Member Spotlight: Electropedic Promotes Exclusivity with a Retailer

Electropedic is a Family Business with an interesting History

In 1960 Henry Kraus became the western states distributor for the Contour Chair Lounge.  It was custom fit product where each part of the chair was measured to the size and length of the customer.  There were many selling challenges because the customer had to choose the fabric, style, leg color and have a place for the chair.

 In 1964 Henry visited the World’s Fair in New York City and Simmons had a display for their adjustable beds for in home use.  Henry was drawn to the adjustable bed because it provided similar benefits as the Contour Chair Lounge.  In addition, the adjustable bed could be placed inside a bedroom and become the focal point for customers to get a better night’s sleep.

Henry Kraus saw the adjustable bed as a product that he could grow into a successful business.  Henry understood the importance of having exclusive products because they create higher profit margins and sales.  In 1971 Henry Kraus developed his own adjustable bed featuring a steel frame that extended the full width and length of the bed.  This would be Electropedic’s competitive advantage.

 At the age of 13 second generation Philip Kraus started working at Electropedic.  Philip worked every Saturday and learned the business.  Henry Kraus passion for work help guide Philip’s direction.

Phil Kraus and son Paul looking dashing in their SSA Showroom exhibit space.

In 1979 Electropedic’s business was growing so fast that Henry needed help.  Philip took a leadership role in Electropedic and became the CEO for the manufacturing division.  In 1985 Philip manufactured bases for Sealy and expanded Electropedic retail base to NYC through Sleepys.  

In 2008 with the great recession and the influx of inexpensive imported beds, Electropedic’s adjustable business declined. Third generation Paul Kraus joined the company at this time and started to develop exclusive top of the bed products.   Paul Kraus used Electropedic’s principles to create a product line of ultra-premium sleep products.  Concentrating on the concept of exclusivity, Paul Kraus was able to establish accounts with Nest Bedding and Layla Sleep.

Currently Electropedic’s business continues to grow even with the Covid pandemic.  Customers are spending more time at home and realizing the importance of sleep products.

 Electropedic – Exclusivity with a Retailer

Since 1964, Electropedic has a history of designing and manufacturing unique products.  Electropedic has evolved from a regional supplier to a global partner for a wide range of customers.

From our headquarters in San Fernando, CA, we carefully manage a fully integrated platform of manufacturing and distribution facilities strategically located in the U.S. and China.  Our robust supply chain allows Electropedic to quickly respond to the needs of our customers.

 Advantages of Exclusivity with a Retailer

 Having access to Exclusive products is the key to differentiation for any business.  Exclusive products make it much easier to maintain higher perceived value because there is no direct competition.  Exclusive products drive greater sales and profits.
The majority of Electropedic business is private label products.  Electropedic’s private label products are sold in more than 700 stores in the USA.  Electropedic manufactures for the top bedding companies in the industry.

Latex Side-Sleeper Pillow

 Exclusive Bedding Products

 In today's competitive bedding market, performance fabrics are a key selling factor for sleep products.  Electropedic has developed cutting edge cooling fabrics that help you sleep more comfortably.  Electropedic’s fabric technology combines comfort, breathability and wicking technologies to create the ideal sleeping environment.  

Pillows

Electropedic believes that having the correct pillow is just as important as the mattress. Pillows play a vital role in supporting the intricate structures of the head, neck, shoulders, hips and spine. Pillows can help alleviate or prevent many common form of back and neck pain, as well as shoulders, hip and other form of joint pain.  Electropedic maintains certifications for OEKO-TEX® and CertiPUR-US® for their pillow line.

Weighted Blanket

Weighted Blankets

For many people, weighted blankets have become a routine part of stress relief and healthy sleep habits, and for good reason. Research suggests weighted blankets may benefit people with anxiety, autism, and insomnia, among other conditions.  Electropedic maintains certifications for OEKO-TEX® for their weighted blanket line.

Bed Sheets

Electropedic’s aim is to offer you the best-made sheets possible-more sumptuous, more durable, and more exquisite than anything else available. Sheets are essential in helping one sleep well at night.  Electropedic maintains certifications for OEKO-TEX® for their Bed Sheet line.

Mattress Protectors

Electropedic mattress protectors absorb or repel liquids and allergens and are easily washable in the washer and dryer.  A quality mattress protector or encasement can provide the extra layer of protection that you need to avoid flare-ups triggered by common allergens and irritants like dust mites and bed bugs.  Electropedic maintains certifications for OEKO-TEX® for their Mattress Protector line.

Packaging

Electropedic understands that a business can produce the greatest product in the world but if the packaging doesn’t influence your target audience it will not move off the shelf.  Electropedic partners with companies that manufactor packaging products for Apple, Google and Microsoft. This allows Electropedic to offer the highest quality packaging in the world.

Cut & Sewn 

Your business is one step ahead with Electropedic. Electropedic offers on trend “sleep solutions” for the consumer who are increasingly aware that quality time in bed is important. With cut & sewn manufacturing units in the US and China, we produce ready-made mattress covers and pillow covers fitting your exact and unique requests.

What Did You Do Instead of LV Summer Market?

That’s the question SSA Director Tambra Jones asked the exhibiting companies who kept their displays in the SSA showroom intact and ready for the upcoming January Market. She received a myriad of answers. One dominant theme was the search for component suppliers. Several companies spoke about the surprising extent of their supply chain disruption due to COVID, and related how they were handling doing business in spite of so many changes.

Curtis Spain said, “At Bedding Technology Industries we spent time designing new mattresses for production and planning for replacement of import mattresses and looking at possible new suppliers. We canvassed our dealer network asking for their input on the new designs. We also discussed the continuing price increases for them to be aware of and expectation of sales growth with the mattress category.”

Jane Arason at Arason Enterprises said, “We just stayed home and filled orders from existing inventory.  We were really busy with orders until we ran low on goods.  I understand that many suppliers are waiting on containers to arrive.”

Butch Craig flanked by brothers Sardor and Sarvar Abdullaev of Sleep and Beyond

Peter Laurens said, “We were busy producing our newest order of Arcusbeds organic and natural mattresses in Europe, to ship to the US for the Autumn season. Europe is tightening up again due to the second wave, but we have not had problems with production delays.  The factory went on a staggered, two-shift schedule during the height of the crisis but I don't see any intention to do that again, yet.”

Juan Gonzalez said, “Best Rest dedicated these last months to developing timely new product lines geared towards incorporating anti viral treatments, and proprietary materials focused on health, wellness and a clean environment.” When asked how his customers liked the new stuff he said, “They love it....it was time well spent.”

Suzanne Diamond told us that The Futon Shop/Honest Sleep has been very busy selling organic sofas and mattresses.

Sleep and Beyond National Sales Manager Butch Craig said that on line business for August 2020 was very strong, “and brick and mortar stores are beginning to sell in store and on-line more as well.” Then he waxed philosophical. ”First of all thank you for the follow up during these uncertain time and showing that The Specialty Sleep Association is a team player working to get through this uncharted water. When the going gets tough: the tough get going.  You’re the ones that honestly recognize the ginormous challenges and gather strong people who will work hard to solve them. Patience and persistence work. Patience puts us in direct control of ourselves. When we are patient, we give ourselves time to choose the right response in a given event rather than be hijacked by our emotions. Butch finished with “Everyone safe and well.”

We at the SSA agree with that - no matter how you are filling your days between now and the January Las Vegas Market when we will see you again, - stay safe, stay well and stay sane.

Member Spotlight: Arason Enterprises, Inc. "Sleeping places in small spaces"

Eighteen years ago in November 2002, Jane and Jon Arason created Arason Enterprises.  This entrepreneurial couple focused on providing “sleeping places in small spaces.” They knew that traditional beds and mattresses would not meet this need, nor in fact would cumbersome Murphy Beds. To fill the need for an extra bed for their household, one that would not take up a lot of space in her small home office, Jane Arason came up with the idea of the Fu-Chest™, so named because it held a futon.  Jon, her husband, made a prototype in his basement shop in 2002. The introduction of the new, patented Fu-Chest™ was the beginning of Arason Enterprises, Inc.

