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Natura World Announces Plans to Purchase New Factory in Texas

February 8, 2010 - In early February, 2010 Natura World Inc. announced the company’s plans to purchase a 478,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Wichita Falls, Texas. The plant will allow Natura to increase distribution throughout the United States while reducing delivery times.  

“Opening up another factory will give us much needed room for expansion,” says Ralph Rossdeutscher, President of Natura World Inc. “Our penetration into the US market has moved at a rapid pace over the last year and this factory will increase our ability to meet our retailers’ needs quickly and efficiently.”  

Natura plans to purchase a plot of land that houses two manufacturing facilities and is roughly 100 acres in size within the thriving community of Wichita Falls. This new plant will open a variety of jobs to area residents.  

Jim Van Lear will serve as the plant manager. Van Lear is a 30-year veteran of the mattress industry, having served at Simmons, Serta and, most recently, Spring Air. He excels at mobilizing teams to create efficient, seamless results.  

Natura announces this planned-for purchase fast on the heels of acquiring NexGel as well as expanding their latex and memory foam mattress manufacturing to include inner spring mattresses. Natura has also entered into a licensing agreement with Sharper Image and will be offering a line of Sharper Image Mattresses beginning in 2010. Over the last year, Natura has also hired several key vice presidents to oversee and manage sales throughout the United States.  

“For 15 years, we’ve grown consistently and with a tight focus on our mission statement – to help our customers achieve a superior night’s sleep,” adds Rossdeutscher. “With each step we’ve made this past year, we continue toward that goal. We’d like to thank the State of Texas and the City of Wichita Falls for their hard work and diligence in assisting with this venture.”

About Natura World: Founded 15 years ago by the Rossdeutscher family, Natura is committed to nurturing healthy bodies, souls and planet through healthy sleep systems. By providing a nourishing night’s sleep through sustainable, earth-friendly materials and manufacturing, Natura truly is where nature meets nurture. It’s not a trend. It’s about aligning personal values with everyday actions. A good night’s sleep makes for happier, healthier people and ultimately a better planet.

Mattress/ Bedding Retailers please visit www.naturaworld.com for more information, or Julia Rosien, Communications Director  Toll Free: 888-628-8723 ext 250.

Natura World is Proud to Announce an Addition to the Family!

New Website is an Online Resource for Parents of Infants and Children

It’s a website!

February 8, 2010 - Natura World Inc., leader in the green and organic mattress and bedding industry, is happy to announce a sweet new addition to the family. Proud parent website, www.naturaworld.com has been anxiously awaiting the special arrival and is thrilled to welcome www.naturafamily.com home.  

NaturaFamily.com is designed to be an online resource for parents, responding to the specific sleep issues of infants and children. Detailed product information and family friendly navigation make finding healthy green and organic bedding easy. Natura World will provide ideas and encouragement with their Better Bedtimes blog and invite an active community with social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace.  

“Parents today begin shopping long before they ever go to a store – and they know what makes a product healthy or unhealthy,” said Julia Rosien, Director of Communications at Natura World. “Our new site makes it easy for parents to see what’s inside our mattresses, bedding and pillows and make informed decisions on products that directly affect their children’s health.”  

• Every product has a detailed listing of what it’s made of

• Organic products are made from certified organic materials

• Certifying organizations are accessible from every page

Natura World believes in the power of the word of mouth and plans to add review capabilities to the site in phase two. They also work closely with bloggers and adhere to the FTC guidelines regarding transparency of information on blogs.  

“There is no greater power than the voice of a blogger – especially a parent blogger,” added Rosien. “Our community on Facebook and Twitter help us develop and tweak products and they tell their friends what they like and don’t like. That kind of feedback is priceless.”  

Naturafamily.com will be officially launched just in time for the opening of the Las Vegas Market, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA, February 1, 2010.  

To learn more about naturafamily.com please contact Julia Rosien at Natura World.  

About Natura World: Founded 15 years ago by the Rossdeutscher family, Natura is committed to nurturing healthy bodies, souls and planet through healthy sleep systems. By providing a nourishing night’s sleep through sustainable, earth-friendly materials and manufacturing, Natura truly is where nature meets nurture. It’s not a trend. It’s about aligning personal values with everyday actions. A good night’s sleep makes for happier, healthier people and ultimately a better planet.

Please visit www.naturaworld.com for more information.

Simmons Celebrates 85 Years of Marketing the Beautyrest® Brand With a New Line That Offers Broadest Range of Feels and Comfort Choices

Company Showcases Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® Springs and Debuts Comfort

and Aesthetic Advancements Through BeautyStyle™ and BeautyFeel™

February 8, 2010 - Simmons Bedding Company's flagship Beautyrest® brand celebrates its 85th anniversary this year, and the company marked the occasion with a new Beautyrest® mattress line completely redesigned for 2010. This new line was introduced February 1-5 at the Las Vegas Furniture Market.

The new Beautyrest® mattress line offers consumers individually encased Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs featuring new BeautyPlush™, BeautyFirm™ and BeautyLuxeFirm™ comfort choices for unsurpassed motion separation, conformability, support and durability. The line's new BeautyStyle™ aesthetics feature luxurious fabrics and enhanced visual appeal while new construction designs offer unique BeautyFeel™ comfort allowing Beautyrest® to offer the broadest range of unique feels in the industry.

Simmons is promoting the new Beautyrest® mattress line with significant marketing support, including dealer television tags, patent-pending point-of-sale materials, online promotions and public relations. A new Beautyrest® Web site is under development and a new tagline, "It's not just sleep, it's Beautyrest™," will roll out across all communications platforms.

From firm to plush, tight top to pillow top, the new Beautyrest® mattress collection offers retailers a full range of values and technologies. Using unique types of comfort layers and support foams, every mattress is scientifically engineered to enhance the inherent qualities of Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs. BeautyStyle™ mattress aesthetics create eye-catching consumer appeal while BeautyFeel™ provides consumers with the unique comfort that comes from sleeping on a new Beautyrest® mattress.

"We carefully designed the new Beautyrest® line to leverage the hallmarks of the brand, which include unparalleled motion separation, durability, conformability and support, while enhancing a consumer's sleep experience through BeautyFeel™ comfort. The combination of performance benefits from the Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs, consumer-driven style and the broadest range of comfort choices in our 85-year history allows us to say ‘Its not just sleep, it's Beautyrest™,' " said Beautyrest® Brand Director Rolf Sannes.

At Market, Simmons is unveiling three new Beautyrest® lines with suggested queen retail prices of $599-$1,999, including:

• Beautyrest® Classic mattresses feature the unique comfort and support of 800 density Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs, redesigned BeautyStyle™ luxury fabrics and aesthetics and the Mega Coil Edge System for an edge-to-edge sleeping surface. The Triton® foundation with PowerBeam® braces provides strength and support. Select models include memory foam for enhanced comfort and support.

