For the past five decades, The Bedroom Store, a St. Louis based retailer owned by Denny Boyd, has helped customers discover better sleep through innovation, education, and personal service. One product that’s stood the test of time is the Boyd Flotation waterbed line, a classic collection that continues to surprise new shoppers and satisfy longtime fans. This month, we spoke with Jim Kerber, General Manager of The Bedroom Store, to learn how waterbeds have evolved on the retail floor and what’s driving today’s renewed interest.
Q & A
Q: How have you seen interest in waterbeds change in your stores over the years?
A: It’s been an interesting evolution. We’ve gone from a time when waterbeds were a cultural phenomenon to a period where they became more of a specialty item and now we’re seeing a steady comeback. Many customers visit our showrooms out of curiosity, and once they lie down on one, they’re shocked by how comfortable and supportive they are. The reaction we hear most is, “I had no idea waterbeds had come this far.”
Q: What’s helped keep waterbeds selling consistently at The Bedroom Store?
A: Honestly, it comes down to experience and the way we present them. We’ve always believed that if customers can see and feel the difference for themselves, they’ll understand the value. Our staff knows the products inside and out, and we make sure they’re displayed in a way that highlights how far the category has come. It’s just one of those see it to believe it type of situations but in this case it’s a feel it and believe it.
Q: Which models or features seem to perform best in-store?
A: The waveless and semi-waveless mattresses are definitely customer favorites because they blend stability with a classic buoyant feel. Not to mention the waterbed heaters. Once a customer feels that they can adjust the bed to their perfect sleeping temperature it’s truly a game changing experience for them and becomes a highly sought after addition.
Q: What role do you see specialty retailers like The Bedroom Store playing in the continued success of waterbeds?
A: Specialty stores are essential because we can take the time to walk customers through the product and its benefits. Big-box stores can’t replicate that level of expertise or service. We’ve been selling Boyd Flotation beds for decades, that history gives people confidence, and it keeps a unique product category alive.
Q: Do you notice nostalgia influencing purchases, or is it more about the comfort itself?
A: It’s a mix. Some people walk in because they had one years ago, but most leave impressed because of the comfort. The nostalgia might get them in the door, but innovation closes the sale.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the waterbed category?
A: What excites me most is how much innovation is still happening in this space. We’re seeing advancements in materials, motion control, and support design that make these beds perform better than ever and there’s still so much potential. The combination of modern engineering and that one-of-a-kind flotation feel creates something really special. It’s exciting to watch people rediscover that comfort in a completely new way. The category has evolved from being a novelty to being a truly high-performance sleep solution, and that’s what keeps it interesting for both retailers and customers.
The Future of Flotation Sleep
As Kerber notes, the waterbed’s evolution mirrors the bedding industry’s larger move toward personalization and sustainability. With manufacturers like Boyd Flotation continuing to innovate and retailers like The Bedroom Store keeping the story alive, waterbed sleeping remains as relevant today as it was revolutionary decades ago. The partnership between these two St. Louis institutions proves that when comfort meets craftsmanship, even a classic can feel brand new again.