Carey, Jane, Molly dog and Jon Arason

Novices in the furniture and bedding market, Arason Enterprises focused on the distribution and sales opportunities offered by the futon marketplace. Growth was achieved by selling the Fu-Chest™ through futon dealers and e-tailers that addressed the needs of people who wanted sleep options in studio apartments, vacation homes, guest rooms, dens, home offices and playrooms. E-tailing was in its infancy in 2003 and Arason Enterprises was able to cultivate a strong internet presence which remains today.  However, as the futon market began to decline in the early 2000’s, the Arasons were introduced to the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) under the leadership of Executive Director Tambra Jones.  They became an anchor manufacturing brand showing their cabinet beds to a broad array of retailers who attend the bi-annual winter and summer SSA Show at the Las Vegas market. For over a decade (prior to the pandemic) Arason Enterprises has held a key front-of-the room, exhibit space in the SSA Showroom.

Stepping beyond the traditional brick and mortar retail marketing channels Arason’s www.Fu-chest.com reaches out to today’s modern consumer with an informational website that provides detailed product information and assistance in finding dealers.  Well positioned for the fast-growing direct-ship-to-consumer marketplace, Arason Enterprises began drop shipping for catalogers and online merchants in 2004.

The original Fu-Chest is no longer available as their cabinet bed concept has evolved into an even better patented product. The innovative Creden-ZzZ™ cabinet bed looks like a buffet, chest, or credenza but, opens to a full-length bed with a comfortable tri-fold, foam mattress hidden inside. The “space-saving, free-standing” piece of furniture is offered in several trendy styles and seven finishes, featuring many improvements over the original Fu-chest™. These include a storage drawer, a raised sleeping platform, a flip top and an elegant deployment mechanism that makes the cabinet bed easy to open and close. 

Arason, as the inventor and patent holder, has perfected the cabinet bed design over the last 18 years. Even though they hold the patents and they set the standard for design, style, performance and quality with the Creden-ZzZ™, the Arasons always seek to improve upon and add to their overall line. “We are quality, style and performance driven. We are not price driven, but we strive to provide the best styles and finishes at a competitive price point,” says Jane Arason, president of the company. “We always want to be ahead of potential competitors. We give the best customer service in the category and focus on innovative and attractive designs that serve the needs and desires of our customers”. To this end the Arason Enterprises will be introducing two new Creden-ZzZ™ cabinet beds this October at the fall High Point market and the January Las Vegas market.

SUMMER MARKET UPDATE: SSA Showroom Closed for Las Vegas Summer Market

This was a difficult decision, but as we polled attendees and IMC showrooms, it was clear that the majority of those who usually attend the Las Vegas Market would be sitting this one out. “I was in constant communication with our exhibitors about what I was finding from my polling attendees and showrooms”, said SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones. “When it was clear that the summer show was shaping up to be a dismal 20% of what other Summer Markets usually attract, the SSA member exhibitors decided to opt out of the upcoming Summer Market.” There are 16 companies who have their displays in place in the SSA showroom, and are looking forward to participating in a vibrant January Market. “There are spots available for new companies who would like to exhibit with us in January,” said Jones. Scroll down and note the floor plan. The yellow highlighted spots are available, with the size and prices noted.

The Specialty Sleep Association wishes to thank our members, exhibitors and showroom attendees for their continued support. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have about our showroom or our association. Association Office: Tel • 559-868-4187 Email • tambra@sleepinformation.org

A letter from the Specialty Sleep Association Board Chairman

Dear Fellow Board Members, SSA Members and Showroom Buyers and Visitors,

In these extraordinary times we have all been struggling. Retailers, manufactures, and suppliers have been hard-hit by COVID-19. Attending the summer market appears to present greater risks than many attendees are willing to take. Our SSA show space represents only a portion of the World Market, but with none of our exhibiting members willing to display it is indicative of the absence of belief in the market being a safe haven from the virus.

We recognize that incremental exposure to people, places, and things equates to incremental risk and therefore we will not be opening our showroom for this Summer Market. We will begin to put our energies towards the winter show not knowing what the new norm will be or when it will occur. In the meantime we will keep you appraised of our activities and look forward to seeing you very soon.

For now, stay safe and healthy.

 All best,
Mark Miller
SSA Chairman

Floor plan as of 8/12/2020

SSA Survey Asked "Are You Coming to Summer Las Vegas Market?"

Las Vegas Market: August 30 - September 3, 2020

For the past couple of weeks the Specialty Sleep Association has been receiving responses to a 2-question survey they emailed to over 4000 of their showroom attendees. Attendees were mostly retailers, however there were some manufacturers, suppliers and reps in the mix. “We had a 15% return, so we feel it is a pretty strong indicator of what our attendees are thinking about the upcoming market.”, said SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones. “The response was not very encouraging.”

Of the 700 responders, 63% said NO to attending the Summer Las Vegas Market, 19% said YES, and 18% said MAYBE.

The survey finished before the latest COVID shut-down in California. The virus numbers are reportedly spiking and it is difficult to gauge what the travel climate might be like in late August. Based on the number of attendees recorded in the SSA showroom in July 2019, the projection would be that between 60 and 100 companies could visit our showroom during this upcoming market.

“We have six companies who have committed to exhibit with us at the Summer Market”, said Jones. “Our showroom will be open for the companies who wish to exhibit. We emailed the survey to give our exhibiting members the information they need to finalize their plans for Las Vegas. We want to go there knowing what we are up against.”

The second question in the survey asked whether or not the respondent would attend the January 2021 Las Vegas Winter Market. 49.9% said YES, 37.5% said MAYBE and only 12.6% said NO.

Show space is available with the SSA for the Summer Market. Click here for more information, or contact Jones at: tambra@sleepinformation.org

Spotlight on Latexco US ~ Defining Sustainable Products and Pillars

Longtime SSA member Latexco US is in the Member Spotlight this month. General Manager Jim Gutierrez sits on the SSA Board and Latexco US CEO, Ben Ducatteeuw is a valued supporter. We asked their team to write something for the Spotlight that tells their company story. Here’s what they sent in.

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Latexco US is a leading manufacturer of latex and polyurethane foam products to the bedding industry. It’s been on a strong, rapid growth trajectory since 2008 when it established headquarters and manufacturing in Lavonia, Ga., and accelerated the pace with expansion in Phoenix in 2018.

The forward-thinking, customer-centric organization is uniquely positioned to serve as a one-stop shop with innovative bedding solutions, customization and fulfillment capabilities and impressive speed to market. With facilities on the east and west coast, Latexco US is the only producer of both latex and polyurethane foam under one roof in North America.

In an industry of making things, it’s easy to overlook what makes a company more than the products they make – a view into its culture and a sense of its soul. Beyond Latexco’s innovativeness and agility that enable it to respond nimbly to customer and market needs, lie a strong ethos and commitment to economic, ecological and social sustainability.

The company identifies three pillars of its sustainability commitment. The Economics pillar represents healthy long-term business management with added value for the local economy. The Ecological pillar serves to maintain and strengthen the forest ecosystem. The Social pillar exercises respect for the rights of local people and employees.

“Sustainability is a leitmotif that runs through everything we do,” said Ben Ducatteeuw, CEO of Latexco US. “Our goal to be an industry leader goes beyond the impeccable quality products and service we provide. Caring for our environment and being stewards of our natural resources are part of our corporate responsibility.”

In 2011, Latexco introduced the patented SonoCore technology, a revolutionary process used to make an all-new product category and the company’s flagship natural foam product called Pulse®. Using radio frequency technology instead of conventional steam heating and drying, the SonoCore process is significantly more energy efficient while producing an extremely soft natural foam with high tensile strength, superior ventilation properties and the best ecological footprint in the latex foam industry.

“The most durable, flexible, ecological, revolutionary and competitive natural foam in the marketplace.”

“Extreme comfort and softness are Pulse’s signature attribute and benefit,” said Brent Limer, Chief Sales Officer for Latexco US. “The SonoCore process differentiates Pulse® as a sustainably responsible product that also provides the benefits of a perfectly balanced microclimate with superior ventilation and humidity control properties.”

