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Tips to Combat Insomnia and the Munchies

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Having a hard time sleeping during the hard times we are experiencing? Consider these suggestions to be well-rested and less stressed For a number of people, the chronic stress of the coronavirus pandemic has made sleep a little harder to come by. And poor sleep often leads to poor eating habits, according to a March […]

White Mask Delivery

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How coronavirus is changing the way retailers deliver and set up beds in customers’ homes It’s been a selling point for many brick-and-mortar retailers to offer free, white-glove delivery of new bed sets to their customers’ homes. But with everyone worried more than ever about germs, you may need to rethink how you deliver mattresses […]

Irregular Sleep: A Health Hazard

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Older adults with irregular sleep patterns — meaning they have no regular bedtime and wake-up schedule, or they get different amounts of sleep each night — are nearly twice as likely to develop cardiovascular disease as those with more regular sleep patterns, according to a new study funded in part by the National Heart, Lung […]

Nap Time

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Tired of someone kicking the back of your seat during a flight? Or tired but can’t rest in economy class? Air New Zealand has the answer: sleeping pods. If we told you sleeper beds might soon be available even when you fly economy, you’d have one question: What’s the catch? Are they in cargo? Are […]

BEDDING MARKET QUARTERLY

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Bedding Market Slumped in 2019. Total unit shipments of mattresses, as well as stationary and motion foundations, from U.S. producers and imports rose 2.2% in the fourth quarter of 2019, compared with the same three-month period in 2018, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trend report published by the International Sleep Products Association. The […]

It’s Coming! Are You Ready?

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May is Better Sleep Month, and the Better Sleep Council has a varietyof adventures planned to help your customers get a good night’s sleep. The Better Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, is preparing for Better Sleep Month this May with a variety of activities planned to help consumers […]

Surface Story: How Long Does Coronavirus Stick Around?

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Understanding how long the coronavirus lives on surfaces can help you keep your store and products clean and safe for consumers Note: This article was accurate, to the best of our knowledge, at the time it was published. However, information about the novel coronavirus and the nation’s response to the pandemic change rapidly. Check CDC.gov […]

At Las Vegas Market: Decisions, Decisions!

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Vendors expanded showrooms, extended lines and unveiled a wealth of new products that made buyers’ choices tough For trade journalists covering the Winter Las Vegas Market Jan. 26-30, the scene in the World Market Center was ideal — not so busy that vendors didn’t have time to talk about their introductions and filled with plenty […]

Foam Home

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National survey finds consumers willing to pay more for certified foam, confirms the importance of a comfortable mattress with quality materials for a good night’s sleep Nine out of 10 recent or upcoming mattress buyers are more likely to purchase a mattress that contains CertiPUR-US-certified flexible polyurethane foam, according to benchmark research conducted through an […]

“We’re Open — and Sanitized!”

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Follow these guidelines for keeping your team healthy, your store hygienic and your customers comfortable shopping for sleep products during the COVID-19 outbreak The novel coronavirus is causing illness and death, wreaking havoc with the economy — and challenging us all to come up with new songs to sing to ourselves as we wash our […]

What’s That Sound?

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From creating an acoustic logo to advertising on podcasts, it’s time to tune up your company’s audio identity. Listen up! With the popularity of sound-centered media such as podcasts and music-streaming services, and the increasing prevalence of voice assistants like Amazon Alexa and Google Home, you need a distinctive audio identity that works in harmony with […]

Millennials Drive Retail Growth

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Survey reveals Gen Y are likely to make a major purchase in the next six months. Has the decline of retail been exaggerated? The answer is yes, according to TD Bank’s Retail Experience Index, a biannual survey that tracks consumers’ purchasing habits, focusing on big-ticket items of $500 or more. The survey, released Jan. 24 […]

The Mattress Buyer’s Journey

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New research from the Better Sleep Council suggests that how consumers shop for a mattress may affect how well they sleep. While one-touch, in-the-moment online shopping may be all the rage, new research from the Better Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, indicates that people who go “old school” […]

Slowing Down the Revolving Door

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Does your store suffer from high turnover? Results from a 2019 survey reveal the top 3 factors that lead employees to call it quits. Holy Moses! Why is your store experiencing such an exodus? Excuse the pun — high employee turnover is no laughing matter. If you’re seeing high turnover rates, it may be time […]

Disappearing Act

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Has a job candidate ever ghosted you? In other words, has a strong prospective employee pulled a no-show during the hiring process? Here are 3 ways to minimize the risk. The Urban Dictionary describes ghosting as “the act of suddenly ceasing all communication with someone the subject is dating, but no longer wishes to date.” […]

Secret Shopper: Going to Extremes in California

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The search for a new mattress leaves a couple feeling at times unsatisfied — and even ignored For this issue’s Undercover, we sent a middle-aged couple out to shop for a new bed for the master bedroom of their new home in Southern California. The husband and wife own a 10-year-old mattress set purchased from […]

More Sleep, Better Decision-Making

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A recent series of studies suggest well-rested entrepreneurs analyze venture executive summaries better than those who sleep less Entrepreneurs are notorious for burning the midnight oil to get their fledgling businesses off the ground. However, a series of studies by Jeffry Gish, assistant professor of management at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, Florida, […]

True Blue

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Pantone has selected Classic Blue as the 2020 Color of the Year. The hue (Pantone 19-4052) is “a reassuring presence instilling calm, confidence and connection,” the Carlstadt, New Jersey-based color authority says. “Suggestive of the sky at dusk, the reassuring qualities of the thought-provoking Pantone 19-4052 Classic Blue highlight our desire for a dependable and stable […]

Rich Man, Poor Man

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Are you trying to decide if people are rich or poor? Forget about judging them by their clothes. Simply look at their face, research shows You can’t always judge a book by its cover, but can you tell whether a person is wealthy simply by looking at their face? Actually, you can — and with […]

The Buzz That Was

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Looking for a refreshing way to start the new year? Clean up your vocabulary by sweeping away tired jargon and shirking the slang In today’s busy-bee society, even the best buzzwords eventually lose their sting. And so it is that we bid farewell to the 15 buzzwords that Inc.com’s Max Totsky said must go in […]

8 Customer Service Resolutions

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To make 2020 your best year, care for and appreciate the consumers who keep you in business If your 2020 goals include selling more mattresses, boosting your average ticket, opening new stores, expanding e-commerce or improving profits (and what retailer’s goals don’t include one or more of those?), start with strengthening your customer service. Because […]

Las Vegas Ante4Autism 2020 Poker Tournament Around the Corner

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The 12th annual Ante4Autism Poker Tournament will take place at 7 p.m., Jan. 25 at the Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino’s Grand Event Center, on the eve of Las Vegas Market. The fundraiser supports autism spectrum disorder advocacy, education and research. The event attracts donations and support from across the furniture and bedding industry and […]

And They’re Off: Consumers Rush Into Holiday Shopping

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A record number of consumers shopped in-store and online over long Thanksgiving weekend This year’s holiday shopping season got off to a strong start with a record 189.6 million U.S. consumers shopping from Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday through Cyber Monday, according to a Dec. 3 news release from the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation […]

The Sleep-Work Connection

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New Better Sleep Council research reveals how employment can negatively affect slumber and what workers can do to avoid sleepless nights Americans aren’t sleeping enough. And those with a job seem to have a harder time getting good rest than others. That’s the latest findings from the State of America’s Sleep study commissioned by the […]

Great Expectations: Holiday Shopping Forecast

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The International Council of Shopping Centers forecasts total holiday spending to reach $832.3 billion, with 90% of shoppers spending in physical stores The New York-based International Council of Shopping Centers forecasts a 4.9% increase in holiday spending over last year for a total of $832.3 billion. The average adult is anticipated to spend $683 on […]

How to Write a Great About Us Page For Your Website

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Who Are You? Who, Who? Here’s how to craft an About Us page that conveys your store’s personality  and connects with consumers If done right, your About Us webpage should be much more than a store biography. It should give consumers a reason to buy from you. A well-written About Us page is the ideal […]

New Law Expands Mattress Recycling in California

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State adds futons to recycling program and will require internet retailers to pick up customers’ discarded mattresses Under new amendments to the state’s mattress recycling law, California is expanding its mattress recycling program to include futons. For the mattress industry, this means manufacturers, distributors and retailers selling futons to California end users must register with […]

Adult Entertainment

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Want to add a little levity to your workweek? Classic childhood games can put some pep in your step and a smile on your face via GIPHY What happens when otherwise sane, well-adjusted retail sales associates decide to revisit their childhood and play games such as kickball, dodgeball and hopscotch? Well, in addition to the […]

Is Payday Going Out of Style?

