Former mattress franchisee still delivers the goods

Although the bankruptcy and subsequent sale of 1800mattress.com resulted in the demise of the retailer’s once-thriving franchisee in New England, the franchisee’s “other” business is still alive and well.

In fact, the mattress franchise was an outgrowth of this other business, New England Retail Express, a home delivery service that has been around since 1981.

“We probably are the best-kept secret in home delivery,” said President Geoffrey Chasin. “We now have more than 150 trucks … and some of our (retail) customers have been with us for 25 years.”

Chasin’s 1800mattress.com franchises, known as Amalgamated Mattress and Consolidated Mattress, fought hard to keep the bankrupt retailer from being sold to Sleepy’s, but was ultimately unsuccessful. And to no one’s surprise, Sleepy’s rejected the franchise agreements and put the franchisees out of business as soon as it gained control – all of which was perfectly legal under U.S. bankruptcy law.

But Chasin said he’s not bitter about the outcome and is focusing all his energy on New England Retail Express.

“The franchise was very successful…but it’s over, and we will move on,” he said.