High Point Market Fall 2008 offers opportunities for savvy mattress retailers
So here’s the deal: We can’t control the puny economic climate that besets the industry these days. But we can aim to improve our business.
That, I believe, will be the hallmark of activity in mattress showrooms at the High Point Market this week. Retailers who shop the market with an open mind have the chance to add products and promotions that might help boost their business. Retailers who don’t show up have the chance to sit at home and whine about lousy business.
(Speaking of whining, my recent column on the need to choose “winning” over “whining” struck a chord with many of you, judging by the e-mails I received. And that message seems especially appropriate at market time.)
The High Point Market lacks the breadth of mattress introductions that are seen in Las Vegas, where the mattress industry shows in force. But this High Point Market does feature some interesting mattress offerings, and it offers retailers a chance to examine them in a relaxed setting.
Headlining the brand-new products here is Martha Stewart’s “The Good Bed” line of open coil and encased coil mattresses. It will be shown in Market Square, one of my favorite showroom buildings with its well-worn wood floors and cozy courtyard.
While I haven’t seen Martha’s beds in person, they look clean and classy in the pictures on her Web site. I expect this line to gain some traction in the market.
Mattress retailers will also want to visit The Bedding Center in Plaza Suites.
Five Star Mattress, the price-cutting line that made waves in Las Vegas, again is setting up shop there. So is Therapedic, which remains committed to the High Point Market and is featuring its I-Care Elite line, which has some strong consumer hooks.
Also in the Bedding Center are some local players: Joya Sleep Systems, I-Care Sleep Products (which makes the version of the I-Care line marketed by Therapedic) and Carolina Mattress Guild. CMG had a strong market here in April and aims to keep its momentum going.
Elsewhere in the downtown market district, Natura expands its green offerings with medium and high-end models in the natural and organic categories, and Bemco offers some interesting promotional packages. Primo International and Coaster are worth a look in the mattress import arena. Hypnos offers striking high-end models.
And no list of High Point mattress exhibitors would be complete without a nod to the big guy down the road: Sales leader Sealy, which shows at its Archdale campus.
Mattresses remain a highly profitable, dynamic category on retail floors around the country. They continue to generate profit dollars that are keeping the lights on in a number of stores.
So why not check out the mattresses in High Point? I’ll see you in your favorite mattress showroom.
Dave Perry commented:
From Dave Perry: Shame on those who want to blast someone under the cloak of anonymity. Gerry's reputation speaks for itself. And where does that cheap shot come from anyway? Gerry believes in the High Point Market and continues to support it. In this tough climate, he gets kudos for showing up and doing his part to boost sales. In my book, that's a more positive approach that just whining about poor business.
Dave Perry commented:
From Dave Perry: Shame on those who want to blast someone under the cloak of anonymity. Gerry's reputation speaks for itself. And where does that cheap shot come from anyway? Gerry believes in the High Point Market and continues to support it. In this tough climate, he gets kudos for showing up and doing his part to boost sales. In my book, that's a more positive approach that just whining about poor business.
2008 commented:
How are you going to call one of, if not the best, leaders in the mattress industry a "perennial loser"? Show some moxie instead of being anonymous.
Don Wright commented:
Dude.... Gerry B. is anything but a loser....
I work with Gerry and know him to be thoughtful, respectful, Optimistic and insightful... Maybe these words contain too many syllables for you to understand....
Really no need to attack anyone, and then be cowardly about it by not signing your name....
Reginald Dunbar commented:
You got to love the misguided spirit of the first poster here, calling the article Idiotic.
Here is someone who takes a shot at a Market he doesn't attend, and then a cheap shot at a furniture exec who does. Rather lame, I'd say.
Response to Mr. "Feel Smart" commented:
If you're so smart why couldn't you put your name on your post?
High Point Market worked, much to your chagrin, it seems. Next time you have somebody read the magazine to you, tell them to skip the High Point articles. Then, not only would you "feel smart" but you'd be more relaxed, as well, genius.
Warren Littrell commented:
I did not realize that in article in a industry paper could make you feel "stupid and lazy". It would seem to me that you can only feel that way if you feel that way about yourself. I have attended High Point and all other major markets for 30 years and don't recall one time being forced to have my picture taken with anyone. The furniture industry is in a recession and all of us know it. We need to find a way to put excitement into our products like the electronics industry does on a regular basis. Short of that we will be in for a long haul of less than stellar sales results.
Warren Littrell commented:
I did not realize that in article in a industry paper could make you feel "stupid and lazy". It would seem to me that you can only feel that way if you feel that way about yourself. I have attended High Point and all other major markets for 30 years and don't recall one time being forced to have my picture taken with anyone. The furniture industry is in a recession and all of us know it. We need to find a way to put excitement into our products like the electronics industry does on a regular basis. Short of that we will be in for a long haul of less than stellar sales results.
Joe Mattress commented:
Idiotic article and headline.
It's only purpose is to try to make mattress retailers feel stupid and lazy for not going to this dopey magazines beloved be-all, end-all (and slowly expiring) HIGH POINT MARKET!
Give me a rest, I feel smart for staying away and working on real issues rather than having photos taken with perennial loser Gerry Borreggine.
Joe Mattress commented:
Idiotic article and headline.
It's only purpose is to try to make mattress retailers feel stupid and lazy for not going to this dopey magazines beloved be-all, end-all (and slowly expiring) HIGH POINT MARKET!
Give me a rest, I feel smart for staying away and working on real issues rather than having photos taken with perennial loser Gerry Borreggine.