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Global survey finds employees want greater speed, security and flexibility in receiving pay, and prefer employers who care about their financial wellness As the world of work continues to evolve, a new survey by the ADP Research Institute, with headquarters in Roseland, New Jersey, has identified a growing demand for new payment options. In a […]

Need a Good Laugh?

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Entries into Sleep Savvy’s cartoon caption contest are in, and, wow, do we have some hilarious quips and puns in store for you In the July/August issue of Sleep Savvy, we published this cartoon (see below) and invited readers to write a caption, submit it to the magazine and show off their wit. The staff […]

Get a Grip on Great Handshakes

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A firm, friendly handshake can help retail sales associates make an instant connection with shoppers It’s one of the most famous handshakes in cinematic history: actor Tim Matheson glad-handing his way through the Delta Tau Chi fraternity house in “National Lampoon’s Animal House” saying, “Hi. Eric Stratton, rush chairman. Damn glad to meet you.” Funny, […]

Don’t Worry, Sleep Happy

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Those who see the glass as half full, not half empty, tend to have a sunnier view of life. Now, researchers have found, they sleep better, too. The multiyear study, led by Rosalba Hernandez, professor of social work at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, included more than 3,500 people ages 32 to 51 living […]

Sleep by the Numbers

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How well are you and your customers resting? Check out the following statistics … you might be surprised The discipline of statistics offers a variety of insights into American consumers — how they spend their time, how much they value rest, and what keeps them awake at night. The following three recent surveys caught our […]

Stress, Pain and Money — Oh My!

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Better Sleep Council research uncovers the factors that keep people awake and help them nod off Sleep is a wonderful, revitalizing and sometimes elusive thing. What makes it easy for some people to snooze and difficult for others? The Better Sleep Council, the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, has identified several factors […]

Organizing Principles

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Autumn is the perfect time to declutter. We give you tips for clearing out and cleaning up your store after a busy summer While spring is the traditional time for deep cleaning, mattress retailers can benefit from getting in the habit of tidying up and decluttering their stores every autumn. You’ve just completed a successful […]

Secret Shopper: The Good, the Bad and the Buggy

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In this issue’s installment, our secret shoppers — a senior couple living along the Gulf Coast — visit three stores for new mattresses and generally have enjoyable experiences. Here’s why Every day as a mattress retailer, you help couples find a mattress that will give each person the support and comfort necessary for a good […]

Products and Programs for Success

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In issues of Sleep Savvy distributed at the Summer Las Vegas Market, we offered advertisers an opportunity to showcase their new or most successful products and services. For more information, click each ad to visit the advertiser’s website.

It Is Easy Bein’ Green

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Making simple changes can reduce your store’s environmental footprint and reduce your costs, too The first Earth Day was nearly 50 years ago and today, virtually everyone participates to some extent in the three Rs — reduce, reuse, recycle. Doing so helps cut the amount of stuff we send to landfills, decreases our energy use […]

Growth Ahead for Bedding Sector

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ISPA’s most recent forecast predicts increases in the total U.S. market for mattresses and stationary foundations in 2019 and 2020 Editor’s note: The International Sleep Products Association’s econometric model has been updated to provide two forecasts for mattresses and stationary foundations. The first forecast measures unit shipments and dollar value for the total U.S. mattress […]

Speak the Language

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Smart RSAs know their body language is as important as the words they speak to customers. Remember these 5 tips to make sure your verbal and nonverbal communication are complementary Maybe you speak perfect English, but there’s a second language you need to be fluent in for your career as a retail sales associate and […]

Changing Lanes

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If you’re looking for ways to drive consumers from shopping online to walking through your doors, follow these best practices for shifting your web traffic to store traffic What do you do when your web traffic is hopping but your store doors aren’t swinging? Use your website to drive consumers into your stores! One easy […]

Social Media Use Remains Steady

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Survey shows that even after concerns about privacy, fake news and censorship, U.S. adults’ use of social media is the same as in early 2018 In 2018, Facebook Seemed to be involved in controversy after controversy — improperly sharing data with Cambridge Analytica, a September security breach and disseminating “fake news,” just to name a […]

More Than a Mattress

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Want to express your appreciation to shoppers? Thoughtful leave-behind gifts will make a lasting impression with your customers “You get a car! And you get a car! And you get a car!” Oprah Winfrey made a lasting impression on her daytime talk show audience on the day she doled out all those new vehicles. Heck, […]

Exhausted? You’re Not Alone

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Annual survey analyzes how well — or poorly — the world is sleeping and what, if anything, adults are doing about it Here’s a universal observation about sleep: Most adults around the world are worn out but don’t do much to help the situation. In fact, according to the findings from a recent annual global […]

Men and Women Search for Jobs Differently

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How do women and men differ when looking for jobs? LinkedIn, a business and employment-oriented website with headquarters in Sunnyvale, California, released its Gender Insight Report in March to answer just that question. Based on interactions between companies and job candidates and recruiters on its site, the report noted: Men and women are equally open […]

U.S. Mattress Sales Drop in 4th Quarter

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U.S. mattress sales slid in the fourth quarter of 2018, compared with the same three-month period in 2017, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trends report published by the International Sleep Products Association. Fourth-quarter sales of mattresses and stationary foundations decreased 15.5%, while wholesale values of those shipments dropped 9.2%, compared with the same […]

Oh, My Aching Back

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Retail sales associates should try these tips to ease the aches and pains that come with working on your feet While we know sitting all day isn’t healthy, standing all day isn’t much better — as retail sales associates are well aware. Not only does it hurt your back, cause fatigue and stiffen muscle, constant […]

“Sleep Like a Kid”

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To celebrate May’s Better Sleep Month, the Better Sleep Council kicks off PR campaign to share sleep advice through the eyes of children This May, the Better Sleep Council, the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, is taking a renewed look at sleep — through the eyes of the world’s best sleepers — […]

Commercial Volume Pickup Launches

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MRC increases California retailers’ access to no-cost recycling with program providing containers, transportation and recycling of discarded mattresses This month, California retailers can begin requesting pickup of their used bedding units through the Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program. The new Commercial Volume Pickup Program provides no-cost containers, transportation and recycling of the discarded […]

Manufacturers Help Mattress Retailers Compete

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Bedding brands simplify step-ups, reduce opening price points, make adjustables irresistible By Barbara T. Nelles and Beth English Retailers found plenty of Winter Las Vegas Market bedding news as they trooped through the halls of the World Market Center, Jan. 27-31. Traffic tapered off on Monday afternoon, probably due to a polar vortex, which spread […]

How to Show Customers You Care

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Do your shoppers know you appreciate them? Sleep Savvy shares 7 ways to show the people who keep you in business how much you care about them Customer care is one way to take customer appreciation to the next level, letting shoppers know that you not only appreciate their business, but appreciate them as people, […]

Mature Employees Wanted

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In a tight job market, consider hiring workers at or past retirement age. You’ll be surprised by the strengths they bring Are you looking for enthusiastic employees who are creative and innovative? Nope, we’re not talking about millennials; we’re referring to their parents and grandparents — baby boomers. Although Generation Y is the largest demographic […]

What Keeps Teenagers Up at Night?

