In the category of What Doesn't Go Around Does Come Around (think about that for a second and you'll see what I mean), we bring you exciting news this week of the latest innovation in bedding: Two-sided mattresses.

Yes, what is old is new again. Isn't this a great industry?

Two producers made news during the recent Las Vegas Market with two-sided mattress introductions. Gold Bond, a leading futon producer, continues to boost its conventional bedding lineup and brought out new two-sided beds. And Englander's new Hotel Grand collection features two-sided beds.

Gold Bond President Bob Naboicheck, who enjoys swimming against the tide, has a clever line about the advantages of two-sided beds: Two of something is usually better than one of something. (That is true in many cases, but there are some obvious instances in which it is not the case. Fo...Read More

T his much is certain: Bedding will be up, down or sideways. 

Bedding producers and retailers face some conflicting forecasts as they make their business plans for 2008. How will the industry perform? It depends on whom you ask. 

The consensus bedding forecast recently issued by Furniture/Today calls for a 0.6% unit decline this year, with dollars forecast to grow by a modest 2.8%. 

But a forecast issued by the International Sleep Products Assn. in October presented a more bullish view of 2008. That forecast calls for a 2% unit gain this year, with dollar sales growing by 5.1%. 

Why the difference in the two forecasts? Part of the reason, industry insiders say, relates to timing: The ISPA forecast panel is composed of 10 producers, suppliers and an...Read More