In early 2019, Latexco US obtained FSC® certification from NEPCon for its natural Pulse® products, making it the only single-source producer of latex and polyurethane foam in the U.S. with FSC-certified natural foam products.

“FSC® is about transparency and traceability throughout the process, which is vital to the Latexco commitment to sustainability,” said Ducatteeuw. “We’re proud of this distinction and to be able to tell our growing base of customers that our latex products come from responsibly managed forests, transported directly to our plant and made into premium products designed to improve the quality of life of consumers.”

That consumer perspective is one of the unique aspects of Latexco that contributes to its growing success. While it has always been a supplier to bedding manufacturers, arguably making it once removed from the end consumer, Latexco approaches product development and marketing with the consumer in mind.

Latexco’s natural Pulse® brand is a perfect example because the company believes sustainability makes a difference in the way we all work and live. Pulse® is derived from a natural and renewable raw material, sourced from environmentally responsible forests and manufactured using the highly efficient SonoCore process based on radio frequency.

Sleep health and hygiene are an essential part of the conversation when Latexco talks about the benefits of natural foam. Latexco mattresses also meet Oeko-Tex Standard 100 standards, making them safe for babies and all other sleepers. Products carrying the Oeko-Tex label provide assurance that every component of the article has been tested for harmful substances and is therefore harmless to humans. From cutting-edge research and development through durability testing, its natural latex mattresses offer best in class performance for optimum body support, balanced pressure distribution, enhanced blood circulation and long-lasting comfort and quality. 

Pulse® natural foam has an open cell structure made up of millions of microscopic interconnecting air bubbles that allows constant air circulation through the mattress, and the natural movements during sleep helps ventilation. Natural foam is hypoallergenic and proven to be resistant to mold and mildew. Recent tests show it is also resistant to dust mites.

These product attributes fulfill the economic pillars of sustainability because they give bedding manufacturers and retailer a strong basis to provide real solutions to consumer problems when it comes to buying comfortable, durable and safe bedding for their home and family. In the end, it comes full circle to support Latexco’s primary goal to take care of people and nature.

Member Spotlight: PureCare ~ Welcome Home to Wellness®

For over 20 years, PureCare has been devoted to designing premium, wellness-focused sleep essentials. With every fiber of our being—with every stitch of our fabric—we care about the well-being of everybody and every body. That’s why we design products with one simple mission in mind: to wrap the world in care, comfort and wellness. Because when we sleep well, we rise to live well too.

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 Our focus on hygiene and wellness has been a staple of our brand since day one. Originally founded in New Jersey as Fabrictech 2000 by industry veteran Sam Chase, PureCare was one of the first accessory manufacturers to adapt mattress and pillow protectors for the general market. Our patented OmniGuard® Advance protector material remains the premium standard for sanitization with a wash and dry heat tolerance of 220º. Over the past two decades, we’ve employed textile experts and product designers dedicated to putting care into their craft, and have worked with a handful of the world’s most respected wellness and hygiene experts and institutes to ensure our products deliver on our promise of wellness.

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 Family owned and operated, the Hershbain and Bergman families bring over 100 years of combined retail and product development experience to PureCare’s retail partners. Together, our ownership team has paved the way to aggressively expand our product offerings to include protectors, sheets, pillows, and weighted blankets that combine PureCare’s signature responsive fabrics and cleaner sleep treatments. Our innovative and consumer-centric approach to product development has earned us the official seals of both the National Sleep Foundation and the Women’s Choice Award.

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As a “what’s next” culture, PureCare remains constantly focused on continuing our heritage of growth and excellence. In the past three years we have relocated our operations to Phoenix, Arizona where we’ve expanded our warehouses, improved our shipping efficiencies, and most recently, invested in domestic pillow manufacturing with state-of-the-art Brighi machinery. Our newly expanded production capabilities allow us to support our current retailers with incredible quality and accuracy, as well as expand our business opportunities into new categories.

Our ability to quickly source and produce pillows domestically has allowed us to adapt quickly to retailer and mattress manufacturer’s needs during these unprecedented times. PureCare has developed an entire collection of Clean Cover Hospital Pillows that are domestically produced and shipped daily to meet the demands of hospital and government contracts nationwide. We continue to work with our retail partners and industry connections to source a variety of products and PPE.

In all of our goals, initiatives and future aspirations, one idea remains deeply rooted at our core; everything we do, we do with heart. This includes our dedication to supporting and improving the specialty sleep industry. We are true partners to our retailers, responsibly sourcing our products and building strong relationships that serve their needs. We have proudly served as board members and supported important organizations like the SSA and BSC for years. And as always, we remain focused on delivering quality wellness products that help improve the lives of our customers. We care for the wellness of others, pure and simple.

Pandemic News...(not to be confused with the Pandemic Blues...)

Since our last newsletter, the airwaves have been full of pandemic-related items. Here are some things that have come across my desk that you may find interesting and/or helpful during these disruptive times.
Hope you are all holding up out there,
Tambra Jones, Executive Director, Specialty Sleep Association

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#DoTheShelter

Shelter in Place | The Family-Made Music Video (Original Song)

Mike Magnusson is simply irresistible is this video that he and his family created!  Check it out HERE: 

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WEBINAR:  How COVID-19 is Impacting the Mattress Retail Landscape 

Mike Magnuson, CEO of leading independent mattress review site GoodBEd.com, provides an update on the online mattress marketplace as the industry deals with the coronavirus crisis.  He will chat with Dave Perry to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on both mattress shopping and mattress retailers.  Magnuson will share his perspective on how this pandemic has impacted the consumer journey, discuss general trends he is seeing in consumer behavior, and provide thoughts on what retailers can be doing right now.  Check HERE to register: 

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An Update for IMC Tenants on COVID-19 and Plans for Market

A special message from CEO Bob Maricich addressing the impact of COVID-19 and IMC’s support of recovery and plans for markets.  Check it out HERE: 

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Home Furnishings Education Network

Furniture Today’s series of educational videos featuring discussions with thought leaders across the home furnishings industry and the world at large. 
Check it out HERE: 

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IMC to launch 3-week virtual High Point Market

These offerings, which include the debut of a new sourcing tool as well as a series of pop-up virtual market events, will run on IMC’s High Point Market website May 11-29.  Check it out HERE: 

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IMC converts High Point Market TrendWatch program into webinar series

The free three-part webinar will be held on April 29, May 13 and May 27  Check it out: HERE

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Google to offer free listings to U.S. retailers

Company plans to expand offerings globally by year end. 
Check it out HERE: 

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They lived in a factory for 28 days to make millions of pounds of raw PPE materials to help fight coronavirus

At his factory just off the Delaware River, in the far southeastern corner of Pennsylvania, Joe Boyce clocked in on March 23 for the longest shift of his life. Check it out HERE

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CPA Firm Hertzbach has compiled a list of COVID-19 Resources For Your Business 

Check it out HERE: 

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IHFRA pens open letter to Vice President

Dear Mr. Vice President……”With their customers — furniture stores — deemed to be non-essential businesses, and their suppliers — furniture manufacturers and distributors being sidelined — self-employed independent furniture sales professionals find themselves being financially suffocated as a result”. 
Read the complete letter HERE: 

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Podium planning to launch free version

Software company raises $125 million in new funding round.  Check it out HERE:

SURVEY: How Does This Corona Virus Affect Your Sleep?

In March 2020, the folks at SleepStandards.com surveyed 1014 respondents across the United States on how Coronavirus pandemic affects their sleep. They asked the SSA to publish their results, which they believe reveal some interesting data from factors that prevent Americans from a good night’s sleep to activities they prefer during the COVID-19 quarantine.

Chris Norris is the Founder & Chief Editor at SleepStandards.com - A health blog that provides research-based sleep health advice, actionable sleep tips, and unbiased sleep product reviews. He aims to inspire better sleep and make the world of sleep easy to understand for everyday people.

CLICK HERE to read the survey results.