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It’s not Instagram. According to the Better Sleep Council, it’s homework, which impedes their sleep and tanks their school performance According to research from the Better Sleep Council, the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, homework — rather than social pressure — is the No. 1 cause of teenage stress, negatively affecting […]

NRF Forecasts Strong Retail Growth in 2019

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Expected gains of 4.4% following a strong 4.6% increase posted in 2018 Retail sales in 2019 will increase between 3.8% and 4.4% to more than $3.8 trillion, according to the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation. The forecast, released in February, comes despite threats from an ongoing trade war, a volatile stock market and the effects […]

Puppy Love

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New research suggests women may sleep better with dogs in the bed rather than with human partners A dog may be a man’s best friend, but a dog is a woman’s best sleeping companion, according to a study. The study, published in Anthrozoös and conducted by Christy L. Hoffman, associate professor and anthrozoology program director […]

ISPA Releases New Industry Forecast

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Analysis projects drop in sales in 2018, followed by modest growth in 2019 and 2020 When final numbers are tallied, the U.S. mattress industry is expected to see declines in the dollar value and number of units shipped in 2018, according to the latest forecast from the International Sleep Products Association. The forecast, released in […]

Secret Shopper: The More Things Change …

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Our secret shopper gives three retailers in the Southeast mixed reviews. While she found an appealing selection of products, customer service and store design left something to be desired Sleep Savvy thinks 2019 is a perfect year to revive our secret shopper feature, sending consumers out around the country to see how mattress retailers are […]

New Year’s Resolutions for RSAs

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Pick a goal to reach and make this your best year ever in mattress sales This year, we want every mattress retail sales associate to be successful and satisfied at work, so we’ve compiled a list of new year’s resolutions for RSAs. Choose one — or, if you’re feeling especially ambitious, two — and get […]

Treats From the Autumn High Point Show

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BY BETH ENGLISH AND BARBARA T. NELLES New lines, fresh looks, streamlined displays and more dotted the bedding showrooms at North Carolina’s biannual event and even a hurricane couldn’t keep us away. The Fall High Point Market Oct. 13-17 in High Point, North Carolina, was punctuated by Hurricane Michael barreling into the Florida panhandle and […]

Fill Those Online Shopping Carts to the Rim

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Add-on sales make e-commerce more profitable Getting customers to click “Buy now” on your e-commerce site is great — and it’s even better if their online shopping cart is chock full of sleep products when they are ready to check out. Increasing the average order value online is much like growing the average sales ticket […]

MRC Launches “Retailer Take-Back” Program

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Autumn campaign encourages consumers in California to ask retailers to take back used mattresses The Mattress Recycling Council has launched the 2018 “Retailer Take-Back” campaign, designed to encourage consumers to ask their local retailer to take back used mattresses when purchasing a new one. The eight-week campaign debuted Oct. 1 in targeted markets throughout California. […]

Giving Thanks

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6 ways to show your customers how much you value them Without customers, you have no business. It’s as simple as that. Given this fact, it’s nice to go beyond the “thank you” you offer as shoppers head out the store door post-purchase or click “Place Order.” There are a number of meaningful ways you […]

An Attitude of Gratitude

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10 quotes to inspire a practice of thankfulness With Thanksgiving near, now is a perfect time to take stock of your life and be grateful for all that you have. Professional blessings can include everything from your business or job to your colleagues and customers. Some people have started an annual practice of publicly giving […]

Electronics Made Me Do It

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National poll reveals 43% of parents say their teen has trouble sleeping; social media and cellphones cited as top reasons It’s no secret that many teenagers stay up late to scroll through social media or catch up with friends on their phones. In fact, 56% of parents of teens who have trouble sleeping say the […]

Warning Signs of a Terrible Applicant

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Employers share the most outrageous resume mistakes, lies and instant deal breakers in new survey Employers are feeling the heat of the tight labor market as they struggle to find qualified candidates to fill open jobs. While job seekers are getting their attention, it’s often for the wrong reasons. A recent national survey by the […]

Mattress Recycling Council and Bye Bye Mattress Launch ‘Retailer Take-Back’ Campaign

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Mattress Recycling Council News Release Campaign encourages consumers to ask retailers to take back used mattresses when purchasing new mattresses or box springs SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Mattress Recycling Council today announced the launch of the 2018 “Retailer Take-Back” campaign, designed to encourage consumers to ask their local retailer to take back used mattresses when […]

7 Stores That Foretell the Future of Retail

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From stores that constantly reinvent themselves to retailers that use facial recognition software, these are bold companies The future of retail includes ice cream sprinkles and next-day home delivery. The insights come from Jeremy Bowman, who recently compiled a list of seven innovative retailers for the Motley Fool’s website. Story: Shoppers never know exactly what […]

Investing in a new way to pay

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Consumers like the convenience and safety of using mobile wallets — and they have benefits for retailers, too After you’ve sold a customer on a new mattress set, you want to make the payment process easy. Accepting shoppers’ mobile wallets can help with that — and may be a requirement among consumers in the future. […]

Forecast: Holiday Shopping Season Will Be Jolly

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NRF Predicts Retail Sales Will Rise 4.3% or More in November and December Holiday sales this year are expected to increase between 4.3% and 4.8% over 2017 levels, according to a new forecast from the National Retail Federation, a Washington, D.C.-based trade group. Those numbers compare to an average annual increase of 3.9% in the […]

Summer Refresh

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BY BARBARA T. NELLES  AND BETH ENGLISH Slower show meant less rush — and plenty of rest-testing and pillow squeezing It was a typical Summer Las Vegas Market in that traffic was slower — possibly the slowest we’ve seen — and product introductions were far fewer than during the winter show in January. But retailers […]

Emails Elicit All the Feels

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They can annoy recipients but also remain an effective marketing vehicle We know a lot of email goes unread, but a new survey shows marketing messages still can be effective. For the fourth year, Adobe surveyed 1,000 office workers about their email habits and their feelings about the communication vehicle. When it comes to marketing […]

No Word-of-Mouth With Empty Wallets

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Study finds shoppers don’t want to talk about recent purchases when they feel financially constrained Whether it is two friends talking or a consumer writing an online review, you want people to speak highly of your products. So, we noted with interest research that suggests consumers are reluctant to talk about recent purchases when they […]

Poor sleep can lead to unhealthy eating

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A recent study finds link between sleep loss, nighttime snacking, junk food cravings and obesity  Nighttime snacking and a craving for junk food may contribute to unhealthy eating behaviors and represent a link between poor sleep and obesity, according to a recent study from Tucson-based University of Arizona Health Sciences. The study was conducted via […]

Bedding Market Quarterly: U.S. Mattress Sales Drop in 2nd Quarter

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U.S. mattress sales fell again in the second quarter of 2018, compared with the same three-month period last year, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trend report published by the International Sleep Products Association. Sales of mattresses and foundations fell 7.9% and wholesale revenues decreased 3.5%, compared with the same quarter in 2017. The average […]

Understanding sleep difficulties

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BY DR. REBECCA ROBBINS While sleep disorders should be treated by a medical professional, this cheat sheet of common sleep problems can help you help your customers Retail sales associates know all too well that sleep complaints or difficulties often are what bring customers into a store for a new mattress. But what about those […]

Marking spring in High Point

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BY BETH ENGLISH AND BARBARA T. NELLES Visitors to the latest furniture show in High Point, North Carolina, were treated to looks to freshen floors The High Point Market April 14-18 in High Point, North Carolina, offered a mix of spring weather—sunny days, afternoon rainstorms and temperature swings, not to mention a tornado in nearby […]

Product Showcase

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Leggett & Platt Inc. 1 Leggett Road Carthage, MO 64836 417-358-8131 mark.kinsley@leggett.com LPBeddingComponents.com A weak mattress edge leaves a bad first impression and can kill a sale. Research shows the edge of a mattress comes up during 93% of sales interactions. Leggett & Platt Inc.’s ActivEdge™—a groundbreaking solution for the problem of weak foam encasement— […]

As temps rise, mattress shoppers will appreciate these chill beds

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With summer heating up, mattress retailers can keep their customers cool by offering a selection of mattresses that wick away moisture and keep the sleep surface cool to the touch. We’ve rounded up mattress introductions from the most recent furniture markets in Las Vegas and High Point, North Carolina. All of these beds are designed […]

