Hot Vegas tip: Check out those $399 sleep sets
David Perry, Executive editor -- Furniture Today, February 9, 2009
The question: Where are some major bedding producers going to be starting their lineups at this Las Vegas Market?
Actually, we know of one Top 10 producer — International Bedding — that is offering a $199 queen-sized sleep set this market, and also has beds at $299, $349 and $399. “We might as well give dealers something they are asking for,” says IB President Tony Smith. It's hard to fault that logic in challenging times like these.
Several other Top 15 producers are bringing $399 models to market. Simmons' open coil BeautySleep line retails from $399 to $799, while Comfort Solutions is showing Laura Ashley beds retailing from $399 to $899. Therapedic is showing new BackSense models, featuring a proprietary HourGlass Back Support system, at prices ranging from $399 to $799, and Englander's new American Spirit line of two-sided beds starts at $399.
Tough times call for sharply priced beds, the industry has concluded. And, as Tony Smith noted, dealers want traffic-building price points. But they also want new selling features, and several producers are stepping up to the plate on that front.
We are intrigued with Comfort Solutions' new XL eXtended Life line designed for overweight or obese consumers, a “growing” market, obviously. Those beds feature extra-durable materials and are designed to give heavier sleepers beds that won't wear out as quickly. That's a clever idea.
One of the biggest product launches this market comes at Sealy, which unveils its new Stearns & Foster lines, retailing from $1,199 to $2,499. Those lines feature a strong visual selling story. Another interesting new high-end line is Carpe Diem, featuring Scandinavian styling.
New bedding brands debuting this market include Better Homes and Gardens at Five Star and Ironman at Spring Air. And an established brand, Restonic, unveils a new look in a refurbished showroom.
Natural and organic introductions are being made by Natura, OMI, Therapedic, Englander, Eclipse, Eastman House, International Bedding, Latex International and Strobel, among others.
One of the biggest bedding stories in Vegas is the launch of the new Sleep to Live concepts at Kingsdown, showing in the Venetian. As I said in a recent column, I'm a big fan of this education-rich approach to selling sleep.
All in all, there are a wealth of interesting products and programs on tap in mattress showrooms. It's going to be a hectic week for the bedding industry. And that's a good thing.
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