• New Beautyrest® Anniversary™ With the complete comfort and support of new 850 density Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs, the new Beautyrest® Anniversary™ includes redesigned BeautyStyle™ aesthetics. The Total Surround BeautyEdge® Foam Encasement features QuantumLock™ technology for foam rail integrity and sleeping comfort right to the edge. The celebration continues with Energy Foam™, part of Simmons' patented no flip construction, for added stability and the Triton® foundation with PowerBeam® braces for strength and support.

• Beautyrest® World Class® features new 1,000 density Beautyrest® Super Pocketed Coil® springs and BeautyEdge® Foam Encasement with QuantumLock™ for foam rail integrity and sleeping comfort right to the edge. Luxurious BeautyStyle™ fabrics and aesthetics create compelling visual appeal while AirFeel™ quilting foam amplifies the inherent comfort of the Pocketed Coil® springs in many models. Premium quality foams including NxG® Memory Foam and new Progressive Support Latex are available on select models to enhance comfort, conformability and support.

The new Beautyrest® World Class® line features patent-pending Transflexion™, a comfort technology used with much success in Simmons' luxurious Beautyrest Black® line. Transflexion™ comfort technology ensures that the mattress feels as great at home as it did when a consumer tried it in the store. For retailers, Transflexion™ has been shown to significantly enhance consumer satisfaction.

85 Years of Beautyrest® Heritage and Innovation

Beautyrest® Pocketed Coil® springs are an innovation first mass-produced by Simmons in 1925. Unlike wire-tied springs in ordinary mattresses, Beautyrest® Pocketed Coil® springs are not joined at the top or bottom. Instead, high carbon steel springs are pre-compressed and placed in durable, non-allergenic fabric encasements. This design allows Beautyrest® Pocketed Coil® springs to adjust individually to the weight and contour of the body. Since adjacent springs aren't tied together, there's no chain reaction of movement when turning or moving during the night.

Simmons' history dates back to its 1870 founding in Kenosha, Wis., and materials from the company are part of the advertising collections at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C. Advertising campaigns for Beautyrest® throughout the 1920's featured notables such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Ford, H.G. Wells and Thomas Edison, to name a few.

To view a complete timeline of the Company's history, visit www.simmons.com/company.

Simmons President and Chief Operating Officer Steve Fendrich says that the Beautyrest® brand has been a leading mattress brand for so many years because of sound fundamentals in research and development, engineering and manufacturing, which have benefited from over 80 years of fine-tuning. "The new Beautyrest® line has been in research and development for three years and represents a multi-million dollar investment for our company," said Fendrich. "The line reflects the latest in technological and aesthetic advancements while taking the Beautyrest® Pocketed Coil® spring, which set the standard for motion separation throughout our industry, to an entirely new level. We're very excited for retailers to experience the new Beautyrest® for themselves in Las Vegas."

To learn more about the innovations in the new Beautyrest® product line, visit www.beautyrest.com.

About Simmons Bedding Company

Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black®, Beautyrest® NxG®, Beautyrest Studio™, BeautySleep®, ComforPedic by Simmons™, Natural Care® and Beautyrest Beginnings™. Simmons Bedding operates 19 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and one juvenile bedding manufacturing facility across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Simmons Bedding also serves as a key supplier of beds to many of the world's leading hotel groups and resort properties. Simmons Bedding is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world.

For more information, visit Simmons Bedding's website at www.simmons.com.

79% of Consumers Embrace Transparent “GREEN” Labeling of Mattresses

They Say They Would Choose a Mattress With a Verified Environmental “Safety” and Emissions Label

February 7, 2010 - A new Mattress/Bedding Industry “Green Initiative” consumer survey sponsored by the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA, asked what claims consumers would want addressed by an industry label, seal or program. “Safety” and “Emissions” were the top two issues raised by consumers. Seventy-nine percent (79%) of consumers surveyed would choose a mattress with an environmentally friendly claim. The study was an outgrowth of the Mattress/ Bedding Industry Green Initiative Board’s efforts to identify the top issues that need to be addressed by the industry as it works to clarify environmental claims being made through marketing of bedding products.

According to the survey of 637 adults in the U.S., two-thirds of consumers were “very” or “extremely” concerned about the health and safety of the products they purchase. Safety of materials was the single most important environmental attribute to consumers selecting a new mattress (41%), followed by free of emissions (15%) and responsible manufacturing processes (10%).

39% of the respondents indicated that they would pay more for an environmentally-friendly mattress.

Equally as important, the study sponsored by the SSA “Green Initiative” showed that 39% of the respondents indicated that they would pay more for an environmentally-friendly mattress, and 15% said they would pay as much as $200. more.

“We are pleased to be sharing this information with the industry and ― for the first time ― are presenting not only research on consumer and retail sales associate (RSA) priorities but also significant guidance on making environmental claims, what terminology actually means, and what global trends might influence how products are designed and marketed in the U.S.,” said Dale Read, president of the SSA. “The Mattress/Bedding Industry Green Initiative is working to achieve greater transparency for consumers and provides this unprecedented research-based report on environmental claims as the first step in what will need to be a multi-faceted industry communications effort. We are no longer depending exclusively on personal opinion, conjecture and anecdotal information form mattress industry executives,” said Read . This research gives us an objective and professional baseline of solid information from both consumers and retail sales associates. It supports what some of us have believed all along: that many consumers will pay more for verified and transparently marketed “green” mattress/bedding products..

Transparency in marketing “green” could lead to millions in increased retail sales

Read pointed out that some extrapolations indicate that incremental retail sales as a result of transparent labeling and marketing of “green “ products could range anywhere from $350 mm up to $1.3 billion in sales with a middle ground of $750 mm being quite possible. “Developing a transparent and open seal and labeling program, along with an active consumer education and retailer training program not only is ‘the right thing to do’ , it is profitable for retailers and manufacturers alike.

The SSA conducted a separate survey of retail sales associates (RSAs) at 233 distinct store locations with a total of 61 retailers. This research identified a need for clear environmental terminology. Half of the respondents believed that manufacturers are not supplying enough information about the environmental impact of their mattresses. The vast majority (87%) believe an industry standard, certification or seal would be helpful with almost one in three saying it would be “very helpful.”

The group’s findings included:

• 76% of the RSAs surveyed have experienced customers asking for “natural,” “organic,” or “environmentally friendly” mattresses.

• Two-thirds of the RSAs surveyed (69%) have had customers ask for mattresses free of added chemicals.

• More than half of consumer respondents (56%) said a “green” seal or certification on a mattress would make them more likely to consider that mattress.

• Consumers expressed greater concern for the environmental impact of a mattress at the end of the lifecycle versus the beginning of its lifecycle.

“Environmental Claims: What Marketers and Retailers Need to Know ― Terminology, Definitions, Standards and Trends for the Bedding Industry” was presented by the Specialty Sleep Association at Winter 2010 Las Vegas Furniture Market on February 2. The report was developed by Vicki Worden of Worden Associates, Inc., an environmental consultant to the SSA’s “Green Initiative” Board of Governors. The Mattress/Bedding Industry “Green Initiative” was created to identify definitions and terminology, as well as existing standards and certifications that apply to the mattress industry. These include components and finished products, plus how mattress manufacturers and retailers label “green” products and define eco-friendly sleep. The SSA Board is now considering a number of future steps to implement the findings of the report and study. Being considered is a consumer-oriented public education campaign and labeling program aimed at increasing clarity and transparency for consumers shopping for mattresses and bedding.