How to get a cool night’s sleep in a heat wave

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Much of the country has been suffering through a heat wave and when it lifts, we’re still facing the hottest time of the year: July and August. Even with the air conditioning running full blast at home and office, it can be hard after a day in and out of the heat to cool your […]

Malouf and Supima partner to sponsor New York Fashion Week getaway contest

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News release written by Malouf and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy (Logan, Utah) – Two premium bedding brands are coming together to tout the beauty and comfort of luxury cotton. Utah-based bedding accessories maker Malouf is sponsoring a sales contest that will send one lucky winner on a New York getaway. The trip comes with two tickets […]

ISPA report: Motion base sales are on the rise

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Sales of adjustable bases are going up, up, up—a bright spot for the sleep products industry at a time when unit sales of mattresses and flat foundations have been dipping. Unit sales of adjustables grew significantly in the first quarter of 2018, compared with the same period of 2017, according to the ISPA Motion Foundations […]

Men more likely than women to buy big-ticket items online shopping

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More than one-quarter of online shoppers have bought a big-ticket item, but men are more likely than women to drop big bucks while doing digital commerce, according to an NPR/Marist Poll released June 7 (NPR/Marist Poll complete findings PDF) The poll found that 27% of shoppers have spent $1,000 or more online, but men (36%) […]

Cost of sleepiness too pricey to ignore

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PR campaign encourages employers to educate employees about the dangers of sleeplessness and its impact on workplace safety, productivity and health Getting insufficient sleep and working while fatigued have become commonplace in the modern 24/7 world, with more than 37% of workers sleep deprived. Overworked and overtired employees experience cognitive declines and present employers with […]

How to respond to sexual harassment at work

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Survey finds 72% of employees who experience unwanted advances do not report the incidents As accusations of sexual misconduct at work continue to rise, it’s not surprising CareerBuilder.com, an employment services website, commissioned a survey on the topic. The survey, conducted online in late 2017, found that the majority of those who said they had […]

No signature required

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Because of more secure financial technologies, credit card companies no longer require consumers to sign on the dotted line Good news, retailers: Credit card signatures on sales transaction receipts are going the way of rotary phones, floppy disks and eight-track tapes. Four major credit card companies—American Express, Discover, MasterCard and Visa—no longer require customers to […]

Mattress sales stumble in first quarter but are expected to regain footing

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U.S. mattress sales dipped in the first quarter of 2018, compared with the same three-month period in 2017, according to the Bedding Market Quarterly, a wholesale trends report published by the International Sleep Products Association. But the most recent ISPA forecast predicts sales will rebound and finish up for the year. Unit sales of mattresses […]

‘A Mini Field Guide to the Mattress Shopper’

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The BSC and Sleep Savvy team up to create a fun, interactive infographic to give retailers insight into their customers and help generate more sales Looking for helpful, easy-to-understand information to gain insight into today’s consumers? The Better Sleep Council and Sleep Savvy have just the ticket for you. In May, this publication and the […]

Better Sleep Council research finds men earn bragging rights when it comes to bedtime performance, women fall short

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Better Sleep Council news release ALEXANDRIA, VA – May 1, 2018 – Today the Better Sleep Council, the consumer education arm of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA), released its findings from a new survey on America’s bedtime performance as it relates to sleep regimen, finding that men outperformed their female counterparts, but both have […]

Atlanta mattress shop has supporting role in TV series

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An Atlanta-based mattress store has a cameo in the first episode of the Netflix reality series, Queer Eye, a reboot of the hit “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy.” The new series features the same format as its predecessor: A team of five gay guys sweeps into the life of a man in need of […]

Desperately seeking customer reviews

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Experts in soliciting consumer testimonials say a key to earning praise is to ask early These days, mattress retailers crave rave online customer reviews and five-star ratings as much as swinging store doors because they know glowing testimonials help drive customers into their stores. How can you grow your business by accumulating all-important online customer […]

Mattress sales end year down

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U.S. mattress sales (mattresses and foundations) fell 10.6% in the fourth quarter of 2017, compared with the same quarter in 2016, and the wholesale dollar value of those shipments dropped 4.2%, according to the Bedding Market Quarterly, a quarterly sales report from the International Sleep Products Association (paywall). The average unit price for mattress sales […]

Americans not eager to spend tax refunds

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Many of those expecting to get money back are earmarking it for savings or debt repayment This year, Americans are more inclined to hold onto their tax refunds than go on a spending spree, according to an annual survey from the Washington, D.C.-based National Retail Federation. “Tax return season is a time when consumers plan […]

Better Sleep Council kicks off Better Sleep Month campaign May 1

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Better Sleep Council news release The attention-grabbing Better Sleep Month campaign, “Are You Better in Bed Than …?” tunes into sleep as a status symbol ALEXANDRIA, VA—April 3, 2018—As part of its ongoing effort to help consumers understand the importance of a good night’s sleep, the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the consumer-education arm of the […]

At the Las Vegas Market, hustle and bustle, plus hybrids aplenty

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BY BARBARA T. NELLES AND BETH ENGLISH The latest crop of new beds unveiled at the Winter Las Vegas Market Jan. 28-Feb. 1 in Las Vegas were so inviting-looking, the editors of Sleep Savvy couldn’t resist pausing to rest-test a slew of them. Ahhh! We weren’t disappointed. But we didn’t nod off. Instead, we looked […]

Can’t sleep? Count your to-dos instead of sheep

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Jotting down your to-do list for tomorrow can help you fall asleep more quickly tonight, according to researchers at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Researchers studied 57 university students, asking half the group to spend five minutes writing down what they needed to do the next day on a to-do list and asking the other […]

Why women are tuckered out

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The list of reasons they can’t sleep is enough to keep anyone awake From stress to physical discomfort, a host of things are keeping women from getting a restorative full night of sleep, according to a survey from Thrive Global, a media and technology company focused on behavioral change founded by Arianna Huffington. The New […]

Home sharing is becoming more popular

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One-third of American adults are participating in a trend called ‘doubling up’ Adult children moving back in with their parents. Parents living with their adult children. Friends or siblings cohabitation, or home sharing, as roommates. Whatever the configuration, the number of adults sharing a home with other adults with whom they aren’t romantically linked is […]

Help wanted: Retailers seek more workers for tech roles

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With the continued rise in online and omnichannel shopping, retailers in the future will have less use for traditional staff like cashiers and even sales associates but more need for tech-savvy workers who can do everything from crunch data to manage websites. Experts in creating outstanding customer experiences also will be in high demand, says […]

Help your customers get ‘better in bed’ during Better Sleep Month

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Better Sleep Council has attention-getting campaign planned for the annual PR effort in May The Better Sleep Council has a provocative, exciting campaign planned for this year’s Better Sleep Month in May. The “Are You Better in Bed Than…?” effort trumpets the idea that getting a good night’s sleep is something people should brag about. […]

Better Sleep Council introduces sleep blog

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Content emphasizes the importance of sleep and quality sleep products The Better Sleep Council has launched a new, consumer-facing blog. The BSC blog, which is posted twice a month, offers content that can be used to spread the word about the importance of sleep and, ultimately, the importance of having quality sleep products. The BSC […]

National Retail Federation forecasts strong retail sales for 2018

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Consumer confidence and a robust overall economy are among the driver U.S. retail sales are forecast to grow between 3.8% and 4.4% in 2018 over 2017, according to the latest forecast from the National Retail Federation. The Washington, D.C.-based group expects online and other nonstore sales, which are included in the overall number, to increase […]

Later school times could help economy

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It’s no secret that teens love to stay up late and sleep in thanks to biological shifts in their sleep-wake cycles. For the past few years, organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association have recommended that high school and middle school start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. to accommodate […]

Winter wonderland of rest

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Better Sleep Council survey reveals cold weather is the perfect time to sleep, snuggle and smooch A little more than half of Americans (51%) sleep more in the winter and 42% find winter the best sleeping season, according to a new survey from the Better Sleep Council, the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep […]