Member Spotlight: TFS Natural Home is Committed to Non-Toxic Furniture For All

TFS Natural Home By The Futon Shop's founder Suzanne Diamond started in 1976 with her commitment to a chemical free lifestyle designing healthy non-toxic futon mattresses. From 1976 to today The Futon Shop has continued that commitment using eco-friendly ingredients to create healthy non-toxic furniture for all. The Futon Shop brand continues to evolve manufacturing their products with an increased emphasis on craftsmanship and high quality chemical-free materials. From The Futon Shop manufacturing floor in San Francisco to their stores throughout California the end goal remains consistent, to empower their customers and the community. Assisting them to live a comfortable and healthy life in their homes.

Suzanne Diamond

These are trying times as the coronavirus continues to spread, the biggest fear is a lack of personal protective equipment. The Futon Shop values the importance of this timing and given the shortage of vital PPE, they are doing their part to answer the call for the common good, by refocusing a large part of their Cut & Sew Department to the production of face masks. The Futon Shop's face masks are not intended to replace medical grade N95 masks, but since the disease spreads by respiratory droplets, they are still a barrier for those exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19. The Futon Shop uses an organic cotton barrier fabric in all of their face masks. The Futon Shop's organic barrier fabric is so tightly woven the spaces between the threads are under 3.5 microns, and filters about at least 95% of very small 3-micron particles.

Masks and face coverings are recommended, but not required, for Americans who go out in public during the coronavirus pandemic. Seven states (Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island) took that guidance further, and they're requiring residents to cover their faces when they visit essential businesses or use public transportation. The CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission. The CDC also advises the use of face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.  

The Futon Shop is ready to help with bulk orders for medical, government, state, and local use. They are able to provide bulk face masks for retail, personal, and PPE use. All products are manufactured in San Francisco, California in their factories with immediate delivery available. The Futon Shop's research & development department is busy at work designing new types of face masks that could possibly be a better deterrent against COVID and other similar viruses. One of those masks is a Copper Infused Organic Cotton Barrier Face Mask. Copper is well-known for its ability to stop and kill the growth of bacteria and other infectious pathogens. The Futon Shop copper infused masks have 17% copper infused into threads of fabric woven into the cotton and will never wash out. The Futon Shop is making all their masks in adult and children sizes. 
Click here to check out what this kid has to say about his mask.

We all must do our part to prevent the spread of coronavirus and save lives. That’s why it’s essential to slow the spread of Covid-19 through social distancing and protective equipment. By “flattening the curve,” we can help ensure the infections and hospitalizations occur over a longer period of time and don’t overwhelm our medical system and cause a higher death rate. The Futon Shop cannot emphasize enough their appreciation for the life-saving work that our healthcare professionals are doing at this critical time and proud to support them with washable, reusable and sustainable masks.

The Futon Shop brand continues to evolve manufacturing their products with an increased emphasis on craftsmanship and high quality chemical-free materials. When you choose to buy local the value of any product “Made in the USA” represents more than just a victory for small business in America, it means a victory for our neighborhoods as well! The Futon Shop makes the choice not to outsource their manufacturing to anyone else for many reasons. In order to bring you chemical free solutions The Futon Shop carefully monitors the process from start to finish in order to Provide Affordable Made In America Products for Completely Organic lifestyles.

COVID-19: Dr. Dave Price Speaks About Protecting Yourself And Your Family

Dr. David Price of Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City shares information in a Mar. 22 Zoom call with family and friends on empowering and protecting families during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says he wants people to feel more empowered about navigating this pandemic. He is hopeful, and says that if we all FOLLOW THE RULES we should get through this with our health pretty much in tact.

While the SSA does not recommend watching any particular doctor or official over another, we found that Dr. Price’s video was easy to understand, and so we have provided it here for you.

Click here to watch the video (it’s pretty long).

Dr. Price says “COVID is in your community”. He advises that the main form of transmission seems to be from touching the face.
These are his RULES:

1. Become a Hand-Nazi. Know where your hands are at all times. Keep them clean - wash them or use hand sanitizer after you touch anything.

2. Work on not touching your face. Become aware of when you touch your face.
   *He recommends wearing a mask when you leave the house to insure that you are not touching your face.

3. You don’t need a medical mask. They are primarily to keep your hands from your face.

4. Distance yourself from others (3’-6’).

Dr. Price goes on to address many aspects of a typical day in the midst of COVID-19. He also talks about what happens if you are living with somebody who has the Corona Virus. He advises what to do, when to go to the hospital and when to stay home. We found his comments enlightening.

Hope you found this helpful. We wish you good health!

Navigating COVID-19 Financial Relief Efforts

During this unprecedented time in our history, the Feds have been working on financial relief programs for individuals and businesses. It’s not easy to know how to handle today’s hurdles, and weighing our options is feeling pretty complicated. We are posting links here from Hertzbach, the Specialty Sleep Association’s CPA Firm, and The International Market Centers (IMC) which outline financial programs that are available so far.
It’s an uncertain time, we at the SSA are wishing for you clarity of mind and strength of spirit.

From Hertzback:
HERE’S WHAT IS HAPPENING SO FAR

1. THE PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM IS ABOUT TO GO LIVE – WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW?

   Posted By: Hertzbach , April 1, 2020

2. 2020 RECOVERY REFUND CHECKS FOR INDIVIDUALS

   Posted By: Tax Department , March 31, 2020

3. THE CARES ACT – A SUMMARY

   Posted By: Hertzbach , March 30, 2020

From The IMC: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources

Table of Contents

I. Summary of COVID-19 Small Business Guidance & Loan Resources
II. Small Business Paycheck Protection Program
III. Disaster Assistance Loans & Advances
IV. Other Types of SBA Assistance Measures
V. SBA Access to Capital
VI. SBA Exporting Assistance
VII. Employee Retention Tax Credits
VIII. Unemployment Insurance & Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (For Employees)

A Special Offer for IMC Vendor Partners

Free ShopZio B2B Marketplace for 2020

The release below comes from the International Market Centers. We encourage all companies who are exhibiting in the SSA’s showroom (C1565) to go to the ShopZio web page and enroll. Please let us know about your experience with enrolling into this program, and then about what you find as an enrollee. These times are unprecedented for us, and we salute the IMC for their efforts to help mitigate how we are experiencing the changes in our marketplace.

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IMC Offers Free Subscriptions & Transactions On Its Shopzio B2B Marketplace to Help Customers Address Business Disruption Caused by COVID-19 Pandemic

From International Market Centers (see Press Release)
April 2, 2020 | Atlanta, Las Vegas, High Point, NC

ATLANTA, HIGH POINT, N.C., LAS VEGAS., (April 2, 2020) – In an effort to address business disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, International Market Centers (IMC) and its digital innovation division IMC_di announced today that free subscriptions and transactions will be offered to customers through year-end on ShopZio, its B2B digital platform that facilitates product and resource discovery as well as e-commerce.

“The COVID-19 crisis has disrupted business quickly and significantly. While ensuring the health and safety of our staff and customers is our top priority, we also have been able to start planning for recovery and we will use our virtual market tools to help our customers do the same,” said Bob Maricich, the CEO of IMC. “To that end, we are offering gift, home and apparel suppliers virtual market tools — at no charge through the end of the year — to help our customers maintain visibility, market available products and transact business digitally as recovery begins.”

Recently acquired as part of the IMC_di initiative, ShopZio is a fully-functional B2B platform that facilitates product and resource discovery as well as transactional e-commerce. In support of economic challenges caused by the current disruption, all marketplace fees will be waived for the balance of the year for both new and existing ShopZio customers.

ShopZio’s B2B platform will be linkable directly from IMC’s market websites – AmericasMart.com, IMCHightPointMarket.com and LasVegasMarket.com – enabling robust product discovery and referrals to vendors’ e-commerce platforms.  IMC’s websites currently receive more than three million unique visitors annually. Combined with IMC’s attendee marketing, which reaches hundreds of thousands of qualified buyers, the sites will help vendors engage buyers and drive traffic and e-commerce sales.

“As recovery begins and the American public emerges from this difficult period, one thing is certain: People will reach for the things that provide comfort, beauty and solace – the very things that our industries design, produce and sell,” said Maricich. “As retailers reopen for business and begin to restock, these virtual market tools will have established a pipeline to jump-start much needed economic recovery for the gift, home and apparel industries.”

