer Las Vegas Market. This new base was designed to offer retailers top-of-the-line materials, yet a lighter and more durable construction. The new foundation can be assembled and reassembled easily from the showroom floor to the customer’s bedroom, offering retailers the benefits of potential cost-savings and secure, convenient and direct delivery. The new foundation was designed based on feedback from Dormeo’s retailers, who were looking for an easier way to ship bases. Before the new foundation, the only option was a traditional model that required “white glove” delivery to set-up. The company developed a sturdy, lightweight, sleek design for stores that want to display a foundation for carry-away or “curbside” shipment. “With this foundation we can give our retailers the opportunity to sell through multiple channels and provide consumers with a ‘worry-free’ option when it comes to buying a foundation, easing the stress of trying to figure out how to get the already assembled foundation in the door,” said Stowe. “The convenience of a shippable product will be a great selling point for our customers, allowing them to better close the deal at the end of the sale and can increase the sales ticket as well as an added bonus.” The suggested retail price for the Infinity and Infinity Deluxe base starts at $1,199 in queen, while the new shippable foundation will start at $500. Visit dormeo.com. Make Wellness a Priority From Christopher Schriever The importance of health and wellness has never been more on my mind than it is today. Whether the consumer is looking for their mattress to provide a solid, comfortable night’s rest, extra support for their larger frame, adjustability to ease their pain, or the peace of mind a certified organic mattress delivers, the significance of a mattress is undeniable. Its contributions to one’s health are unquestionable and it is the industry’s responsibility to provide quality products with truthful marketing claims. My sleepless nights began on March 17th when an MRI revealed a large tumor within my brain. They continued through the birth of our twins on April 23rd and throughout my recovery from a wildly successful brain surgery on May 29th. These events are why I am straying from my usual column filled with tidbits and extra information on the stories within this issue. Instead, I leave you with a poem I received during my recovery that offered me a sense of perspective that I think is reflected throughout this industry and the stories here within this issue. A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was. The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was. The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous ‘yes.’ The professor then produced two beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed. ‘Now,’ said the professor as the laughter subsided, ‘I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things—your family, your children, your health, your friends and your favorite passions—and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car. The sand is everything else— the small stuff. ‘If you put the sand into the jar first,’ he continued, ‘there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take your spouse out to dinner. Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and mow the lawn. Take care of the golf balls first—the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand. One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the beer represented. The professor smiled and said, ‘I’m glad you asked.’ The beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of beers with a friend. ➡ Follow us on Twitter: @bedroommag 46 BEDROOM / Summer 2014 Happy with your share? Don’t call us! Before Colonial Rule #3: “Stand Out From the Crowd” Gaining share has never been easy. For many, it’s tougher now than ever. More resources are spent designing and marketing mattresses than at any time in history. Every introduction has to be more compelling, more exciting and a better value than the last. It also has to be easier to buy and much easier to sell! And no one, it seems, ever gets to launch alone! How many times have your new beds arrived on the sales floor at exactly the same time as your competitors? So, what can you do to get noticed? What does it take to “stand out from the crowd?” At Colonial, we have the experience and expertise to answer those questions. From custom top-of-bed solutions, to cost-effective, lighted headboards, we have the answers to your branding and display problems. Our clients are committed to growing their share. We are committed to help! Colonial Rule #3 is one rule that was made NOT to be broken. Contact Mark Hobson, President Phone: 336-862-7380 • Cell: 336-471-1589 • mhobson@colonialllc.com To find out more, visit: www.colonialllc.com Elevate your brand presence | Attract consumer interest | Add perceived value | Improve product knowledge