U.S. mattress sales dip in third quarter of 2017

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U.S. mattress sales dropped again in the third quarter of 2017, compared with the same three-month period of 2016, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trend report published by the International Sleep Products Association. Sales of mattresses and foundations fell 10.3% and wholesale revenues decreased  6.4%, compared with the same quarter in 2016. The […]

U.S. at its highest stress level yet, poll shows

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Nearly two-thirds of Americans say the future of the nation has them freaked out—and is keeping them awake at night Are you losing sleep over the state of the United States? You’re not alone. Nearly two-thirds of Americans (63%) say the future of the nation is a very or somewhat significant source of stress, slightly […]

Learn how to protect against bedbugs

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Free workshop for retailers and others will be Feb. 27; Orkin releases list of metro areas most plagued by the critters Bedbugs aren’t in the news as much these days, but that doesn’t mean they’re no longer a menace to homeowners, renters and retailers who could transport potentially infested used bedding. “The number of bedbug […]

The Better Sleep Council launches new sleep blog on BetterSleep.org

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News release ALEXANDRIA, VA – February 13, 2018 – To continue helping consumers start every day with a good night’s sleep, the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, is unveiling the Better Sleep Council Blog on February 13. The blog will serve as a resource to educate and […]

BSC gains new leadership with Julia Rosien and Brent Limer

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Rosien appointed chair; Limer accepts vice chair position The International Sleep Products Association has named Julia Rosien, brand director for Buffalo, New York-based Restonic Mattress Corp., and Brent Limer, chief sales officer for Latexco LLC, headquartered in Lavonia, Georgia, to the leadership of the Better Sleep Council, the consumer-education arm of ISPA. Rosien is serving […]

Shifman Mattress to show at January Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Shifman Mattress and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Newark, N.J. – Shifman Mattress is excited to announce that they will exhibit two of their collections at the 2018 Las Vegas Market January 28-February 1, 2018.  Showing for the first time in Vegas, the Shifman brand will showcase their Modern Comfort collection and the American Heritage collection […]

Diamond Mattress reveals ‘customer experience’ and Rally Sales System 2.0 at Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Diamond Mattress and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Diamond Mattress ‘Experience’ Takes Center Stage at Las Vegas Market   LAS VEGAS – Diamond Mattress, a national leader in omnichannel sleep products, said it is giving the ‘customer experience’ center stage in its new showroom to inspire retailers here at this winter market.  “Our customer experience center is about partnering with retailers who want to take […]

Classic Brands expands and ‘cools off’ collections at Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Classic Brands and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. CLASSIC BRANDS EXPANDS ‘COPPERSMART COLLECTION’ TO FOUR MODELS FOR LAS VEGAS MARKET  LAS VEGAS – Taking advantage of the increased consumer appetite for technologically advanced fabrics in bedding, Classic Brands, the leading manufacturer in specialty mattresses, will expand its lineup of beds featuring copper-infused materials at the Winter Las Vegas […]

Blu Sleep expands with new pillow, mattress and protection collections

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News release written by Blu Sleep Products and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Blu Sleep expands sleep expands sleep accessories line with scent-infused pillows, mattress & protection products POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Blu Sleep Products, the leading specialty mattress and pillow manufacturer, is expanding its sleep accessories line with a collection of pillows infused with essential oils and a selection […]

Brooklyn Bedding announces new showroom and mattress collections

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News release written by Brooklyn Bedding and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Brooklyn Bedding Announces New Permanent Showroom at Las Vegas Market  Custom Mattress Manufacturer Continues Wholesale Expansion of Bed-in-a-Box   Brooklyn Bedding, manufacturer and retailer of custom mattresses since 1995, announced today the opening of a permanent showroom at the Las Vegas Market, one of the largest mattress, bedding, […]

Ergolife To Introduce the New, Advanced Individualized Controlled i-Bed at the Winter 2018 Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Ergonomic Life International and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Melbourne, Australia / La Vegas, NV, USA – January 22, 2018 –  International mattress and bedding manufacturer Ergonomic Life International is inviting manufacturers, distributors and mattress/ bedding retailers to visit SSA Showroom C-1565 at the Las Vegas Market , January  28 – February 2, 2018 to view , rest test and compare the company’s  new, patented, proven […]

PureCare Expands Showroom and Design Center at Winter 2018 Las Vegas Market

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News release written by PureCare and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. PureCare Expands Their Showroom, Offers Retailers’ Hands–On Design Center and Welcomes Spink & Edgar Mattresses in Vegas    Fairfield, NJ – PureCare is expanding its Las Vegas showroom by 3000+ square feet to include a retail design center and to highlight several technical textile-focused bed collections throughout the space. The retail design center offers a fully integrated and hands-on experience for retailers who are looking to create specific collections that are just right […]

Magniflex continues their innovative production with the Rinnova, Nuvola and Abbraccio collections

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News release written by Magniflex and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. The Rinnova collection consists of Magniflex’s signature dual core technology, Celliant® fabric and Aquabreeze®.  Magniflex will unveil the Rinnova collection at the upcoming Las Vegas Market.  The Rinnova collection was created with unique Magniflex technologies, both old and new.  Dual core technology is one of Magniflex’s most notable innovations and can be found in both models of the Rinnova collection.  Dual-core technology consists of two mattress cores, each side […]

Symbol expands specialty sleep with Classic Comfort Collection and strategic marketing of Sleep Fresh 

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News release written by Symbol and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Richmond, Va.  (Jan. 15, 2018) — At this winter market, Symbol will emphasize the growth of its Sleep Fresh system and offer retailer partners broader selection and strategic marketing support to drive traffic in 2018.  Initially launched in August 2016, the Sleep Fresh Climate Zone Sleep System is a unique collection of mattresses designed to address […]

Sheex rolls out latest innovations at Paramount Sleep showroom

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News release written by Sheex and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. MARLTON, NJ — January 25, 2018 — SHEEX, Inc., the world’s first performance fabric bedding and sleepwear company will be showcasing their latest product offerings during the upcoming Las Vegas Winter Market 2018. New entries in SHEEX® Performance Home™ feature ICE•Cool™ with CoolX™ Technology […]

Southerland moves to premier showroom space to unveil ‘Evolution Collection’ and ‘Ionic Sleep System’ at Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Southerland and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Southerland unveils ‘Evolution Collection’ of hybrid mattress at Las Vegas Market NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Continuing a strategic move in recent years that focuses on product innovation and higher-end designs, independent mattress manufacturer Southerland will unveil its Evolution Collection at the Winter Las Vegas Market Jan. 28 – Feb. 1. The next generation hybrid line features a range of ultra-premium materials and […]

Reverie releases brain-wave controlled adjustable bed, plans NFL Pro Bowl party, launches National Sleep Coaching Program at Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Reverie and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Reverie plans ‘mind games’ for Las Vegas Market with it’s new concept brain-wave controlled adjustable  BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. – Sleep products manufacturer Reverie steps into the future of sleep with its new conceptual adjustable bed that incorporates technology that allows for adjustability through brain wave activity. […]

Protect-A-Bed releases pillow product line, partners with TGen in technology study

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News release written by Protect-A-Be and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Protect-A-Bed Bids to Own the Premium Pillow Business with Massively Expanded Product Line   Top-of-bed Leader Delivers Unsurpassed Health and Comfort with the Perfect Pillow  CHICAGO – Protect-A-Bed, the nation’s leader in premium sleep accessories, is proud to announce the largest selection of pillow models in market […]

Inventor of the Pocket Coil Spring Marshall Mattress releases archival photo book at Las Vegas Market 

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News release written by Marshall Mattress and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Toronto, ON – During the 2018 January Las Vegas Market, Marshall Mattress, whose founder, James Marshall, invented the pocket coil spring mattress system in 1900, will launch Marshall Mattress: The Illustrated History of the World’s First Pocket Coil Spring Mattress, a photo book that illustrates […]