IMC_di also is accelerating development of its new digital market experience, which when launched in Fall 2020 will create unparalleled opportunity and streamline digital tools for the industry. By combining IMC’s online discovery and e-commerce capabilities with IMC’s unparalleled scale, reach and buyer engagement, IMC can accelerate sales across the industry. According to Eric Dean, president of IMC_di, “IMC is committed to bringing buyers and sellers together whenever and however they choose to transact. ShopZio allows us to offer an excellent interim solution to an industry looking for assistance in helping buyers and suppliers get back to business and for leadership in a time of economic hardship.”

ShopZio currently has 35,000 active buyers and 100+ vendors and is already conducting millions of dollars per month in online transactions. The IMC_di team is ready to demonstrate the platform to new customers and prepare their product and SKU-level data for upload. New customers will be on-boarded on a first-come, first-served basis. IMC tenants and exhibitors can sign-up now and connect with the IMC_di team at www.imcenters.com/imcdi/shopzio-offer/.

Summer Market Planning Continues

IMC is continuing to plan for summer Markets to be held in High Point, Atlanta and Las Vegas. “We hope to have the opportunity to produce physical Markets this summer – although we recognize they may look and feel slightly different given the impact of COVID-19. We will continue to monitor the situation and communicate with customers if postponement is deemed necessary,” said Maricich.

The current schedule is:

• High Point Market: June 12-14

• June Atlanta Apparel: June 10-13, at AmericasMart

• Atlanta Market: July 14-20, at AmericasMart

• Las Vegas Market: July 26-30, at World Market Center Las Vegas and the EXPO at World Market Center Las Vegas

• World of Prom: August 3-7, at AmericasMart

• August Atlanta Apparel: August 4-8, at AmericasMart

About International Market Centers: International Market Centers (IMC) is the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for furniture, gift, home décor, rug, and apparel industries. International Market Centers owns and operates nearly 20 million square feet of world-class exhibition space in High Point, N.C., Las Vegas and Atlanta. IMC’s mission is to build and operate an innovative, sustainable, profitable and scalable platform for the furniture, gift, home décor, rug, and apparel industries. For more information, visit http://imcenters.com/.

About IMC_di: IMC Digital Innovations (IMC_di) is a stand-alone division of International Market Centers (IMC), the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the home furnishings, gift, and apparel industries. Launched in January 2020, IMC_di will build an industry-changing platform including a global B2B e-commerce marketplace, a full suite of integrated marketing and sales automation software and smart showroom tools. With bold people and bold ambitions — and by investing as much as $100 million — IMC_di will change and grow the industries IMC serves.

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The Coronavirus: Are you wondering if you can help?

From Tambra Jones, Executive Director, Specialty Sleep Association 

Every one of us is participating in an event that will be paramount in history books from this point on.  A real-life pandemic. We are witnessing new data, new collection points and the analysis thereof in real-time.  Most of us are working with smaller crews, or from home.  Some of us are not working at all right now.

 So what can we do to help besides the necessary social-distancing and extra hygiene? 
We can make masks for the people who are boots-on-the-ground.  Hospital staffers, first responders and staff manning (and womanning) posts in open businesses are in sore need of more masks.  They are calling for help – from industrial sewers as well as home sewers. In our industry – WE CAN DEFINITELY HELP keep essential staffers safer. 

I saw a write-up in the press about how Stuart Carlitz at Eclipse/Eastman House is converting his mattress factory into one that will produce masks, both surgical and N95 masks.  “ECLIPSE INTERNATIONAL WILL PRODUCE & DONATE INITIAL 38,000 MEDICAL MASKS FROM NEW JERSEY FACILITY DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC”.  Of course these will not have the FDA stamp of approval – there is not time for that - and Stuart told me his local hospital does not care.  “They will use these masks where they are appropriate, and they are very grateful for what we will donate,” said Stuart, who also reached out to all of his licensees so that they may begin working with their own community hospitals if they so choose.  Click here to check out the video Stuart and his Eclipse team created to show their mask-making process.

Angela Owen, SSA Board Member and President of Suite Sleep, is in communication with her local hospital in Boulder to make masks and gowns using her sewing team and fabric on hand in her small factory. “I’d like to partner with a non-wovens supplier for materials so that I can supply the appropriate specifications,” she said.  

Here are a few articles showing how others are stepping up to the plate in this regard as well.  “Furniture industry steps up to ‘face’ COVID-19”.  ISPA has also reported that some of their members are mobilizing to help.  “ISPA says its members are helping to meet coronavirus supply needs”.  This ISPA notice points to a page on their website dedicated specifically for How To’s in helping with the COVID-19 supply chain.  And outside our industry – factories are contacting their local hospitals to lend a hand, “DIY Face Masks – Update!”

Those who do not have factories to convert can also help.  There are several groups who have patterns and kits for home-sewers.  There is a group called Crafters Against Covid-19 Seattle who are organizing materials for kits to send to home-sewers.  Also a group called Sew to Fight Covid-19 in South Bed, IN is actually building a system, a step-by-step guide for producing the kinds of N95 barrier products that really work for health-care workers.  I spent half an hour on the phone with their project manager – and this is exciting stuff! Stay tuned, this is something we will be continuing to monitor.

I called my local hospital and am waiting for a call-back advising what their specs are, and if they are working with somebody who could use my help. I’ll advise how this process goes for me. 

So yeah my friends, we are witnessing a pandemic.  I had to look up the difference between an epidemic and a pandemic.  It’s about scope essentially. Does the outbreak remain in one area? Does the method of transmission fall into a geographic model?  The Zika virus outbreak was defined as an epidemic. The Ebola outbreak was defined as an epidemic. Although the SARS virus outbreak did reach outside Asia, it was associated with travel from affected areas – and was defined as an epidemic.  If you are interested in this aspect, Vanessa Caceres wrote an excellent piece explaining this for U.S. News.

The COVID-19 is now a pandemic.  Its scope is worldwide. Its transmission is being studied on the fly.  Who is infected? Can we really tell? There are not enough tests to check everybody – and some sources say that the tests that are being used are not as accurate as they hoped they would be.  We are watching the science unfold right in front of our eyes. With the internet and global information systems at our fingertips, we are watching as data comes in and gets plugged into formulas and hypotheses and real-time treatments. 

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and of course worried.  It could very well be that getting busy making things that will help the professionals who are working to keep their fingers in this dike, is the best medicine for us.  To be helpful, helps the helper and the helped…!  

I’m going to get involved in sewing some masks - at whatever level is most appropriate.  Who’s with me? If you have questions about how to get started with helping in your own community, contact me and I’ll tell you what I know.

We are wishing you only good things.  Stay positive. Stay safe. Stay well. 

Contact:
Tambra Jones
Executive Director
SPECIALTY SLEEP ASSOCIATION
tambra@sleepinformation.org
559-868-4187
559-676-8639 mobile
www.sleepinformation.org

The Breathable® Mesh Mini Crib, A New Standard for Cribs Helps Families Rest Easier

Not just a new concept, a new standard. 

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn, March 1, 2020 – BreathableBaby® announced the launch of their new Breathable™ Mesh Mini Crib that sets a new standard for cribs. It combines the strength of traditional wood construction—with the peace of mind that‘s possible only with their patented Breathable™ mesh. 

Inspired by the patented and proven Breathable™ Mesh Crib Liner, the new Breathable™ Mesh Mini Crib helps welcome babies home with an extra measure of confidence and control. The strong but gentle mesh sides ensure unrestricted ventilation—and at the same time, eliminate any risk of arms and legs becoming trapped between slats. 

“Babies sleep 14–17 hours a day, so we know how important a crib is as the cornerstone to a safer night’s sleep,” said BreathableBaby CEO, Jen Loesch. “After nearly 20 years of selling our Breathable™ Mesh Crib Liners and hearing moms and dads want a better solution to limb entrapment, we took matters into our own hands. We are proud to launch the first crib of its kind combining the strength and integrity of traditional wood cribs—with the peace of mind that‘s possible only with our patented Breathable™ mesh. Cool, unrestricted ventilation. Zero risk of arms or legs getting stuck between slats. And we launched in a mini size for smaller spaces and to support room sharing, recommended by the AAP to reduce the the risk of SIDS by up to 50%. And at only $299.99 MSRP, it helps provide a safer night’s sleep.” 

