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If you could change one thing in the bedding industry, what would it be?

By Furniture Today Staff -- Furniture Today, March 3, 2002

A "The bedding industry, unfortunately, does not enjoy the image and reputation with the consumer that it deserves. Given the relative value that the consumer receives and the high satisfaction that retailers have with the products, the industry should have a better image. The products being sold today for the same retail prices as 10 to 15 years ago are far superior."

Ron Jones, chairman, Sealy

A "We've set up situations, because of how highly leveraged some companies are, where we are making short-term decisions that aren't good for us in the long-term. Manufacturers are making financial offers to retailers that end up not being good for either party."

Larry McKay, president, King Koil

A "Find a realistic and affordable disposal means for used bedding to eliminate rebuilds while finding low-cost alternatives for consumers who feel remakes are their only affordable option."

Paul Sullivan, executive vice president, United Sleep Products

A "I would put more emphasis on the value of bedding as it relates to health, the quality of life and even the quantity of life itself."

Pat Flippin, president, Kingsdown

A "Get rid of 15- to 20-year warranties. Warranties are being used too much in selling bedding. The consumer associates the length of the warranty with the useful life of the mattress, which is wrong. The manufacturer cannot predict how long the mattress will remain serviceable."

Gene Schayer, president, Lady Americana Associates

A "The reliance on low prices. This issue faces the industry all the time. It is one of the reasons why the average unit selling price remains relatively low. And it increases the challenge of getting consumers to buy better bedding."

Ed Scott, president, Restonic

A "I would like to see a resurgence of the independent furniture store. These stores have been the backbone of the home furnishings industry, although a number of independents have gone out of business."

Don Robb, chairman, Chittenden & Eastman

A "Stop low-ball price advertising. This is very damaging to the industry's credibility."

Daryl Tarbutton, president, Bemco

A "I'm not sure I would change anything. I find that each of the components of our industry to be part and parcel of what makes us successful. I'm not sure if you make something easier that that would favor us."

Ed Lilly, president, Serta

A "Make it less complicated for the consumer. Everyone could sell a lot more mattresses if we made it easier in terms of the number of price points and the number of models. There aren't enough things to make one bed different from another."

Roger Jasperson, president, Englander

A "Retailers have the opportunity to be different from each other. There are too many retailers that want to be the same. They want to carry the same lines and advertise the same way."

Jim Nation,president, Spring Air

A "I would shorten the replacement cycle. That would mean more business for manufacturers and retailers, and consumers would get a real benefit, too."

Michael Pino, president, Therapedic

A "To teach manufacturers and retailers to quit leading with price in their advertising and promotions."

Charlie Eitel, chairman, Simmons

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