Ergomotion will introduce voice-activated and light-weight adjustable bases in Las Vegas 

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News release written Ergomotion and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Top-selling ‘Contour Active Motion Base’ & ‘motion bedroom bedroom furniture’ lines will now feature Amazon Alexa compatibility SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Leading sleep technology specialist Ergomotion will unveil products that seamlessly integrate with Amazon Alexa to provide voice-activation on its adjustable bases. The initiative will make […]

Serta unveils new iComfort Mattress Collection using latest hybrid technology at Las Vegas Market 

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News release written by Serta and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Leading Mattress Manufacturer Also Showcases New “Not Just Sorta Comfortable. Serta Comfortable.” Advertising Campaign Hoffman Estates, Ill. – Serta – a pioneer in comfort for more than 85 years and the number one mattress manufacturer in the U.S. – is launching its newest iComfort Hybrid mattress collection at the Winter 2018 Las Vegas Market. Now designed from the inside out with the brand’s most […]

Naturepedic’s new Serenade Organic Mattress Program designed specifically for furniture stores and retail shops 

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News release written by Naturepedic and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Chagrin, Falls, Ohio / Las Vegas, NV – January 22, 2018 –  Naturepedic, the fast-growing Ohio-based pioneer in certified organic mattresses and bedding for adults and children, will be introducing the company’s new “Organic Goes Mainstream” program for furniture stores and independent mattress and bedding stores at the Winter […]

Eclipse International Las Vegas Market introductions set consistent product path for company

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News release written by Eclipse International and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Four collections set production standards for licensing organization.  NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J. – In a significant strategy shift, Eclipse International will introduce complete national merchandising program featuring four mattress collections that will be manufactured by the company’s U.S. licensees using specific, proprietary components following established standard operating […]

King Koil launches 120th anniversary celebration with new collection

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News release written by King Koil and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. ‘Limited Edition 120th Gold’ Collection will deliver promotional opportunities for retailers throughout 2018 Willowbrook, Ill. – In honor of the celebration of its 120th anniversary in 2018, leading mattress manufacturer King Koil will introduce the Limited Edition 120th Gold Collection at the upcoming Winter Las Vegas Market Jan. 28 – Feb. 1. The collection […]

Product Showcase

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Only from Ergomotion: New Sleep Technology at its finest Ergomotion Sleep Technology features voice command integration with the most popular applications, sleep monitoring and tracking capability. Ergomotion Active Bases™ are a new category of products ideal for mattress and bedding retailers who want innovative solutions for customers. Ergomotion’s Contour series of Active Bases moves beyond […]

Sealy unveils new Sealy Hybrid line with cooling technology

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News release written by Tempur Sealy International Inc. and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Category Leading Sealy Hybrid Line Crowning Achievement of Sealy Brand Relaunch by Combining Best of Both Innerspring and Memory Foam Features LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (NYSE: TPX) introduces the new Sealy® Hybrid line leveraging the best technologies from its […]

Beautyrest launches new Beautyrest Platinum and Beautyrest Complete lines

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News release written by Serta Simmons Bedding LLC and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. (Beautyrest also) adds additional models to existing collections at Las Vegas Market Leading mattress brand offers dealers a preview of its 2018 advertising campaign (ATLANTA – Jan. 25, 2018) – The Beautyrest® brand, one of the industry’s leading mattress brands, is […]

Tempur-Pedic continues tradition of industry-leading innovation, unveils next generation of mattresses featuring breakthrough new Tempur formulation

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News release written by Tempur Sealy International Inc. and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. New Tempur-Pedic Adjustable Bases and TEMPUR-Adapt Pillows Also Debut in 2018 LAS VEGAS, Jan. 26, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — Continuing its history of innovation, today Tempur Sealy International, Inc. (NYSE: TPX) announced that new, advanced pressure relief TEMPUR material (TEMPUR-APR Technology) will […]

Keep these 5 insights in mind when creating your plan for healthy retail sales in 2018

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You’ve heard it before—e-commerce is disrupting traditional brick-and-mortar retailing in a big way, ushering in tremendous change. From Bloomberg Businessweek to The Wall Street Journal, 2017 was filled with doom-and-gloom on the coming “retail apocalypse.” The number of stores that closed last year was the highest ever, with estimates ranging from 7,000 to 8,700 shops […]

Therapedic plans to unveil two new, innovative product lines at January Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Therapedic International and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. LAS VEGAS, Jan. 25, 2018–Top 10 bedding producer Therapedic® is celebrating the new year with two new and innovative product lines—TheraLuxe®HD and Therawrap®2. Retailers visiting the company’s space here at B946 looking for the next ‘bigger and better’ product need look no further […]

Serta Simmons Bedding issues outlook for 2018 U.S. sleep market

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News release written by Serta Simmons Bedding LLC and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Predicts continued growth for the almost $9 billion bedding industry Serta and Beautyrest to Present New Product Innovations and New Campaign Messaging at Las Vegas Market Show ATLANTA — January 25, 2018 — Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”), the number one […]

Come out and play in the Ante4Autism poker tournament during Las Vegas Market

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WHAT This is the 10th annual Ante4Autism poker tournament which, to date, has raised more than $427K. Event proceeds are donated to leading charities that focus on supporting research into autism spectrum disorders and the individuals and families affected by the condition. Find more information at Ante4Autism.com. WHERE Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Downtown Las […]

Fashion Bed Group expands horizons with universal headboards

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News release written by Leggett & Platt Fashion Bed Group and published, unedited, by BedTimes. CHICAGO, Ill., December 19, 2017 – The concept of “one size fits all” isn’t one you typically associate with beds. Just ask Goldilocks. But Fashion Bed Group® (FBG), one of the leading U.S. suppliers of bedding accessory products, is changing […]

Fashion Bed Group heralds a big year ahead for beds

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News release written by Leggett & Platt Fashion Bed Group and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. CHICAGO, Ill., December 19, 2017 – Fashion Bed Group® (FBG) will kick off the New Year with one of the most robust new product line-ups in the company’s history. At the January Winter Market in Las Vegas, one of […]

Fashion Bed Group ups the ante on adjustables

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News release written by Leggett & Platt Fashion Bed Group and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. New products and shipping options to be showcased at Vegas market CHICAGO, Ill., December 19, 2017 – With more than 40 years of experience in the adjustable base market, Leggett & Platt Fashion Bed Group (FBG) understands that every […]

Englander enhances Tension Ease and showroom for Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Englander and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. Las Vegas (January 15, 2018) – Top 10 bedding producer Englander will launch an enhanced mattress series in its newly remodeled showroom at the Las Vegas Market, January 28-February 1. Based on the successful introduction of Tension Ease with graphite, Englander is introducing Tension […]

Culp Home Fashions introduces new line of bedding accessories

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News release written by Culp Inc. and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. High Point, N.C. (January 19, 2018) – Leading mattress ticking company, Culp Home Fashions, a division of Culp, Inc. (NYSE: CULP), announced today it has entered the bedding accessories category, including mattress pads and protectors. This new product line is being offered under […]

Malouf set to launch new pillows and duvet set at Las Vegas Market

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News release written by Malouf and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy. (Logan, Utah) – Utah-based bedding maker Malouf today announced the company will launch several new products including a new pillow line and a patent-pending duvet fastening system at Las Vegas Market later this month. The company is set to unveil its ActiveDough pillow line, […]

Final holiday sales numbers have retailers feeling jolly

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Holiday sales climbed 5.5% in 2017 over 2016—a year-over-year gain that hasn’t been seen since the Great Recession. “We knew going in that retailers were going to have a good holiday season but the results are even better than anything we could have hoped for,” said Matthew Shay, president and chief executive officer of the […]

2017 Retail Road Trips offer best practices for serving consumers

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One of the most popular features of Sleep Savvy is Retail Road Trip, which takes readers inside the operations of mattress retailers. The idea behind Retail Road Trip always has been that the best place to learn how to improve aspects of your business is to study retailers who already are doing those things well. […]

