Optimism, innovation on display in Las Vegas
David Perry, Executive Editor -- Furniture Today, February 10, 2008
After six days and five nights in Las Vegas we gained some important insights into bedding's prospects in 2008. We found optimism, innovation — and, surprisingly, some rudeness. We will see more of that mix this year, we think.
First, we consider the optimism. Considering how lousy bedding business has been — one top bedding retailer recently told me he hasn't seen such tough conditions in his almost three decades in the business — you might have thought retailers would be singing the blues and playing Scrooge with commitments. It didn't happen.
Leading bedding producers almost universally reported that they enjoyed strong markets, seeing major customers and getting a good response to new lines. Overall attendance at the market seemed to be off, producers told me, but the key retailers were making the rounds.
I was also told that retail moods were good. "I didn't hear any gloom and doom," one top bedding exec told me. That may sound more significant than it really is; the retailers who attend market are those who believe they can do something to improve their business, while those who are less optimistic are more likely to stay home.
It's also important to remember that "attitude determines altitude." In other words, a positive approach to the business is essential.
On the innovation front, new mattress lines were everywhere. Sealy unveiled its new Posturepedic innerspring line, Simmons had new Beautyrest and Natural Care models, Serta rolled out a new Perfect Day line, Tempur-Pedic had a new adjustable bed system and a new pillowtop mattress, and Spring Air rolled out four new lines.
Rounding out the Top 10, Comfort Solutions showed a new Laura Ashley line, IBC introduced an upgraded Europa innerspring line, Therapedic previewed a new Kathy Ireland specialty line, and Kingsdown introduced additions to its BodyDiagnostics line. And that just scratches the surface of what was new at the bedding-rich Vegas market.
Finally we come to the rudeness factor. On three occasions, suppliers interrupted my showroom visits, rudely forcing themselves into my meetings with key manufacturing executives. That sort of classless behavior is a sign of desperation, I think. Those suppliers are feeling the heat and aren't handling the pressure well.
We all know that this will be an extremely difficult year. Let's act like professionals. A positive attitude will help. Ditch that rude, arrogant behavior. It will only make your job that much harder.
Contact David Perry at dperry@reedbusiness.com
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