MarketReport Many mattress makers return to High Point show Focus is on step-ups, value and ‘green’
By Barbara Nelles
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ed by majors Simmons and Serta, a host of mattress makers returned to High Point Market for the first time in years, many to the market’s new bedding center at the International Home Furnishings Center. Most exhibitors reported that foot traffic was generally slow during the show, which was held in October in High Point, N.C. But, as one manufacturer said, “You can’t expect the bedding center to be an instant success, especially not in this economy. Awareness and traffic will grow over time.” Market officials reported registrations were down 1% from the spring 2009 and fall 2008 markets. Donna Zett, president of Five Star Mattress in Hoffman Estates, Ill., said the lack of walk-ins meant she and her staff were able to spend more time with existing customers. Still, she hopes “the High Point Market Authority comes up with a super innovative marketing strategy to drive traffic in the future.” Many of the busiest showrooms mailed invitations to retailers ahead of time and scheduled appointments or did on-the-street marketing during the show. And though traffic might have been light, exhibitors did report seeing
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Promoting products Clockwise from left: Gerry Borreggine, president of Therapedic International; Herman Tam, group vice president of sales and marketing for Leggett & Platt; Ralph Rossdeutscher, president of Natura World; and Janet Stein, country manager for the United States for Hästens.
key dealers who were interested in writing orders. Some manufacturers said they were in High Point specifically to meet with regional retailers east of the Mississippi, who seemed to skip the Las Vegas Market in September. “You do get a different clientele here than in Vegas,” said Bob Naboicheck, president of Hartford, Conn.-based mattress and futon manufacturer Gold Bond. “All the major chains travel to Vegas, but there are more furniture store owner-operators from small and large chains that come to High Point. They get in their cars and drive here—from Ohio, Indiana, Florida, New York, New Jersey, etc.” Gold Bond was back in High Point for the first time in four years. Delivering value to retailers Coming just one month after the Las Vegas market, High Point product introductions were limited. But here’s some of what retailers could see during the show.
BedTimes | December 2009 |
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