The Breathable™ Mesh Mini Crib is made from sustainable New Zealand pine and California Air Resources Board (CARB) compliant composite, leaving our planet a little bit cleaner. Classic, clean and safe. Free from all the bad stuff (non-toxic paint, no lead, phthalates, or formaldehyde). And designed to grow with baby from newborn to 24 months or 35" in height, with a two-position adjustable mattress support. 

The Breathable™ Mesh Mini Crib can be found online at Amazon, Target, Walmart and BuyBuyBaby. 

About BreathableBaby, LLC 

Founded in 2002, BreathableBaby® designs, manufactures and sells simple, smart, safe sleep products that help caregivers feel confident and in control. Safety has always been first, which sparked the invention of the Breathable™ Mesh Crib Liner, an alternative to conventional crib 

bumpers. Safety is the starting point for design, and BreathableBaby takes extra steps, like consulting with doctors, funding sleep research, and applying rigorous testing protocols, to make sure all products are safer for families. 

With nearly 5.0 million Breathable™ Mesh Crib Liners sold, BreathableBaby is committed to be an industry leader in safe sleep by providing parents with products and knowledge that make life easier. Building on years of research and committed to do their part to help reduce the incidents of SIDS and accidental suffocation, BreathableBaby expanded its line-up to include Swaddle Trios with a unique arms up, arms down, arms out feature to grow with baby, Active Swaddle Blankets constructed from premium activewear fabric for parents on the go, Bedding Gift Sets for giving the gift of safe sleep, and the most innovative products yet, Breathable™ Mesh Cribs. These stylish cribs combine the strength and integrity of traditional wood cribs—with the peace of mind that‘s possible only with BreathableBaby’s patented Breathable™ mesh. Cool, unrestricted ventilation and zero risk of arms or legs getting stuck between slats. Say hello to the new standard in cribs. 

BreathableBaby products can be found on online at Amazon, Target, Walmart and BuyBuyBaby and in over 7,500 retail stores in the US, Canada, and select countries worldwide. For more information, go to www.breathablebaby.com. 

BreathableBaby is privately held and headquartered in St. Louis Park, MN. 

Contact: 
Melissa Niebes 
BreathableBaby® 
Tel: +1 763 277 8491 
mniebes@breathablebaby.com 

Vibrant Winter Attendance Heralds the New Decade at Las Vegas Market

There were some big changes happening at the January Las Vegas Market. The new Expo Center located next to the parking structure was in full-swing construction mode, and walking to the parking elevators was a whole new adventure. Once you entered the buildings it was vibrant and busy from Sunday to Tuesday. Check-ins were steady in the SSA showroom, with the bulk of the traffic coming in from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday afternoon. “We scanned 470 buyer groups and hundreds of manufacturers and suppliers over the course of the Market”, said SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones. “The final tally was was lower than the January 2019 Market, and more in line with the January 2018 attendance”.

The SSA Sponsored educational event was entitled “Online-to-Offline - Figuring Out An Important Puzzle”. Gabe Dungan gave a very informative presentation. If you missed it, click here find out more about it and to watch the video.

Speaker Gabe Dungan (2nd from right) with SSA Board Members Jim Gutierrez, Mark Miller, Angela Owen, Tambra Jones and Brian Davis.

Some of the SSA Exhibitors weighed in with there experiences at the 2020 show:

Bill Bush - I Love My Pillow
”Overall, we were pleased with the traffic and customer discussions. Traffic was up by 10%”

Curtis Spain - Bedding Technologies
”Attendance was very good for this winter market. We experienced very good dealer traffic on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday  resulting in excellent new contact”

Lynn Kelley - Sleep In Motion
”Winter market was good and we had a lot of potential customers”

Suzanne Diamond - The Futon Shop
”The show was great we had a lot of traffic”

Curtis Spain - Bedding Technologies

Suzanne Diamond - The Futon Shop

Patrick Auer - PineTales
“Great exposure for us as a new brand. The Showroom felt almost like a small convention of it’s own”

Peter Laurens - Arcusbeds
”The recent market show was very good for us; we received a number of serious visitors including several from major US retailers”

Mark Schwartz - Blue Ridge Home Fashions
”January market was very successful—great traffic and some very productive meetings”

Ryan Chilvers - CannaBeds"
”Thank you Tambra. Cannabeds had a fantastic show, we will be growing our business in a big way as a result. We look forward to seeing you in July”

Peter Laurens - Arcusbeds

Ryan Chilvers - Cannabeds

Brent Polunsky - W. Silver Products
”W. Silver Products had a great response to our new line of adjustable beds that we introduced.  The attendance was terrific with not only current accounts, but I was impressed with how many new accounts stopped by the space to see the new product.  It was one of the best markets we have ever had”

Al Flora - Assured Comfort/Sleep Safe Beds
”As a first time exhibitor, we weren’t sure of what to expect.  Everyone in the Specialty Sleep Association was very helpful and gave us lots of input.  We enjoyed meeting new people, increasing our brand exposure and  look forward to the July market”

Juan Gonzalez - Best Rest
”We had a great experience with the traffic this show.  For us the most important thing is quality over quantity”

Al Flora - Assured Comfort

Juan Gonzalez and the Best Rest Team

J.W. Craig - Sleep and Beyond
”My comment & Experience at the January 2020 Winter Market is:
1) The SSA show room had a great and fantastic feeling letting the Buyers feel they were welcome.
2) Attitude for the New Year "The Roaring 2020's Double Double and a New Decade.
3) Keep in mind, 80% of success is showing up an 20% follow up. Patience and Persistence work!”

Butch Craig with Co-Founders Sardor and Sarvar Abdullaev - Sleep and Beyond

Arason Enterprises

Sadly - a few of the exhibitors in the showroom felt that they did not see the people they hoped to see, for a wide array of reasons. Some expressed that they need to update their product offerings because they were not opening up new customers. Some realized that they needed to do more pre-show marketing, some felt their traffic was off, but they were not sure why. Here are a couple of comments we received.

Jane Arason - Arason Enterprises
”We had a slow January Market. It felt more like a summer market”

Brice Hata - TMI Products
“The Market was tremendously slow compared to past Winter Markets.  There was also noticeable lack of TOP 100 retailers present for this show.  Not having Malouf present on our floor could have added to a drop in traffic as well.  Although we are leaving our space after this show, we may return in the future.  We have enjoyed the successes and relationships built from past shows and wish nothing but success in all your endeavors.  Thanks so much Tambra!”

The SmartWerks team Sean Doan and Pat Kunish pose with Gordy Nelson who is retiring from the company. We will miss Gordy being in the showroom more than we can say.

Best Wishes Gordy!

On behalf of everyone in the SSA Showroom, we want to wish Gordy Nelson of SmartWerks a happy retirement. Gordy has been exhibiting with the SSA since July 2005, at the very first Las Vegas Market. Gordy is beloved among exhibitors, and he will be sorely missed.

The SSA will continue to offer a well-trafficked showroom for it’s exhibitors.

The SSA Showroom Showcases 34 Companies, Including 8 Brand New to Las Vegas

The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) showroom at the Las Vegas Winter 2020 market is bracing for a busy winter market. “We have 34 exhibitors in our showroom for the January 2020 market,” says SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones. “Eight of them are new to our showroom.” Jones points out that at the last winter market showroom traffic exceeded 550 individual retail buying groups or individual retail businesses. “The retail attendance does not include the hundreds of sales reps, suppliers, manufacturers, industry leaders, associations, and other industry people who use the SSA space to make contacts and to conduct business.” Jones also confirms the continued trend of growth among online retailers, direct ship businesses, private label companies and vertically integrated businesses who check out the SSA showroom. “We do see the changes in the mattress marketplace reflected in our attendance showing an increase in diversity in both buyers and exhibitors.” 