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Those interested in learning more about the SSA, should contact Tambra Jones, executive director, SSA, 559-868-4187 or 559-676-8639, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

Top Bedding Industry Innovator Named to Specialty Sleep Association Board

Addition of Scott Smalling, President of Simmons’ Specialty Sleep Division, Announced by SSA

The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) has announced the expansion of their Board of Directors with the addition of one of the nation’s top bedding innovators. Scott Smalling, President of Simmons Bedding Company’s Specialty Sleep Division, has been named to the SSA Board of Directors. Simmons Bedding Company (“Simmons”), which manufactures both innerspring and specialty bedding products, is known for incorporating unique technologies into its mattresses and its use of natural components in its bedding lines.

According to SSA president Dale T. Read, “The Specialty Sleep Association is thrilled to have one of the leading manufacturers in the industry recognize the importance of our organization by joining the board. Simmons has made a definite move into specialty sleep with its ComforPedic® line of memory foam beds and has been an active sponsor and supporter of our ‘Green Initiative.’ Scott’s insight into the specialty sleep category and his drive will surely help the SSA Green Initiative move forward in defining and setting standards for how mattress manufacturers and retailers’ label ‘green’ and natural sleep products like mattresses.”

Smalling currently oversees Simmons’ ComforPedic® and Natural Care® product lines. As the third generation owner of IR Specialty Foams LLC, he started a new division of the family business in 2003 called ComforPedic® where he helped to develop NxG™ Advanced Memory Foam. Smalling has played an instrumental role in bringing several industry innovations to market including Memory/Gel Fusion, incorporating fire protection and promoting Quicker Recovery Memory Foam and Heat Dissipating Memory Foam.

“My goal in joining the Specialty Sleep Association Board of Directors is to help create a sustainable platform that will foster innovation, support our manufacturers and improve sleep quality,” said Smalling. “Similarly, I am looking forward to exploring the next step in the organization’s Green Initiative.”

Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black®, Beautyrest NxG®, Beautyrest Studio™, BeautySleep®, ComforPedic by Simmons™, Natural Care®, and Beautyrest Beginnings™. Simmons Bedding operates 19 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and one juvenile bedding manufacturing facility across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Simmons Bedding also serves as a key supplier of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties. Simmons Bedding is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world.

For more information, visit the Company's website at www.simmons.com.

Retailers interested in learning more about air, water, memory foam, latex, gel, adjustable beds and green or all natural sleep products should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

Anatomic Global Takes Technology to a Whole New Level with the Pure7 Series™

New Seven-Pound High-Density EcoMemoryFoam™ Gives Consumers Unparalleled Comfort and Support

February 1, 2010 - Anatomic Global, Inc., maker of Ecomfort Mattresses made with genuine EcoMemoryFoam™, the first plant-based memory foam developed in the United States, is taking its technology to a whole new level with the launch of its Pure7 Series™ line. The latest Ecomfort Mattress collection features the first all new seven-pound high-density EcoMemoryFoam designed to naturally conform to body contours while providing a more luxurious and plush comfort layer. The new product line rounds out the Ecomfort Mattress offering, bringing consumers a wider selection of unparalleled comfort and support.

“The Pure7 Series addresses the varying sleep needs of the consumer and allows for the body to sleep deeper into the mattress for more of a custom-fit,” said Anatomic Global President Jeff Scorziell. “Made with a slower response, more fluid feeling and conforming foam, it distinctly adapts to the body.”

The Pure7 Series combines a top comfort layer of the new seven-pound, extreme open-cell high-density EcoMemoryFoam with a second support layer designed to give you proper anatomic support. The bed is completely made from bio-based foams that provide edge-to-edge support and pressure-relief. Covered with MemStretch™, an exclusive bamboo stretchable fabric with a high recycled content, the ticking works with the memory foam to better conform and adjust to the body. The entire bed is designed to keep the sleeper cool and dry for longer periods of undisruptive sleep and unparalleled rest.

Available in three models that top out at $2,299 retail in queen, the new line is pure priced with no heavy mark-ups giving dealers high margins and huge value to the end-user.

“As with all our products, this line highlights our commitment to Sustainable Global Comfort, which is our way of saying that we are dedicated to customer satisfaction, dealer profits and sustaining our planet,” said Scorziell. “We will continue to provide strong financial support to the retailers and deliver first-class products that are ‘pure priced’ so dealers can get some pretty strong returns.”

Anatomic Global is a sustainable movement corporation and its Ecomfort Mattresses are earth-friendly to the core. A significant portion of the EcoMemoryFoam™ formulation is comprised of a plant-based product. The product uses less energy to process, conserving energy, and the process is fully contained in a patented zero emissions chamber, dramatically reducing the product’s impact on the environment from its inception.

Founded in 1989, Anatomic Global is a fully integrated, EDI capable globally positioned distribution, logistics and fulfillment-company that today incorporates the brand development and marketing insight of bedding industry leaders to meet the needs of its customers. Deeply rooted in the medical mattress industry, in 2008 the company applied its medical manufacturing expertise and launched the Ecomfort Mattress brand featuring its signature, exclusive EcoMemoryFoam™ extreme open-cell plant-based memory foam.

To experience the Pure7 Series, visit Anatomic Global’s showroom in space C-1584 at the Las Vegas Market, February 1 – 5, 2010.

For more information, visit www.ecomfortmattress.com. 

Chili Technology to Showcase New Eco-Friendly “ChiliBed” at Fall 2010 Las Vegas Market

Too Hot? Too Cold? The New ChiliBed® Makes it Just Right!

January 27, 2010 - Chili Technology announced this week that the company will be showcasing their new ChiliBed® Mattress at the 2010 Winter Las Vegas Market, February 1-5, 2010 at the World Market Center Las Vegas. The new natural foam mattress made from 100% soy polyol-based foam.has the Chili Technology embedded into the layers of foam allowing consumers to heat and cool their bed from 48-118 degrees F. The company will display this environmentally friendly, state-of- the-art sleep solution in the Specialty Sleep Association Building in space C1350.

“You no longer have to fight with temperature at night,” said Todd Youngblood, CEO and co-founder Chili Technology. “ChiliBed solves the problem of heat build-up, one of the primary complaints people have about memory foam mattresses. Our proprietary Chili Technology cools and warms the ChiliBed from 48-118 degrees offering unparalleled temperature control, body support and pressure relief. ChiliBed reacts immediately to your body and conforms to your exact shape. Look no further for better more restful sleep”.

Youngblood further stated, “A good night's sleep starts with body temperature; regulating your temperature helps you to feel refreshed and ready for the day ahead of you. With the introduction of our new ChiliBed, consumers can achieve a rejuvenating night's sleep or relaxing moment with the positive impact on quality of life and improved health that comes with it."

