trends from the2014 fallHIGH POINT MARKET

With a number of product introductions and a steady flow of foot traffic, the 2014 fall High Point Market was much busier than years’ past. The mood was positive as manufacturers unveiled new and updated collections and hinted towards an even bigger winter market.

Learn more about the five most exciting trends we saw at market:

Collaboration with retailersRetailers regularly interact with consumers on a direct basis, which makes their insight very valuable for manufacturers look-ing to update their products. More and more, we’re seeing mattress companies opening up about listening to retailer input. As a smaller manufacturer, Paramount Sleep is able to check in with their retail partners on a regular basis and incorporate the feedback into the development of new collec-tions, like the recently unveiled Back Performance RX Collec-tion. Boyd Specialty Sleep similarly welcomes such insight from retailers; the company has been working with its partners to update the styling and comfort features of its new Broyhill Cube collection.

Learn more about Paramount Sleep and Boyd Specialty Sleep at bedroomretailers.com.

1Paramount Sleep’s Back

Performance RX Collection

Hyper-Local SourcesAs certified “Made in the USA” products continue to grow in popularity, we are seeing more companies emphasize their commitment to utilizing hyper-local components. As a member of the Sustainable Furnishings Council, Carolina Mattress Guild is committed to its environmentally-friendly products, exclusively utilizing materials made in the North Carolina region. The Canada-based ZedBed produces all of its own foams in its factory in Quebec and sources all of its other materials from local manufacturers.

Learn more about Carolina Mattress Guild and ZedBed at bedroomretailers.com.

2

ZedBed’s PURE Collection and Custom-Z Adjustable Base

Looking towards other industries From product detailing to in-store POP, we noticed a num-ber of companies looking outside of the world of bedding for inspiration. Reverie is taking cues from the electronics industry with its focus on advanced personalization. From its app-controlled adjustable bases to its unique DreamCell sleep systems, customization is key for all Reverie prod-ucts. Similarly, bedgear is looking outside of the bedding industry for strategic marketing inspiration. The company’s performance-based sleep accessories are inspired by popular activewear and sporting goods, which is reflected in the styling and POP.

Learn more about Reverie and bedgear at bedroomretailers.com.

3

Reverie’s Dream Supreme Collection

Black FridayHoliday sales weekends have become a mainstay of the bedding industry. With Memorial and Labor Day weekends already indoctrinated, there is a new holiday rounding out the sales calendar: Black Friday. Though the day after Thanks-giving is known for the electronics and seasonal gift deals, bedding is a growing participant. Serta is currently working with its retail partners to design a program that will capitalize on the momentum of Black Friday and help boost their last-quarter sales.

Learn more about Serta at bedroomretailers.com.

4

Consolidated CollectionsThe bedding industry offers a vast variety of options: differ-ent kinds of feel, firmness, support and price points. With so many choices available, manufacturers are looking for new ways to simplify the selling process without eliminating the level of personalization. One way to do so is by consolidat-ing collections. Carolina Mattress Guild has strategically culled down its portfolio to one 14-bed collection, CRaVE, which features a logical step-up program that spans from $399 to $1,899 and offers a wide variety of different com-fort feels. Ashley Sleep’s Sierra Collection also includes a diverse line-up that consists of memory foam, gel foam and innerspring models that range from $299 to $1,999. These large collections simplify the sales process by offering one straight-forward set of POP materials and allowing retailers to select their best combination of features and price points.

Learn more about Carolina Mattress Guild and Sierra Collection at bedroomretailers.com.

5

Carolina Mattress Guild’s CRaVE Collection

Stay TunedKeep an eye out for our round-up of trends from the 2014 Winter Las Vegas Market later this year and stay tuned for more news and product information in the spring issue of BEDROOM. Be sure to check out bedroomretailers.com in the meantime for regular updates on the latest industry news between markets.

Learn more at bedroomretailers.com.