Assured Comfort

The seven new exhibitors at the winter market include Assured Comfort® Hi-Lo Adjustable Beds, Cyme Tech Inc., Lifestyle Comfort, PineTales, Inc, Slumba Mattress, Tonight Sleep Labs and ZBD Bed. Added to the 27 existing SSA exhibitors these seven new brands expand the choices and selection of sleep technologies and solutions featured in the SSA showroom. Assured Comfort Hi-Lo Adjustable Beds will showcase three different each offered in twin, full, queen and split-king size “Made in the USA”, all with quiet, remote-control articulation. The company’s Electric Hi-Lo foundations adjust mattress heights, and retrofitting is available. New at the January show, Cyme Tech Inc., will be showing their Stellar Home Furniture line for the very first time at the Las Vegas market. The company will feature their modern and contemporary Murphy bed and storage products made of manufactured wood, and designed with a contemporary and modern style to help consumers make the best of their square footage in their home or apartment. Offered in multiple trendy finishes, the Stellar Home Murphy bed selection and matching storage units are ideal for customers looking to transform their bedroom, spare room, basement or home office into a convenient and outstanding environment with space saving options in mind. The InstantTuck™ Bed Maker is debuting their scientifically designed foundation layer that sits between the mattress and the base platform.  When placed under any mattress of the same size, InstantTuck™ enables making the bed without ever lifting the mattress. Lifestyle Comfort will be showing their “Easy-out” bed which becomes a chair and lifts it’s occupant up and out, and which has a whole-vibrate plate inside the bed.   The Maxon Group will be on hand with what they say is something that distinguishes them from any training, coaching, and consulting you’ve previously been exposed to. PineTales, Inc, whose slogan is “We Know Sleep!” will present something that is distinctly different in the SSA showroom. This new company prides themselves in creating and marketing “America’s finest Buckwheat and Millet Hulls Pillows”. According to PineTales, their pillows come either in a unique modern and distinctive design and / or they are “offered in exclusive fabrics that are not to be found with any other natural pillows on the market.” The fourth new player on the show floor is Slumba Memory Foam Mattresses and Pillows, who are known for launching “mattress in a box” in Australia over ten years ago. Slumba, who believes that consumers should be able to obtain comfort and support at an affordable price, provides “extraordinary mattresses and pillows, but also offers personalized customer service.” Slumba promises its customers “the right fusion of support, breathability and alignment” to give the sleeper the comfortable night’s rest they deserve. Slumba pillows incorporate the perfect density of bamboo-charcoal memory foam offering the ultimate experience in comfort. The company also has added a level of cooling relief by wrapping their pillows in a hypo-allergenic ice-fiber cover regulating the sleeper’s temperature while she sleeps.  ZBD Beds are presenting their innovative line of CBD-infused mattresses

Stellar Home Furnishings by Cyme Tech

Instant Tuck air flow

As is always the case with the SSA Showroom a wide range of returning exhibitor will be featuring new improved and expanded lines of mattresses and bedding related products. Showroom veterans include:

Baltica Natural Products will be showcasing the brand’s Arcusbeds, their line of superior quality natural and organic luxury mattresses, which are handmade in Europe. The company now features GOLS-certified organic latex in their flagship products, also featuring five different certifications for quality and natural or organic content. Natural latex as opposed to GOLS certified organic remains an affordable option for consumers.

Best Rest, which continues its US market expansion with new product introductions including the Lux Personalized Sleep Mattress and Prive, Attainable European Luxury. After a very successful summer launch at the SSA Show and a whirlwind 12 state tour to numerous retailers, Best rest is now seeking to expand its sales team into a national presence and welcomes reps.    their show-space. The company will feature new soy-based pillows to compliment the Best Rest line of European, hand-crafted mattresses.

Longtime showroom veteran Bedding Technologies Industries will be introducing two new mattresses-in-a-box.  One is a 12 inch hybrid gel memory foam mattress infused with copper. The other is a 13 inch gel memory foam hybrid mattress. They will also feature two new metal beds in a box with headboard, footboard and platform.

Bio Concepts

Another returning veteran, Bio Sleep Concept is introducing their new patented Latex Mattress Topper, which warms or cools the sleeper’s body to guarantee an excellent night’s sleep. The new system is named HOCOMAT. It is a patented process that combines all the benefits of latex sleep with hydronic (water-based) heating and cooling.  Microtubes embedded inside the HOCOMAT circulates water evenly and regulates the surface temperature of the mattress. The Dunlop-processed latex used in the company’s cores is sourced form rubber farms in Thailand.

Buyers interested in down/feather and down alternative home textiles products should visit Blue Ridge Home Fashions. The company is one of the leading bedding companies in this specialty arena. They are the exclusive licensee of the Kathey Ireland Home® and ELLE brands, for all basic bedding, as well as SERTA and Cannon® brands for the natural fill category. The emerging brand will feature their newest developments in down/ feather comforters and bed pillows, along with down alternative comforters and bed pillows. They will also feature their newest licensee Martha Stewart for the natural fill category.

With every possibility of drawing as much attention as they did last market, CannaBeds, Inc. will be showing their very exciting and environmentally-friendly CannaBeds Gel Memory Foam Hemp Mattress line. They also will be showing their top selling hemp and latex pillows in a tube.

SSA stalwart Danican has expanded its private label products and programs reaching clients in over 30 countries worldwide. They will be showing interested retailers, manufacturers and potential partners their complete process including design, production, quality control, shipping and all related details in-between to achieve a successful private labeling program for mattresses and accessories. 

LMP Worldwide will be launching the “I Love My Mattress” brand. The initial launch will feature mattresses, mattress toppers and mattress protectors. The new product launch will include four distinct items in the Out Cold Mattress Collection with queen beds retailing form MSRP of $799 to $1,599. LMP has also designed 3 new hybrid pillows: the Out Cold Copper Hybrid, the Cul down, and the Cul Cloud. These products are designed and produced in the USA.

Once again, SmartWerks reaches out to assist retailers reach out to and manage customers: “Retailers will grow their customer list, stay in contact with that list, and give those customers a compelling reason to return to their store. Using the latest sales and management retail tools, retailers can turn everyday customers into committed fans and advocates for your business.  Stop by SmartWerks to see how to grow your business with their Integrated Point of Sale, Inventory, and Accounting Software.

Like one of a kind solutions? Stop by Swiss Bliss to see the “World’s Only double-sided 100% Heirloom Quality” specialty foam mattresses.  They will feature their bed-in-a-box system to maximize inventory dollars. They will also show their lavender infused sleeping surface created to promote a relaxing sleep environment.  Come experience their patented process mattresses with no fillers so they easily conform to power bases.

Looking for an alternative to Asian sourcing? The team from TMI Molded Technologies will be expanding their footprint in the custom molded foam pillow category with the opening of a new facility in Mexico. For companies exiting Asia due to tariffs and other rising costs, TMI offers this opportunity to recoup that profit on foam parts, cut and sew operations and fulfillment services.

TRUBlanket will be introducing new blankets at the market as well as expanding their business strategies for retailers, manufacturers and potential partners. The products include: TRUBlanket Lite, a simple weighted blanket without a duvet cover. Also TRUBlanket Premium (48” x 72” and TRUBlanket Lux (60” x 80”) with duvet covers. The covers are gray, beige, navy and white minky fabric with embroidery at the corner. TRUBlanket will be offering private label options for those who are interested in selling under their own brand, or they will introducing wholesale pricing for those interested in selling the TRU Lite Bedding product line at retail.

Long time exhibitor W. Silver Products will be introducing a new addition to the company’s Gold Series line of adjustable beds. The new base will have memory functions, massage capability, USB and head tilt along with many other features, and will retail at $1499.  The company is also introducing a complete lineup of adjustable bed bases that will have six legs and be able to fold in half. This will make these bases easier to handle by the retailer and the consumer. The new bases will range in price from $699 to $999 in queen. The company’s latest new adjustable bed introduction will be a UPS shipping friendly model and will have USB zero-gravity with a full range of head and foot articulation. This base will retail in queen for $599.

Welcome!

