Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights

November 9, 2011

Things I learned at the recent High Point Market:
1. Gel beds are bedding's next big thing, but there will be twists and turns in the category.
The gel bandwagon picked up steam in High Point, with Therapedic, Restonic, Paramount, Jamison and South Bay showing new gel beds, joining a field that already includes Serta, Simmons, Symbol, Gold Bond, Classic Brands and Natura.
Gel beds are generally positioned at premium price points of $1,000 to more than $2,000, and they will help give the specialty sleep category even more momentum.
There is a lot of excitement about gel beds in the marketplace, and that's a good thing. It's a healthy development for the mattress business that it can keep creating dynamic new product categories.
But there will be some challenges. For one, producers are scrambling to sort out which gel names they can use and which names are claimed by someone else. And we hear rumblings about battles to protect certain designs.
Look for several new gel beds at the Las Vegas Market, which opens Jan. 30.
2. And speaking of Las Vegas, I also learned that the next bedding market there is already shaping up as a blockbuster for introductions.
A number of major producers told me in High Point that they are working on important new offerings for Vegas. Sealy is planning to launch its new Embody specialty sleep line there, and other majors are planning big moves. The details, at this point, are being closely held by the companies.
Note to companies showing in Las Vegas: It's not too early to begin thinking about your public relations plans for Vegas. I will be taking my first look at a major Vegas introduction later this month.
3. Latex mattress toppers are all the rage, but are they costing us mattress sales?
Producers showing new toppers in High Point included Pure LatexBliss, International Bedding, Jamison, Paramount and Carolina Mattress Guild.
In some cases toppers are a Band-Aid for worn out beds, but I was told in High Point that many retail sales associates are selling toppers with new beds because they are easy add-on sales. And we all know the importance of add-on sales these days.
4. Mattress producers are stepping up their games.
Therapedic had its broadest new product offering, while Jamison made an impressive introduction of its rebranded product lines. Paramount Sleep continues to shine with well developed and thoughtful product launches. Enso Sleep Products has added a well-respected bedding veteran to help develop its line. And furniture powerhouse Ashley is making some powerful moves in mattresses.

Posted by David Perry on November 9, 2011 | Comments (9)

Industries: Markets & Tradeshows , Homepage , Bedding , High Point Market Show News , Bedding (Themed)

December 3, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Sunny commented:

I guess finding useful, reliable information on the internet isn't hopleses after all.

November 23, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Opportunist commented:

You guys forget, that furniture today and similar organisations directly or indirectly (as you too) derives its financial autonomy from those very manufacturers who proposed the gel in the first place.
They say comfort is subjective!? Therefore, it is your right, and responsibility to a certain degree, Industry Veteran, to make up all sorts of wonderful stories about the gel.
Personally, that deep blue color gets to me every time! It must sleep cooler, right?
I do not think a detailed study in thermal dynamics is appropriate here. It would neither help you to sell more beds, or help the narrator tell a better story. To each his own.

November 23, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Opportunist commented:

November 16, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
US Vet commented:

Me thinks " industry veteran" has an ax to grid. Chop, chop, chop. How's that for " journalism" ?

November 14, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Industry Veteran commented:

Still no response with some credible analysis? As Furniture Today's journalist for bedding I guess you have to decide whether to write in the tradition of the New York Times or in the tradition of entertainment, not news of the morning shows. Gel beds are not new news. Are they selling latex toppers for new gel beds?

November 10, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
skeptic commented:

I agree with industry veteran, what makes Gel so wonderful? Does it truly sleep cooler?? How about pressure relief, motion reduction, conformability or is it simply a gimicky addition to a sleepy industry?

November 10, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Ken Quiggins commented:

Like to repeat himself, perhaps for emphasis. LOL.

November 9, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
ken quiggins commented:

One of the names you did not mention as adding gel beds was Boyd Specialty Sleep who has a complete new line of Gel Beds that are wonderful.

November 9, 2011

In response to: Excitement in gel bed arena among High Point highlights
Industry veteran commented:

When you write an article like this one, wouldn't it benefit us to hear your take on what is so wonderful about gel beds vs. latex foam and other foams? How about some analysis on your part to make this article relevant to the reader. Please follow up with some analysis. Just parotting back what manufacturers tell you is not journalism. I look forward to your response tomorrow.