According to the National Institute of Standards and Technology, soy polyols have only one-quarter the level of total environmental impact of petroleum-based foam. “Using soy as the ingredient in foam is definitely a step in the right direction for reducing environmental impact” said Youngblood.

With ChiliBed, environmentally-conscious consumers can take green living to a whole new level of luxury in their bedroom. The temperature controlled memory foam soy-based mattress is designed for maximum comfort and pressure relief. The unique foam adjusts based on weight rather than body heat, allowing users to get comfortable very quickly. It has a 11-inch mattress core, and is available in all standard mattress sizes.

Key product attributes include:

• The Core:  A combination of high-density memory foam and other supportive foams, designed to create a body-conforming experience that results in pressure free sleep. There is no motion transfer from sleep partners with ChiliBed.

• The Comfort Top:  A thick box top that includes the highest density memory foam available creates added comfort.

• The Cover:  Classic and luxuriously designed fabric that is sensuously soft to the touch. 

• The Feel:  High-density foam provides proper support for back sleepers and gives comfort support for side and stomach sleepers. 

• Temperature Control: With the touch of a button, cool and warm the bed from 48-118 degrees. Dual controls offer sleep partners individualized comfort.

• Other Key Facts:  Complies with the Federal fire safety standard of 16CFR1633. (Free of PBDEs)

At the Las Vegas Market, Chili Technology will also unveil:

• Several new control units that will dramatically reduce the price range of the ChiliPad product line.

• Chili Z (Z) control unit designed to deliver meaningful temperature change will be available in three variations of price and performance with retail prices ranging from $99 - $299

• Chili Z™ A newly enhanced line of accessory items that embed the “Chili” technology in seating and massage pads. This new accessory collection opens the door to many other opportunities for the Company in the home and automotive industries.

The Company’s popular ChiliPad will also be displayed. ChiliPad is a mattress pad with both heating and cooling functions. The product is widely recognized for providing comfort to consumers who suffer from injuries, illness, arthritis, osteo-related conditions, sore muscles, insomnia, chemo-therapy symptoms and hot flashes from menopause among other health related issues where cooling or warming the body helps reduce or eliminate discomfort.

To learn more about ChiliTechnology products or to set-up an interview with CEO and co-founder Todd Youngblood, please contact Jane Westgate at 336-209-9276 or via e-mail pr@chilitechnology.com

About Chili Technology, LLC

Chili Technology, LLC is a privately owned, rapidly growing product development company based in Mooresville, NC. The company focuses on mattress heating and cooling systems incorporating patented “Chili Technology”. Product successes include the ChiliPad™ (www.mychilipad.com)  and others.

For more information, visit www.chilitechnology.com or email info@mychilipad.com.

Inaugural Marketing Campaign for Home Furnishings Industry Is it Home Yet?

Inspired Consumers, Engaged Retailers

2010 Event Dates Set for September 18-26;

Partners to Enlist Retailer Participation at Upcoming Las Vegas Market

January 27, 2010 - Marking an historic effort for the home furnishings industry, the first-ever, multi-channel marketing campaign, Is it Home Yet? and the campaign’s inaugural event National Home Furnishings Month (NHFM), successfully reached its first-year goals—to unite home furnshings retailers with a cohesive branding and sales event, while inspiring today’s “everywoman” to reconnect with her home through furnishings-related content, information, and ultimately driving to retail.

Created by World Market Center Las Vegas, the home furnishings industry’s leading international marketplace, and launched in partnership with eight industry associations, the advertising campaign—developed by Ogilvy North America—was the first-ever industry-wide initiative that encouraged consumers to celebrate the idea of “home” and refresh their living spaces through new home furnishings purchases. In addition to room makeover sweepstakes, the campaign’s website, www.homeyet.com, featured advice from top designers with home makeover tips and trend information. Exclusive information about sales and promotions at participating retailers across the country was also available online.

More than 7,000 retailers nationwide participated in the program and were included on the site’s store locator section. Geographically, the campaign saw broad support from retailers across the country: 49 percent of retailers from the west; 19 percent from the Midwest; 23 percent from the South; and 9 percent from the Northeast.

Nearly 2,000 retailers downloaded the National Home Furnishings Month Retailer Toolkit, which equipped them with marketing tools to support the initiative in their advertising programs.

The average age of consumers who engaged with the campaign was 49.9 years old. Of all consumer respondents, which skewed 2:1 female, 78 percent said they planned to make home furnishings purchases in 2010, with the living room ranked as the first choice of rooms to be refurnished in their home. Consumers also indicated that blogs and online are the dominant sources of information that influence them to make furniture purchases, followed by in-store visits.

The campaign—which centered on a robust digital strategy aimed at retail activation, industry partnerships and print and outdoor placements—generated an unprecedented 500 million impressions in paid, earned and donated media. Additionally, during the course of the month, www.homeyet.com attracted 340,000 views with nearly half being unique visitors.

“This was an ambitious undertaking and we are extremely pleased with what we accomplished during the first-ever National Home Furnishings Month,” said Robert Maricich, president and chief executive officer of World Market Center Las Vegas. “The launch was a homerun by all measures, although nothing will be as critical to future successes as retailer activation in order to truly capture consumers’ share of mind and wallet. For over a decade our industry has lost a share of consumer spending, and only with a broad-based, cohesive and focused message can we turn around this disturbing slide.”

One the country’s fastest growing retailers, Jerome’s Furniture in San Deigo, was excited to support the National Home Furnshings Month campaign because it reinforces what they believe is a strong and timely message to consumers: The home and home furnishings as the positive center of peoples’ lives. Jerome’s executed the Is it Home Yet? message with a paid campaign in San Diego on TV, in print, online and in their showrooms. In addition, Jerome’s sponsored a Home Makeover promotion, in partnership with a local ABC-affiliated TV station, which ran from September through December.

“It was exciting to see this campaign executed on a national level. We felt it was important to rally behind a cohesive message that creates true, long-term demand for our products and services for our industry. The ‘Home Yet’ campaign was a big first step in that direction. National Home Furnishings Month made implementation easy by providing marketing materials and resources that were easy for us to adopt into our own messaging,” said Lee Goodman, president and chief executive officer of Jerome’s. “Our involvement in National Home Furnishings Month campaign helped us increase traffic to our website and showrooms. It was a huge success overall.”

What’s Next: The Drive for Retailer Participation in 2010

Plans for 2010’s National Home Furnishings Month are already underway; the 10-day sale event has been set for September 18-26 and World Market Center and its industry partners plan to engage retailers at the upcoming Las Vegas Market, Feb. 1 – 5, 2010. Upon visiting the National Home Furnishings Month kiosk in World Market Center’s Grand Plaza, retailers will be able to get their complimentary listing on the store locator, which is live on the newly revamped www.homeyet.com website, as well as get the information and tools required to participate in this year’s national event.

“Our goal for 2010 is to make this a national sales event for retailers by providing the creative content and free tools for them to ‘plug and play’ this campaign with their own brand and in their own markets which, in essence, will multiply the collective voice and effect we can have on consumers buying for their home,” said Maricich.