“We invite all sleep products retailers and other industry participants to C-1565 on the 15th. Floor in Building C to experience what is new and innovative in the sleep industry, to experience the excitement, the real energy of the room and to enjoy our warm hospitality. It remains a must-see and a fun market shopping experience for retail buyers, says Executive Director Tambra Jones.  Jones invites market goers to stop in for a fresh, hot midday snack featuring the amazingly popular and well-received Aunt Annie’s Pretzels, offered Sunday thru Tuesday compliments of the SSA.

Member Spotlight: The Morgenstern Family has a History of Designing Quality Mattresses

Pleasant Mattress is a family-owned and operated mattress factory headquartered in Fresno, CA. Their energetic and marketing-savvy CEO Rion Morgenstern is the SSA’s newest board member. When we asked about his company, Rion and his team had this to say:

Rion

It’s the classic question that often reveals a lot about our real world experience—What advice would you give to your younger self? For Rion Morgenstern, the President and CEO Pleasant Mattress, the answer comes naturally, “Live a good story. Live a life that can be retold and people can tell stories about what you’ve done.” This insight quickly becomes a physical reality when Rion proudly gives you a personal tour of the Pleasant facility. As he speaks to their growing “House Of Brands” strategy that has helped triple the size of the company in the past six years, you begin to understand the importance of the STORY behind all of them.

“Brands have a reason for being. There are clear reasons why brands are important,” Morgenstern says. “Different brands serve different needs in the market, and that gives us an opportunity to stand out on retail floors.” He explains that the depth of this belief goes beyond just creating simple logos and taglines. Over the past 3 years, Rion and his team have created an immersive process to engineer a Brand’s DNA that aligns with customer mindsets, as opposed to just hitting price points or chasing demographics. Instead of chasing volume, low margins, and getting caught up in the bed-in-a-box dog fight, they create brand stories that actually mean something to consumers. Combining this with a benefit-focused and high-quality product strategy allows Pleasant to position at higher pricing. It has also allowed the company to expand its reach since high-value, premium-priced beds can be shipped across much larger sales territories.

At this point Morgenstern also makes it clear that they’re not just relying on some form of flashy marketing. “You’re not going to find a better value from any product on the market than what the Morgenstern family puts in a bed. I’m amazingly proud of the quality that my team produces and that we’re designing. The beds are world class, truly.” This commitment to quality has continued on strongly thanks to the hard-working history of Morgenstern’s family itself, which really shines as an American success story.

It all began when Ernst “Ernie” Morgenstern immigrated from Vienna to America and swiftly put his newfound freedom and entrepreneurial spirit to work by stitching together recycled bags for local industries. Within a few years, Ernie’s skills quickly evolved into making mattresses for the central valley area and Pleasant Mattress was born.

As the company grew into its own, so did Ernie’s son Herb. After graduating from Fresno State, Herb joined the company eventually becoming President. With the help of his wife Judy, Herb grew the family business from meager beginnings in chicken coops to a company manufacturing nearly 200,000 pieces per year in a 150,000 square-foot facility.

Father and Son

In 2011, Rion returned from a successful 20-year career in California’s interactive media sector by passionately putting his skill set to work with his dad. When you walk the floor with him and hear about all the new systems or efficiencies, it’s clear that he really jumped right in and spent a lot of time listening, learning, and optimizing. In 2014 Rion was promoted to President and CEO and while the company was already seeing fruits from their resurrection of the Chattam & Wells line, it wasn’t long before he set his sights on another classic brand story as well.

“My father often talked fondly of McRoskey, and I grew up admiring the brand since I was young. We now feel so privileged to be part of such a remarkable brand.” Morgenstern passionately explains that the San Francisco mattress company is also a third generation family business so, the connection was going to be deeper than just a simple business transaction. The Pleasant team started a 2-year process of working with closely with Robin McRoskey Azvedo to ensure both parties goals, standards, and values truly aligned. Meticulous training efforts went into ensuring that McRoskey’s incredible craftsmanship continued by creating a stand alone “McRoskey Works” building at the Pleasant facility. “McRoskey Works is an all-star team of mastercrafters and we are continuing to create life changing sleep.”

Rion and Robin

McRoskey Brand

It’s this dedication to life-changing sleep that also shines in their new collection. The time tested techniques and hallmarks of McRoskey remain in the new Soma Collection, while additions such as an innovative calico pocket coil system has enhanced comfort and even further reduced motion transfer. Morgenstern respectfully pays homage to the fact that, “It took 90 years for someone to create a coil system that could even come close to enhancing the original McRoskey design.” Noting that this wasn’t easy to do, but was really made possible by the tireless team at Pleasant. He candidly admits, “I’m really most proud of the culture we have here at Pleasant Mattress. We have a culture of appreciation and one of hard work.”

And that hard work really shows. Currently McRoskey, Spring Air, Chattam & Wells, Nature’s Rest,, Eclipse, Eastman House and Pure Talalay Bliss, as well as regional brands Cannon, Maxx and are all being produced here. And yes, while Morgenstern didn’t give any specifics, there probably will be some others added to the house of brands strategy soon. We guess you could say that the story of Pleasant Mattress continues to be written, and there are many more stories to come.

BTI • Manufacturer, Importer and Distributor

BTI Executive Manager Curtis Spain

This month's spotlight is on SSA Member and anchor exhibitor Bedding Technology Industries (BTI). BTI has been exhibiting in the SSA Showroom since 2012, when Curtis Spain and Shel Guo and their team displayed with the SSA in High Point as well as Las Vegas.

BTI has grown to become a major supplier of mattress springs, nonwovens, insulator pads, and cut foam in addition to its manufacturing of wooden mattress foundations.

Bedding Technology Industries (BTI) is a minority-owned company which was founded in 2005. It began distributing metal bed frames, but quickly added additional products utilizing its vast network of overseas relationships and already-established offshore resources.  

Using a thoughtful, deliberate, and streamlined approach, it did not take long for BTI to become firmly entrenched as a major manufacturer, importer and distributor in the industry supplying products nationwide.

BTI has also developed its own private label “Homepedic” product line of memory foam and hybrid mattresses, pillows, mattress protectors and encasements. Container programs are offered for these, and all, of BTI’s “Homepedic” label of items.

To further serve the industry, BTI additionally offers container programs for metal beds, platform bases, and power beds.

BTI takes great pride in its people, its products, and its business practices and is committed to serving our industry. As such, BTI is a proud member of the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) and is always ready to do its part to take care of the members and their needs.

Bedding Technology Industries, 1745 Hayden Dr. Suite 140, Carrollton, TX 75006

Naturepedic Passes 10 Years as GOTS Certified Organic Mattresses and Bedding Manufacturer

Chagrin Falls, Ohio - October 22, 2019 - Naturepedic (www.naturepedic.com), manufacturer and marketer of certified organic mattresses and bedding, has been recognized and congratulated by GOTS for passing ten years of continuous organic certification.  

“The honor in receiving this recognition is that it substantiates our unblemished continuous record for meeting (and exceeding) the organic standards for certified organic mattresses and bedding,” says Barry A. Cik, Founder and Technical Director of Naturepedic.   Cik says that this recognition is a third-party confirmation that Naturepedic promotes sustainability and best environmental practices.  “We are also proud to note,” says Cik, “that we have developed, and offer to retailers, an extensive line of certified products at various price points for adults, kids, and infants.  Further, we have created what can justifiably be claimed to be exceptionally comfortable, customizable, and luxurious options.  This includes the Naturepedic Halcyon line, a highly luxurious group of mattresses for the most discerning customers.”  

Naturepedic products include mattresses, pillows, toppers, protective pads, and sheets, and the primary ingredients include organic cotton fabrics, organic cotton batting, organic wool, organic kapok, organic latex, and other materials approved by GOTS.  Naturepedic products are not made with polyurethane foam, flame retardant chemicals or barriers, vinyl/PVC, formaldehyde, pesticides, GMOs, or glues/adhesives.   

Naturepedic assists retailers in providing safer, healthier, and more comfortable products to the public, and helping to educate the public, while advancing environmental, sustainable, and economically responsible practices.

www.naturepedic.com