Sleep Experts opening 10 stores in Austin area

David Perry -- Furniture Today, May 4, 2012

AUSTIN, Texas — Fast-growing Sleep Experts is expanding to the Austin market, with four stores open this week. The company expects to have 10 stores operating in the Central Texas market by the end of 2012.

Founded in 2003 by former Austin residents Chris and Christine Cook, Sleep Experts has grown to 39 stores in the Dallas-Fort Worth market.

"When we launched Sleep Experts, we set out to raise the bar on consumer expectations by delivering the best quality, value and service available from a mattress retailer," said Christine Cook, president of Sleep Experts. "We are thrilled to be returning to Austin with a promise to help customers find a mattress they will love."

Sleep Experts has named Gary Melder as Austin general manager. He has been a district manager at Sleep Experts for six years and has played a key role in the retailer's growth, the company said.

"Gary is a great leader and will be a guiding force as we scale our operations to meet the needs of the Austin market," said CEO Chris Cook. "As we grow our business, it is important to keep the Sleep Experts culture intact and stay true to our mission to help customers find a mattress they will love."

As part of their founding mission, the Cooks said they embraced the concept of "conscious capitalism," making a promise to "do everything in our power to improve the communities in which we serve." Through the company's Share the Gift of Sleep program, founded by Christine Cook, Sleep Experts recycles customers' old beds for donation to local nonprofit organizations serving women and children in crisis.

To date, Sleep Experts says it has donated more than 9,000 beds valued at $600,000, resulting in more than a million nights of sleep for thousands of families in North Texas. The company has already established Austin partnerships with Center for Child Protection, Foundation Communities, SafePlace and Saint Louise House.