World Market Center has also extended a partnership with Sale-in-a-Box, America’s premier supplier of sales event materials for the retail industry, to ensure the toolkit is easy to adopt and “turnkey” for store owners and marketers. Sale-in-a-Box will produce printed materials for retailers who want to activate the National Home Furnshings Month campaign in their store and will be taking pre-orders at the upcoming market in Building C, Space 512.

Retailers are also encouraged to complete a short survey at www.surveygizmo.com/s/212435/nhfmpostsurvey to share feedback on the National Home Furnishings Month campaign and new ideas for 2010.

Maricich cites recent reports from U.S. Census, where retail sales in September and October of 2009 compared to a year ago declined far less, after 18 months of almost unrelenting double digit declines. This is viewed by some industry analysts as signs of a flattening of the downturn in 2010, and positioning the economy for a rebound as the attention turns back to home. With consumer confidence rebuilding in 2010 and into 2011, Maricich believes this campaign is uniquely positioned to enlighten, inform and educate consumers and drive traffic to stores.

 “As these retail sales trends improve, even anecdotally, our collective efforts certainly cannot be overlooked,” added Maricich. “We recognize this is a large and diverse industry, and we always viewed this as a project that required partners in order to make an impact over the long term. With expanded partnerships and retailer participation in Is It Home Yet? and National Home Furnishings Month, we are confident that we will continue making progress.  There was a tremendous amount of data and perspective gained in this important first step which we will use to foster new, creative ideas into the future.”

About World Market Center Las Vegas

World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), now open daily to consumers and designers.  World Market Center currently hosts Las Vegas Market™ biannually in February and September – the preeminent total home market.  Additionally, making its debut in February 2010, InspireDesign™ at World Market Center represents a dynamic alternative for manufacturers and companies serving the hospitality design marketplace. In 2010, World Market Center will launch the inaugural Gift + Home™ show catering to the gift, decorative accessory and seasonal industries.

For more information on World Market Center Las Vegas, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.

Natura World Hosts Event on Importance of Transparency

January 22, 2010 - On Monday, February 1st, at the Las Vegas World Market Center, Natura World welcomes guests to a special event highlighting the importance of transparency in the mattress industry. The event begins with a small cocktail reception at 4p.m. and follows with a panel discussion featuring a representative from ISPA, the SSA and Cargill as well as two retailers.

Ralph Rossdeutscher, president of Natura World - a trusted leader in natural bedding solutions, will lead a discussion on the transparency ideals that are changing the mattress industry. Natura believes accessibility of information is more than a trend or a corporate philosophy – it’s sound business practice.

• Discover how Natura is pushing the boundaries of an industry struggling with communicating transparency

• Meet leaders who set high standards of communication excellence and are committed to making information accessible and understandable to consumers

“Many companies market to the green consumer but it’s a struggle to measure product to product,” says Julia Rosien, Communications Director for Natura World Inc. “We have 8 lbs of wool in every queen size organic mattress we make. Who else gives out information like that to help consumers comparison shop?”

The World Market Furniture Show is open to people and companies in the Furniture Industry, but Natura would like to invite anyone interested in the issue of transparency to the event. They’ve invited all of their Facebook fans (more than 1,000).

The event will be held at the World Market Center located at 455 S. Grand Central Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV. To learn more about Natura World, please visit www.Natura.com.

Therapedic’s New Therawrap “Kara” Model Offers Lots of Comfort and Style at a Great Price!

January 22, 2010 - Therapedic International will unveil the company’s newest offering at the Las Vegas Furniture Market at the WMC. This new introduction will offer soft comfort and clean, contemporary fashion at a mid-price excellent-value range of $999 in a queen size sleep set.

According to Gerry Borreggine, President of Therapedic, the new Therawrap  know as the Kara model, features edge-to-edge foam encased construction, a euro box top with three inches of super-soft and convoluted foam, and a Belgium stretch knit cover from Lava, Many other sleep sets offering this luxury look and feel would retail at much higher price making this a really excellent value for the consumer at the price range.

Retailers seeking more information can reach Gerry at 800-314-4433, or gb@therapedic.com. Also visit www.therapedic.com and at B-822 at the Las Vegas Market.

Organic Mattresses Debuts Customizable Sleep System with 81 Personal Sleep Zones

January 22, 2010 - Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI), the trend-setting, innovative manufacturer of organic mattresses, today announced it will introduce a completely customizable sleep system with 81 personal sleep zones at the World Market Center Las Vegas, February 1-5. The OrganicPedic® 81 by OMI bed gives customers complete control of their comfort levels while providing all the health benefits of an organic sleeping environment.

The OrganicPedic® 81 by OMI can be reconfigured in 81 different ways to create a custom-tailored sleep fit. Once you unzip the mattress, you will find OMI’s signature 3 ½ -inch sculpted top layer made from 100-percent natural rubber latex and covered in certified organic cotton. Underneath the one-piece sculptured internal pillow-top, there are 18 individual comfort layers, wrapped in organic damask cotton, and nestled together to form the bed’s customizable core. Available in extra soft, soft, medium and firm, the “personal sleep zones” can be interchanged to create the exact comfort level for the sleeper. By moving the layers, the comfort zones can be augmented to achieve a desired comfort effect.

The ‘81’ gives consumers the ultimate flexibility to design a bed that meets their individual comfort and health need

“The ‘81’ gives consumers the ultimate flexibility to design a bed that meets their individual comfort and health needs,” said OMI President and CEO Walt Bader. “This mattress can be re-customized as a consumer’s body and sleep-needs change because it changes with you. And the best part is that each individual layer can be replaced without the expense of a brand new mattress, making this bed a real long-term investment.”

The ‘81’ has an impressive 14-inch profile, with exceptional detail and fine tailoring throughout its design. Contrasting colored straps that fasten to embroidered buttons and secure the covered brass zipper hold the layers in place for unsurpassed comfort and luxury. Underneath the zippered organic cotton quilted cover, the tailoring continues to be impeccable. Each latex layer is individually upholstered and embroidered and identifies the various comfort option, leaving no detail uncovered. The ‘81’ queen mattress will retail for $7,395.

Made and sourced in the USA, OMI is a full-circle environmental company dedicated to supporting America’s organic and sustainable farmers. OMI’s handmade, custom organic mattresses are manufactured in Northern California in the only Eco-Factory™ in North America built solely to manufacture organic products.  OMI mattresses are also Greenguard-certified and qualify under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s LEEDs indoor air-quality program.

To experience the OrganicPedic 81 by OMI, along with other handcrafted products by OMI, visit their permanent showroom, space C-1558, or see the product in “Kickoff to Bedding 2010” courtyard display Tuesday, Feb 2, through Thursday, Feb. 3.

For more information, go to www.organicpedicbyomi.com.

Leggett & Platt Selects Edward Howard for PR and Marketing

January 18, 2010 - Edward Howard, the nation’s longest-established public relations firm, today announced that it has been selected by Leggett & Platt Incorporated to provide public relations and marketing services for its Bedding Group and Consumer Products Group, as well as supporting other groups and public relations needs of the company as assigned. Leggett & Platt, based in Carthage, Mo., is a diversified manufacturer (and member of the S&P 500) that conceives, designs, and produces a broad variety of engineered components and products that can be found in most homes, offices, and automobiles.

