Bedding producers revive Ostermoor brand
Was one of America’s best-known mattress names
David Perry -- Furniture Today, July 25, 2008
AT THE MARKET — One of America’s oldest bedding brands is making a comeback here. Can you say Ostermoor?
While the name may not be familiar in today’s “S”-brand dominated marketplace, Ostermoor was once one of the nation’s best-known brands. Its roots date to the 1850s and it was heavily promoted in its glory years.
The new Ostermoor will emphasize some of the same hand-craftsmanship of the original line, its producers say. It is positioned as the first American-made luxury innerspring mattress. Retails will range from $5,000 to $10,000.
Ostermoor’s revival is spearheaded by Bob Naboicheck, president of independent bedding producer Gold Bond, based in Hartford, Conn. Gold Bond acquired the Ostermoor name in 1988.
Gold Bond is teaming with two other bedding makers, Dave Young, CEO of VyMaC, the operator of the Verlo Mattress Factory Stores program, and McRoskey Mattress, led by CEO Robin McRoskey-Azevedo, to relaunch the Ostermoor brand. VyMaC is based in Fort Atkinson, Wis., while McRoskey Mattress is based in San Francisco. The line will be produced in Wisconsin, Connecticut and California.
The beds will be produced with hand-laid, hand-built upholstery layers with natural cotton and wool fillings and natural latex.
Two Ostermoor “concept beds” are on display in Gold Bond’s space here, World Market Center B-906.
Naboicheck said the revival fulfills a dream of his father, Butch Naboicheck, who “once had a vision to continue the strong reputation of the Ostermoor brand, one that complemented his own commitment to quality and similar high standards.”
The brand’s other producers expressed similar sentiments.
“I’ve always admired the great handmade craftsmanship of the mattress industry of the first 100 years in America, from 1850 to 1950,” said Young. “Even though technology and innovation in this category have come a long way, many of the old manufacturing techniques can be used today to create an exceptionally luxurious bed.”
Added McRoskey-Azevedo: “This is the opportunity for me to take my family’s business and capture the dream of national delivery with the legacy my father created.”
The Ostermoor beds will feature sustainable natural components, and will be two-sided. Distribution of the line will be limited, its producers said.
Talkback
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Very exciting, I am the great grand daughter of the founder, Mr Krupka, His granddaughter,...
Lisa Feld - 2008-08-24 19:11:17
