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David Perry

Why we reported on China's bedding industry

Our recent series of stories on the Chinese bedding industry has sparked some interesting responses, ranging from anger to appreciation. And those reactions say a lot about how different companies view the challenge of China. (Click here to see the exclusive report Inside China's Bedding Industry)

One school of thought holds that I devoted far too much space to what is happening in China, that I “glorified” Chinese mattress, fiber and foam factories. Why, these critics wonder, don’t I write about the advantages that U.S. companies have to offer in product innovations, strong marketing programs and fast customer service?

On the other end of the spectrum are the bedding executives who have thanked me for an insightful series of stories. One producer who appreciated my work spent most of his time at the recent Las Vegas market calling on Chinese manufacturers, exploring possible partnerships. Executives of another U.S. producer spent several minutes with me exploring the ramifications of my stories. One of them later told me that he reflected on that conversation for several days.

At this point, support for my Chinese stories is far outweighing criticism of them. Not that that really matters. I am a journalist. What is happening in China is newsworthy, and covering it is my responsibility as a journalist. The fact that my reporting may ruffle the feathers of some readers is an occupational hazard. It comes with the territory. Journalism is not a popularity contest.

We all know how Chinese wood and upholstery producers have affected U.S. manufacturers. I wanted to see what Chinese bedding producers are thinking and doing, so I went to their factories and interviewed the executives who run them. My stories focused on what’s happening inside China. I wasn’t saying that Chinese companies are better than their U.S. counterparts. I did discover, and report, that they are different in many ways — often bigger — and that they are taking aim at the inviting U.S. market.

My stories opened a window on five Chinese bedding factories. Anyone who visits those factories will see what I saw. But a great many U.S. bedding makers, suppliers and retailers have never been to China. My stories could save them a great deal of time and expense.

I did not intend to “glorify” those Chinese plants. They may or may not have products that would be helpful to U.S. retailers, producers and suppliers. That is for buyers and sellers to determine. I made no recommendations.

But I do make this recommendation: We should all learn everything we can about what is happening in China. Ignorance is not bliss. It could lead to fatal miscalculations.