“Leggett & Platt is an industry leader with a 126-year tradition of innovation,” said Mark Quinn, group executive vice president of marketing. “We have great opportunities to grow our market share, launch new products, change perceptions, and solve complex problems through creative marketing and communications strategies. We are excited to be working with Edward Howard as our new public relations agency following a rigorous national search. Edward Howard won the business with their demonstrated creativity and combination of experience and capabilities across marketing and public relations, traditional and new media, and business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing.”

“We look forward to Edward Howard’s fresh approach to reaching both retailers and consumers,” said Rob Woods, president of Leggett & Platt Consumer Products Group, the company’s primary connection to the sleep industry’s consumers. “We have a lot of exciting initiatives planned for 2010 to support our efforts in helping bedding retailers energize their performance and grow their business and in educating consumers on the benefits of creating a comfortable and stylish sleep environment as a way to improve their everyday life.”

About Edward Howard

Edward Howard leverages the power of communication for its clients, helping them achieve their goals by telling their stories, protecting their reputations, selling their products and growing their value. The firm’s specialty is solving complex communication challenges. Founded in 1925, Ohio-based Edward Howard (with offices in Cleveland, Columbus and Dayton) is the nation’s longest-established independent public relations firm, serving clients throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.edwardhoward.com.

For more information about Leggett & Platt, please visit www.leggett.com.

Ergomotion Outperforms Bedding Industry in 2009

Edited by: Dale T. Read, Editor

January 14, 2010 - Increased domestic demand and powerful distribution partnerships coupled with new international orders enabled adjustable bed innovator Ergomotion to grow its 2009 business 12% over 2008, despite a projected ten percent dollar downturn in the 2009 bedding industry, Ergomotion President Kelly Clenet informed BEDROOM Magazine:

“While our customers are looking forward to a better year in 2010, Ergomotion has been able to boost last year’s performances, at retail. We’re helping retailers by adding significant dollars to each sale,” he noted, “Another $1,000-plus to a mattress sale is becoming a matter of routine for many of our customers. That phenomenon is opening new doors for us.”

Ergomotion presently ships to Japan, Latin America, Australia, Northern Europe and is aggressively adding domestic retail partners, he said. By partnering with leading mattress manufacturers, Ergomotion has enabled new retailers to participate in the increased interest in the adjustable base category.

Ergomotion’s offshore sourcing, backed by innovative U.S.-based engineering and strong product support, enables the company to offer customized programs and to be far more competitive.

Niles Cornelius, General Manager of the Hickory at Home division of Hickory Springs, noted, “Our relationship with Ergomotion helped us become passionate about the adjustable business in 2009. Most important is the knowledge that we are selling the most consumer-friendly, the best built bed which is available nationwide through Hickory Springs service centers.”

Lady Americana President Kerry Tramel added, “Service and quality are Ergomotion’s strong suits. The focus is on the beds. They’re great on training and sticking with us and our people. We’ve done fairly well in this category in 2009, but hope to grow it in 2010.”

"Outside the box thinking seems to separate Ergomotion from the competition. Great people, products and passion generally define this company. We anticipate another strong adjustable business year with Ergomotion in 2010," commented Jay Nardone, Vice President Sales, at ArchBrook Laguna, a fully automated logistics and national distribution company.

Ergomotion’s CEO Alain Clenet brings decades of automotive expertise to the company. He designs each model focusing on safety, design simplicity, beauty, as well as quick and tool-free assembly. He believes the company’s 24-hour consumer phone lines, extensive in-store training, and growing reputation also help account for the 2009 Ergomotion performance.

The International Sleep Producers Association (ISPA) does not report annual numbers for the adjustable base category. However, industry leaders say the adjustable category is growing and becoming increasingly competitive at retail, although there is no quantifiable data available.

Ergomotion products fit in any frame and elevate to a full sitting position. Seven sizes including split queen are available. All are wall-friendly and feature removable height-adjustable legs. Snap-in replacement parts require no tools. Service issues are handled by a 24 hour 800 consumer telephone line. Ergomotion’s factory is ISO 9000 certified.

For additional information please visit www.ergomotion.us or contact Kelly Clenet, 805-688-3151, or KC@ergomtion.us.

Natura World Launches Value-Priced Mattresses to Natural Line Up

January 13, 2010 - Natura World Inc. is pleased to usher in a new era of innerspring mattresses (GreenSpring™) to compliment their growing line of natural, green and organic mattresses. The individually wrapped coil mattresses allow consumers to customize their comfort level with pure wool and cotton, latex and soy-based foams.    

“As a leading manufacturer of natural latex and foam mattresses, we saw a need in the market for coil mattresses paired with more natural components,” said Ralph Rossdeutscher, president of Natura World Inc. “GreenSpring™ mattresses bring the beauty of natural sleep to consumers who prefer a coil mattress.”  

Natura’s GreenSpring™ lineup is composed of nine mattresses in three distinct series that stair-step the amount of wool, latex and coils. Additionally, each series has a unique support zone story to answer the different sleep challenges relating to pressure point relief.  

The coils, made from recycled steel, are tempered, pre-compressed and then individually wrapped before being formed into a complete coil unit. Because each coil functions independently of its neighbor, body curves are contoured and supported. The coil unit is then foam encased to provide a smooth transition from the edge of the bed and across the entire sleep surface.  

GreenSpring™ is a technologically advanced pairing of natural materials and pocketed innerspring coils. Motion transfer is almost completely eliminated with Natura’s GreenSpring™ mattresses. The entire sleep system is designed to provide the sleeper a deep more restful night’s sleep while achieving superior durability.  

About Natura World: Founded 15 years ago by the Rossdeutscher family, Natura is committed to nurturing healthy bodies, souls and planet through healthy sleep systems. By providing a nourishing night’s sleep through sustainable, earth-friendly materials and manufacturing, Natura truly is where nature meets nurture. It’s not a trend. It’s about aligning personal values with everyday actions. A good night’s sleep makes for happier, healthier people and ultimately a better planet.

Please visit www.naturaworld.com for more information.

Therapedic Adds Upholstery Licensee

January 12, 2010 - Therapedic International has entered into an agreement with Edgecombe Furniture to produce sofas, loveseats, chairs, sleep sofas, and other upholstery goods under the Therapedic label. The product line will feature Therapedic MemoryTouch (visco), and Therapedic PureTouch (latex) mattress inserts within its offerings.

The line will feature products that are 100% manufactured and produced in the United States, and will be available for shipment throughout North American, said Gerry Borreggine, president/CEO of Therapedic International.

“We have built a quick-ship model, which will help retailers make quick sales and turn goods fast,” said Borreggine. Therapedic has selected its best selling frames and fastest moving covers to launch this program, according to Borreggine.

“This is a strong program and a natural extension to our mattress line,” said Borreggine.