ISPA launches Consumer Analytics Program

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To learn more During the Winter Las Vegas Market, the International Sleep Products Association will host an information session about the new ISPA Consumer Analytics Program. Mark your calendar for 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, in the World Forum on the 16th floor of Building B in the World Market Center. For […]

Fall 2017 High Point Market in bedding showrooms

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Two-sided beds, fancy fabrics and lots of boxed product for grab-and-go shoppers BY BETH ENGLISH AND BARBARA T. NELLES While the Fall High Point Market Oct. 14-18 in High Point, North Carolina, was a quiet one in bedding halls, the editors of BedTimes uncovered a healthy amount of new product news to share. Take a […]

Let sleeping dogs lie—in the bedroom

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Mayo Clinic study finds people sleep better with their pets nearby but not in the bed with them Pet owners have strong feelings about allowing their pets to sleep with them or not. For those on the pro side, here’s a piece of good news—a recent study by the Mayo Clinic shows it’s just fine […]

Sleep expert to offer consumer tips

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Sleep Savvy will begin posting weekly rest suggestions in December from Terry Cralle for retailers and retail sales associates to share with customers Beginning Dec. 1, be sure to check Sleep Savvy’s social media platforms each Friday for advice on getting a good night’s sleep from sleep expert Terry Cralle. Feel free to share her […]

MRC hires Northeast program coordinator Kate Caddy

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The Mattress Recycling Council, which operates Connecticut and Rhode Island’s Bye Bye Mattress recycling programs, has hired Kate Caddy as Northeast program coordinator. She replaces Justine Fallon, who recently was promoted to MRC’s operations manager. Based in Connecticut, Caddy serves as the primary point of contact for Connecticut and Rhode Island collection sites and recycling […]

Retailers plan to increase employment and pay

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More employers to hire permanent and seasonal staff in the fourth quarter, survey finds Retailers are expecting another busy shopping season and are becoming more competitive in terms of what they are willing to pay seasonal workers, according to a fourth-quarter forecast by CareerBuilder, a Chicago-based employment services company. Half plan to hire seasonal workers […]

7 tips to survive the holiday selling season

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Follow these 7 tips from the retail floor to get through the hustle and bustle of the end-of-the-year selling season with a smile As the holiday shopping season heats up, so does the craziness of fussy customers, new hires, high sales targets and long hours. Monster Worldwide, a global employment services company based in Weston, […]

‘Tis the season to sleep, snuggle and smooch

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Better Sleep Council study says Americans stay warm in bed during the coldest months ALEXANDRIA, VA, Nov. 6, 2017 – A little more than half of Americans (51%) sleep more in the wintertime, and 42% find winter the best sleeping season, according to a new survey from the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the nonprofit consumer-education […]

ISPA welcomes new leadership to Better Sleep Council

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News release from the International Sleep Products Association Julia Rosien appointed as Chair, Brent Limer accepts Vice Chair Position (Alexandria, VA, Nov. 1, 2017) – The International Sleep Products Association (ISPA) welcomes Julia Rosien, Brand Director at Restonic Mattress Corp. and Brent Limer, Chief Sales Officer at Latexco LLC to Better Sleep Council (BSC) leadership. […]

MRC concludes first industrywide survey

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Survey responses offer suggestions for improving recycling access, communications The Mattress Recycling Council received 165 responses to its first industry survey, which it conducted last summer. The retailers that participated helped the nonprofit organization understand how MRC is perceived and how it can better communicate to this segment of the industry.  “With all the Bye […]

Some parents ignore infant sleep guidelines

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A distressing new study finds that less than half (44%) of mothers intend to and consistently follow sleep guidelines that recommend infants be put to sleep on their backs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents place newborns and infants on their backs to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. The […]

Ontario knows the value of sleep

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Residents of Ontario are the best sleepers in Canada, according to a survey conducted by online mattress brand Douglas. That said, none of the provinces are as well-rested as they could be. Only 17% of Ontarians report regularly getting eight hours or more of sleep each night, according to a news release. Residents of British […]

Welcome to the evolution of retail shopping

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Is brick-and-mortar retail dying? No. It’s going through a much-needed metamorphosis It has been a rough year for retail. Traditional retailers of all types are shuttering locations, with many reorganizing under bankruptcy protection and some going out of business forever. Analysts are calling it the worst year for retail since the Great Recession. (We hope […]

Relief Bed: Santa Rosa/Northern California fires relief project

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News release written by Relief Bed and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy Relief for Santa Rosa/Northern California fires Seattle, Oct. 14, 2017–The devastation in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County and surrounding areas is heartbreaking! Fires continue to rage as of today, and has already claimed the lives of 34 people with many missing. The fires have […]

Looking ahead to the holidays and year-end

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Retail sales growth is expected to be modest at year-end, while e-commerce racks up double-digit gains A leading retail association has lowered its forecast overall for 2017, but expects U.S. sales this fall and during the winter holiday season and year-end to be a bit stronger. In September, after looking at revised first-quarter retail sales, […]

Delivering service in 7 steps

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BY JEFF GIAGNOCAVO Delivery teams from brick-and-mortar stores can wow customers in ways a boxed bed left on the porch never will Given the buzz and excitement in the mattress world being created by direct-to-consumer online mattress retailers, I have a timely message about delivery to share. Thankfully for traditional retailers, when it comes to […]

Sleep positions indicate revealing facts

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Research from the Better Sleep Council uncovers how you sleep may reveal more than you think A new survey conducted by the Better Sleep Council, the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association, suggests sleep positions may reveal important aspects about people, including their health, age and even education level. Most people sleep in […]

How to recycle mattresses in MRC program states

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The Mattress Recycling Council’s Bye Bye Mattress program provides no-cost recycling for public and private entities that discard mattresses and box springs that were used and discarded in the state. If you sell mattresses directly to consumers in California, Connecticut or Rhode Island, here’s how to recycle units from customers. California Directly drop off at […]

MRC issues 2016 California Annual Report, shows Bye Bye Mattress program success

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Initial results of Golden State’s Bye Bye Mattress program show early success In its inaugural California Annual Report, the Mattress Recycling Council reported it diverted 955,059 units and more than 29 million pounds of material from landfills in 2016. Approximately 40% of the mattresses collected for recycling were obtained from retailers and other large-volume users […]

‘Mattress Mack’ recognized for epic efforts to aid Harvey victims

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Jim McIngvale, principal of Houston-based retailer Gallery Furniture, has made almost as many headlines as Hurricane Harvey, the massive Category 4 storm that inundated and devastated southeast Texas in late August. There is good reason for that. Immediately after the storm hit, the man more commonly known as Mattress Mack, whose own home was severely […]

Bedding Market Quarterly report 2nd-quarter sales decline

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U.S. mattress sales dipped in the second quarter of 2017, compared with the same three-month period in 2016, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trend report published by the International Sleep Products Association. Sales of mattresses and foundations tumbled 8%, and wholesale revenues fell 6.8%, compared with the same quarter last year. The average […]

Does bad press affect hiring?

