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Impressive Round of Intros Set for Bedding-Rich Vegas Show

David Perry -- Furniture Today, August 16, 2011

David Perry - Executive editorWelcome to a surprisingly robust summer mattress market in Las Vegas. Yes, it's hot out here. The challenge for the industry is to see if the new bedding lines shown here can generate heat in the marketplace. We are impressed with the level of introductions by Top 15 bedding producers.
     Starting on a strong note is Sealy, which is following up its January introduction of a new Posturepedic line with a preview of the new Next Generation Stearns & Foster line, due to ship to retailers later this year. The new S&F line is, obviously, an important introduction for Sealy, which is generating momentum in the market with its new Posturepedic line and has enjoyed strong success with its existing S&F line. Sealy also is showing a new S&F latex line, and offers limited-edition "Inflation Buster" Sealybrand beds targeting the $699 price point.
     Serta follows up the strong success of its new iComfort gel memory foam line with the addition of a new bed in that collection. And Serta joins the World Market Center in welcoming a special guest to market: former president Bill Clinton. He highlights a special event Tuesday night. I'm looking forward to that.
     Simmons, continuing to stay aggressive with product introductions, debuts a new ComforPedic Loft line that seeks to keep the memory foam ComforPedic line on a strong growth track. Simmons also is showing a new Natural Care line and a NuFlex foundation designed for today's active lifestyles.
     Comfort Solutions gets aggressive with a limited edition Laura Ashley model targeting the $599 price point. The knit fabrics in rose or silver-colored patterns are specially treated to provide a dermatologically safe and hygienic sleep surface.
     Kingsdown is showing its bedMatch diagnostic program, which the company says is helping retailers boost their close rates and average tickets, and has strengthened a number of its best-selling models.
     International Bedding, aiming to give retailers traffic-building products, offers thick, plush beds designed to retail from $399 to $899. And new Europa beds, with fashion-forward looks, will retail from $799 to $1,599.
     Therapedic enters the green category with its EcoTouch line, made with eco-friendly materials and retailing from $1,199 to $2,999. It features an exclusive new foam construction.
     Englander is showing its new E gel Cool Blue Sleep Technology, which combines gel and memory foam, and also is touting its Synergy line of latex and memory foam beds.
     Spring Air has a new green line, BioMax, and a promotion that targets price points from $499 to $599, while Restonic's ComfortCare Select line features individually wrapped coils. And Symbol offers gel-infused memory foam (I see a trend here) in its new Response G series, retailing from $999 to $1,799.
     Have a great market, everyone.

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