“We are excited about the growth potential with Therapedic, and to grow stronger as a part of the Therapedic team,” said Bob Phillips, vice president of Edgecombe. Edgecombe is a division of Cotton Belt, Inc., whose Sleep Worthy division operates as Therapedic Mid-Atlantic on the bedding side of the operation.

For more information contact Gerry Borreggine at: winksinc@aol.com or visit www.therapedic.com.

FabricTech International Surpasses 1,200-Door Store Count;

Adds Major Retailers in West and Midwest

January 11, 2010 - FabricTech International, a pioneer in bringing advanced technology and comfort to the sleep products protection industry, continued its record growth in 2009, surpassing the 1,200-door count with the addition of larger retailers in the West and Midwestern regions of the United States.

FabricTech International products are now available at such leading retailers as Sleepy’s, RC Willey, Sit n Sleep, America’s Mattress, Value City Furniture and Ashley Home Stores. “Our goal over the last six months was to broaden our distribution nationally, growing from our traditional stronghold in the Eastern U.S. We added a new sales team and they have given us the ability to really provide the high level of service, training and support retailers want in order to develop their mattress and pillow protection business,” said FabricTech International President and COO Jeff Bergman. He added that new packaging and point-of-purchase materials presented at the last market has had a huge impact at retail, giving RSAs an edge in explaining the benefits of its products to consumers.

Founded in 1992, FabricTech International provides consumers with a safer and healthier sleeping environment by utilizing the most advanced technology, the finest materials and highest quality workmanship. In addition, all FabricTech International products adhere to strict medical guidelines. FabricTech International is the exclusive provider of mattress protection products for The Style Network.

For more information about FabricTech International visit www.fabrictech.com or call 800-758-8563.

Visit FabricTech International at the Winter Las Vegas Furniture Market at Showroom C-1532.

FabricTech Raises the Bar with Germ, Bacteria & Odor Protection

With New “Elite” Line of Sanitized® Silver Bed Protection Products

First Line in U.S. to offer Fibers That Protect Against Allegens & Dust Mites, Germs and Bacteria

January 11, 2010 - FabricTech International, known for their pioneering leadership in advanced technology and comfort to the sleep products protection industry, is again raising the industry’s performance bar by introducing a new line of products that “allow the consumer to take back their bedroom” by killing bacteria on contact, as well as providing protection against allergens, dust mites and moisture.

The premium line will be called FabricTech Elite and will be the first time Sanitized® Silver fibers, imported from Germany, are used in bed and pillow protection products in the United States.

FabricTech Elite has a unique sanitized silver system that safeguards your mattress and pillows from bacteria, mildew and fungi with silver ions that locate bacteria and deactivate it while suppressing the reproduction of dust mites and their allergens, according to FabricTech 2000 sources.

“Simply put, Fabrictech Elite mattress and pillow protectors offer the finest unsurpassed protection against bacteria and dust mites, mold and mildew in our industry,” said FabricTech International President and Chief Operating Officer Jeff Bergman. “It is time for our customers to take back their bedroom from the bacteria and dust mites that create an unhealthy sleeping environment, and allow them to rest assured that their bedroom is the safest place to be.”

According to Bergman one by-product of the sterilization of bacteria is a hygiene function that protects against its resulting unpleasant odors. Additionally, the reproduction of dust mites and their allergens are effectively inhibited. The product is dermatological tested and safe, and environmentally friendly. The silver thread fibers in the fabric provide unique protection, yet are small enough not to impair the comfort and contour of the sleep surface.

Most mattress odors are the result of fast multiplying bacteria cells that add a foul smell to normal body perspiration. The Sanitized® Silver fiber works like a deodorant to controls the multiplication of bacteria so there is no odor from perspiration and the sleep surface smells fresh. All Elite products can also be washed for additional freshness.

“Our FabricTech Elite product is the result of the ongoing work of our strong research and development team. They are constantly looking to bring new innovations in health and hygiene to the sleep surface protection industry,” said FabricTech International Chairman and CEO Arnold Hershbain. “We believe the introduction of bacteria prevention in our products will be as important as the first time we offered a total encasement product and our exclusive PureFlow™ filter with AirXchange micro-filtration technology that adds a new degree of comfort with a breathable micro-filter sewn into products.”

Bergman added that the finest retailers in the sleep products industry continue to look to FabricTech to expand their offerings of bed and pillow protection products. “Our unequalled quality and technology allow the retailer to effectively convey the value of mattress and pillow protectors to the end consumer. Our retail training program is the conduit to helping our customers capture the extra 5 to 10 percent volume that they are missing in this product category with astounding profit margins,” he said. “Our retailers are constantly looking to expand our lineup as they see it as a means to not only offer their customers a superior sleep product protection solution with unparalleled customer satisfaction, but also higher profits themselves. FabricTech Elite mattress protection products range in price from $119 to $169 in queen size. Its pillow protection product is $39.

In addition to the Elite series, FabricTech offers an entry-level program called StainGuard, a quilted and organic cotton lineup of its popular mattress protector, total encasement and pillow protection line, and it’s flagship OmniGuard® Ultra line that uses a breathable PolyKnit™ outer layer absorbs perspiration, moisture and stains, while the waterproof InnerShield™ membrane protects them from reaching the mattress. It wicks moisture away instead of creating an uncomfortable “puddle” effect. This also prevents mold and mildew from forming. OmniGuard® Ultra is naturally dust mite, bed bug, stain and water resistant, and is made with no added chemicals, so it is safe for children and pets. The products are waterproof, quiet and cool, unlike noisy, sticky vinyl.

Retailers interested in learning more about FabricTech products should visit FabricTech International at the Winter Las Vegas Furniture Market at Showroom C-1532 or visit www.FabricTech.com.

Simmons Obtains Court Approval of Prepackaged Restructuring Plan;

Allows for Acquisition by Ares Management & Teachers' Private Capital

Simmons Expects to Emerge from Chapter 11 in Late January

January 5, 2010 – Simmons Bedding Company (“Simmons Bedding”), a leading manufacturer of premium branded bedding products, today announced that the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware (the “Court”) has confirmed its pre-packaged restructuring plan (the “Plan”). Today’s decision allows for the previously announced acquisition of Simmons Bedding and all of its domestic and international subsidiaries, as well as its parent Bedding Holdco Incorporated (collectively, the “Company”), by affiliates of Ares Management LLC and Teachers’ Private Capital, the private investment department of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan (collectively, “AOT”). Simmons Bedding anticipates that it will consummate the transaction and emerge from chapter 11 on or around January 20, 2010.

Bennett Rosenthal, Senior Partner at Ares Management LLC, commented, "Since we first announced our joint interest in the Company last September, we have become even firmer in our belief Simmons Bedding’s prestigious brand name, its innovative products, strong and experienced management, as well as positive fundamentals we see for the industry. As we have learned from key stakeholders and by working with management throughout this process, the company is well-positioned for the future.”

Erol Uzumeri, Senior Vice-President, Teachers' Private Capital, stated, "What this process has confirmed for us is that Simmons Bedding is the type of company that we seek: one with proven talent throughout the organization and a strong franchise. The Company’s historical performance is excellent when measured against our core investment criteria, and with its new capital structure, we are confident this investment will produce significant returns for us and all of its stakeholders – both now and over time.”