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Survey finds most U.S. workers would not apply for a job at a company experiencing negative publicity or bad press Negative publicity not only damages a store’s brand, but also its ability to recruit talent. According to a recent survey by CareerBuilder.com, 71% of U.S. workers would not apply for a job at a company […]

Forecast: Mattress sales to continue gains in 2017, 2018

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U.S. mattress sales are expected to grow a bit more robustly in 2017 and 2018 than they did in 2016—itself a rather solid year, according to the latest ISPA Mattress Industry Forecast. Released in June, the mattress industry forecast for 2017 (paywall for non-ISPA members) from the International Sleep Products Association calls for a 3.5% increase […]

New ISPA Annual Trends Report shows solid growth

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Mattress manufacturers shipped more than 41 million mattresses and foundations in 2016 The mattress industry continued a pattern of healthy growth in 2016 (paywall for non-ISPA members) posting gains in three key measurements, according to the ISPA Mattress Industry Trends Report released in June by the International Sleep Products Association. U.S. mattress manufacturers shipped more than 41 […]

Boxed-bed trend continues to resonate

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Variety of companies are partnering with online retailers—or launching their own offerings—to stay ahead of the burgeoning category The boxed-bed category has gained even more momentum in 2017. Just in the past few months: Minneapolis-based mass merchant Target invested $75 million in mattress startup Casper and began selling a selection of Casper products online and […]

Why snoring drives partners from the bedroom

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Australian study reveals that women are bothered more by sleep disorders than men A new study from Australian researchers suggests that men and women are affected differently by sleep disorders.  Results show that women are more likely than men to have more severe symptoms of depression, trouble sleeping at night and excessive daytime sleepiness. Women […]

Keep your website contact page cool and current

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A well-done website contact page gives potential customers plenty of ways to reach you A website contact page seems so boring and basic. I mean, let’s face it, it’s no home page. But the contact page is a vital link between you and your customers—a place for you to show them how responsive you are […]

News release: BSC sleep positions survey

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News release from the Better Sleep Council, the consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association Does Sleep Position Indicate Intelligence? Research from the Better Sleep Council uncovers how you sleep may reveal more than you think ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – August 11, 2017 – New research suggests the position you sleep in may tell you […]

Videos: Mattress industry news at Summer Las Vegas Market

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At Summer Las Vegas Market held at the World Market Center, the editors of BedTimes and Sleep Savvy magazines shot these short videos of some new bedding products and technologies that launched at this show. Check out these silents and talkies fresh from market. The videos are all under 30 seconds and they’re all straight […]

Bedding Finds At Spring High Point Market Report

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Mattress and sleep accessories exhibitors feature line extensions, adjustable bases, modern looks during rainy show BY BETH ENGLISH AND BARBARA T. NELLES The tone was subdued at the Spring High Point Market in High Point, North Carolina, with fewer bedding exhibitors, but Sleep Savvy editors were impressed with these finds. Note: Unless otherwise stated, all […]

Power Up Your Adjustable Base Sales

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Adjustable bases are one of the most exciting products mattress retailers can sell—and not just because they are the only thing on the sales floor that does something besides lie there. (Just a little “motion” humor for you.) With features like head and foot tilt and massage, power bases help solve people’s real sleep and […]

Rev Up Your Summertime Sales with a Big ol’ Party

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Summertime is a great time for mattress sales. Of course, there are the long holiday weekends, but consumers also often have more time on their hands and like to get out and about in the nice weather and longer days. Here are some ideas for pulling shoppers into your store between now and the official […]

Give Your Opinions About Mattress Recycling Programs Through a Short Survey

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The Mattress Recycling Council has released an industrywide survey that will help the nonprofit improve its customer service and communication efforts. Take the short survey. MRC asks retailers and manufacturers doing business in MRC’s Bye Bye Mattress programs in California, Connecticut and Rhode Island to rate their experience with MRC and its resources. Those in […]

MRC expands public education

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Recycling program launches interactive booth tour in California The Mattress Recycling Council recently launched an interactive booth tour in California to further reach and educate consumers about its Bye Bye Mattress program and the benefits of recycling. Activities are fun for all ages: a maze, matching game and computer challenge to save as many mattresses […]

VIP Event with HGTV ‘Property Brothers’ Celebrity

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Winners of retailer sweepstakes meet ‘Property Brothers’ star Jonathan Scott and get an education in Stearns & Foster products, too Two lucky retail sales associates recently got to spend a few hours with HGTV’s Jonathan Scott, touring a New York loft, checking out new Stearns & Foster beds and picking up a few interior design […]

Why Americans Value the Role of Sleep

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According to a national survey, a whopping 97% of Americans think a good night’s sleep improves their quality of life and is important to help them perform at their best. The study, conducted online by Harris Poll among more than 3,000 U.S. adults 18 and older, was commissioned by Herobed, a hybrid boxed bed launched […]

How to be a well-rested trendsetter

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BY LISSA COFFEY Try these latest sleep aids and apps to catch up on your zzz’s at home, work or anywhere. Editor’s note: Savvy mattress retailers want to do everything they can to help their customers sleep better, including offering them sound advice and tips. Feel free to share this great guidance from Better Sleep […]

BSC Survey Uncovers Americans Still Believe Myths About Sleep

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For Better Sleep Month, the Better Sleep Council Debunks Myths and Launches New Site ALEXANDRIA, Virginia – May 9, 2017 – Americans have trouble separating fact from fiction about sleep, according to a new study from the Better Sleep Council (BSC), the nonprofit consumer-education arm of the International Sleep Products Association (ISPA). To coincide with […]

High Point Market: Kingsdown Expands Vintage Collection Elite

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NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY KINGSDOWN AND PUBLISHED, UNEDITED, BY SLEEP SAVVY 4/22/17 HIGH POINT, N.C. – Building on the success of its Vintage Collection®, top 15 luxury mattress supplier Kingsdown will highlight an expanded Vintage Collection Elite at the upcoming Spring High Point Market. The expanded line includes two new designs, which will boost the […]

High Point Market: Gold Bond Premier Mattress Collection Redesigned and Upgraded

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NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY GOLD BOND AND PUBLISHED, UNEDITED, BY SLEEP SAVVY 4/21/17 Upscale fabrics, higher coil counts, natural latex foam, organic wool take center stage in facelift HIGH POINT, N.C. – Leading independent mattress manufacturer Gold Bond is boosting the comfort and support levels of its Premier Series, the company’s high-end innerspring mattress collection, […]

High Point Market: Malouf Debuts New Headboard Line

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NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY MALOUF AND PUBLISHED, UNEDITED, BY SLEEP SAVVY LOGAN, Utah, April 19, 2017 — Upscale bedding manufacturer Malouf today announced it will debut a line of headboards to complement its existing family of bed frames and bases. The company will show the new headboards at the upcoming High Point Market. “When customers […]

High Point Market: Therapedic’s Bravura Set to Steal the Show

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NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY THERAPEDIC INTERNATIONAL AND PUBLISHED, UNEDITED, BY SLEEP SAVVY HIGH POINT, March 24, 2017—In addition to its reputation for showcasing best-of-class home furnishings and bedding, the High Point Market has also been praised for bringing world-class musical entertainment to market as part of its Stars Under The Stars program. But according to […]

High Point Market: Gold Bond Holds Social Media Contest

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NEWS RELEASE WRITTEN BY GOLD BOND AND PUBLISHED, UNEDITED, BY SLEEP SAVVY HARTFORD, Conn., April 18, 2017 – Gold Bond will launch a social media contest in its showroom, located at M-610 of the International Home Furnishings Center, during the Spring High Point Furniture Market, April 22-26. The contest comes on the heels of a […]

How Nature, Naps and Showers Are All Key to Good Sleep

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New research shows you can reset your ‘clock’ with a camping trip Having trouble getting good sleep? Grab your tent and head for the great outdoors. According to new research, a weekend spent outdoors can reset out-of-whack circadian rhythms and restore healthy sleep patterns. Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder conducted two studies with volunteers who […]

High Point Market: Shifman Adds Two Mattress Collections

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News release written by Shifman Mattress Co. and published, unedited, by Sleep Savvy Newark, NJ, March 27, 2017 — Shifman Mattress Company, a leading designer and manufacturer of luxury, handmade, two-sided mattresses for over 124 years, will unveil two additional product lines at the upcoming High Point Furniture Market. For the first time ever, Shifman […]

The Healing Power of Sleep in Cancer

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While inadequate rest increases the risk of cancer, restorative sleep is an essential part of its treatment and recovery BY TERRY CRALLE Editor’s note: Savvy mattress retailers want to do everything they can to help their customers sleep better, including offering them sound advice and tips. Feel free to share this great guidance from Better […]

What Kind of Sleep Animal are You?

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Do you sleep like a bear, dolphin, lion or wolf? According to Michael Breus, a sleep specialist and author of the new book “The Power of When,” there’s a reason why our daily activities and sleep habits vary—our biological clocks tick differently. To help understand these variations, he categorizes four chronotypes, or classifications, based on […]