Today’s decision by the Court marks the last of three major milestones that the Company has met since the Plan was announced on September 25, 2009. First, it was announced on October 29, 2009 that all waiting periods under applicable antitrust and competition regulations in the U.S. and Canada had expired or were terminated. Second, the Company announced on November 16, 2009 that it filed the Plan with the Court after it received the overwhelming support of creditors who cast favorable votes during the formal consent solicitation.

Stephen G. Fendrich, Simmons Bedding’s President and Chief Operating Officer, commented, “Just as our lenders and note holders voted their confidence last fall, this favorable decision by the Court further validates the viability of our Plan and opens the door to an exciting future for our Company, our employees, and all of our suppliers and our customers.”

Upon the completion of the transaction and emergence from chapter 11, the reorganized companies will have improved their capital structure by substantially reducing total debt obligations from approximately $1.0 billion to approximately $450 million. The Plan as confirmed also provides for all trade vendors, suppliers employees, and senior secured lenders to be paid in full.

Final consummation of the transaction remains subject to customary closing terms and conditions.

Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP is acting as legal counsel and Miller Buckfire & Co., LLC is acting as financial advisor to the Company for the chapter 11 cases.

Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is acting as legal counsel and Goldman, Sachs & Co. is acting as financial advisor for the purchaser.

About Simmons Bedding Company

Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black®, Beautyrest NxG®, Beautyrest Studio™, ComforPedic by Simmons™, ComforPedic Loft™, Natural Care®, Beautyrest Beginnings™ and BeautySleep®. Simmons Bedding operates 19 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and one juvenile bedding manufacturing facility across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Simmons Bedding also serves as a key supplier of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties. Simmons Bedding is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world.

For more information, visit Simmons Bedding's website at www.simmons.com. 

About Ares Management

Ares Management is an SEC-registered investment adviser and alternative asset manager with total committed capital under management of approximately $33 billion as of September 30, 2009. With complementary pools of capital in private equity, private debt and capital markets, Ares Management has the ability to invest across all levels of a company’s capital structure – from senior debt to common equity – in a variety of industries in a growing number of international markets. The Ares Private Equity Group has a proven track record of partnering with high quality, middle-market companies and creating value with its flexible capital such as Serta. Other notable current investments include General Nutrition Centers, Inc., Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc. (NYSE: HGR) and Maidenform Brands, Inc. (NYSE: MFB). The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles with approximately 250 employees and professionals located across the United States and Europe. For more information, visit the Ares website at www.aresmgmt.com. 

About Teachers’ Private Capital

Teachers’ Private Capital is one of the world’s largest private equity investors. It is the private investment department of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, the largest single-profession pension plan in Canada. The Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan is an independent corporation responsible for investing the fund and administering the pensions of Ontario’s 284,000 active and retired teachers. For more information visit www.otpp.com. 

“Safe Harbor” Statement under Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This press release includes forward-looking statements that reflect our current views about future events and financial performance. Words such as “estimates,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “forecasts” and variations of such words or similar expressions that predict or indicate future events, results or trends, or that do not relate to historical matters, identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements in this press release speak only as of the date of this press release. These forward-looking statements are expressed in good faith and Simmons believes there is a reasonable basis for them. However, there can be no assurance that the events, results or trends identified in these forward-looking statements will occur or be achieved. Investors should not rely on forward-looking statements because they are subject to a variety of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Simmons’s expectations. These factors include, but are not limited to: (i) our ability to comply with and fulfill closing conditions in the Plan Sponsor Agreement, including obtaining the requisite financing; (ii) compliance with covenants in, and any defaults under, our debtor-in-possession financing agreement; (iii) the potential adverse impact of any restructuring and the bankruptcy filing on our business, financial condition, liquidity, and results of operations; (iv) interest rate and credit market risks; (v) competitive pressures in the bedding industry; (vi) general economic and industry conditions; (vii) our ability to launch new products on a timely basis, the success of our new products and the future costs to rollout such products; (viii) legal and regulatory requirements; (ix) our relationships with and viability of our suppliers, significant customers and licensees; (x) fluctuations in our costs of raw materials and energy prices; (xi) our ability to hold or increase prices on our products and the related effect on our unit sales; (xii) an increase in our return rates and warranty claims; (xiii) our labor relations; (xiv) encroachments on our intellectual property; (xv) our product liability, intellectual property and other litigation claims; (xvi) our level of indebtedness; (xvii) foreign currency exchange rate risks; (xviii) our future acquisitions; (xix) our ability to achieve the expected benefits from any personnel realignments; (xx) higher bad debt expense as a result of increased customer bankruptcies due to instability in the economy and slowing consumer spending; and (xxi) our ability to maintain sufficient liquidity to operate our business. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, either to reflect new developments or for any other reason.

In Memoriam... Hickory Springs' Bobby Bush, Sr.

January 5, 2010 - Home furnishings and mattress industry veteran Bobby Wesley Bush Sr., 78, of Hickory, passed away Jan. 2, 2010, at Frye Regional Medical Center. Born March 12, 1931, in Rahway, N.J., he was the son of the late Julius Pinkney and Wilma Ware Bush. In addition to his parents, Mr. Bush was preceded in death by a son, John William Bush. After graduating from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Ga., as the ranking cadet, Mr. Bush then graduated from Duke University, Class of 1953, Phi Beta Kappa.

Mr. Bush was a chief architect in the foundation and success of Hickory Springs Manufacturing Company. He devoted his entire professional career to the company. Bush spent most of his summers as a youth working at Hickory Springs. His dedication and passion for the business was only surpassed by that for his family. He lived and breathed Hickory Springs. Bob was a man of strong convictions and supported those convictions in all that he did. You knew where he stood and what he stood for. He was always thinking of ways to do things better, how to be more creative, and how to make the company stronger. That never lessened in those 50-plus years with the company.

Longtime family friend Don Coleman, president of Hickory Springs, had this to say about Bush in an inter-company memo: "His compassion for all of those he met was evident. He was more than just a sincere guy, he was always your greatest supporter. Work with him or for him and you knew immediately. He took great pride in the employees who worked for the betterment of the Company.

Hickory Springs has lost a true pioneer in our business and in the industries we serve. We have so much to celebrate in having him with us for the past seventy-eight years. His legacy is with us, as is evident in what Hickory Springs is today." Bob served on many boards within the home furnishings industry. These include the Suppliers Division of AHFA, International Sleep Products Association, Polyurethane Foam Association, the Bienenstock Furniture Library and the American Furniture Hall of Fame.

He was awarded the Exceptional Service Award and the McMorran Memorial Award given by the suppliers council within ISPA. He served as second president of the AFMA Suppliers Council and in 2006 Bob was inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame. In 2008, Bob was awarded Alumni of the Year from Riverside Military Academy in Georgia.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jane Blackwood Bush of the home; two sons, Bobby Bush Jr. of Hickory and Jimmy Bush and wife, Donna, of Hickory; grandchildren, Stephanie Bush of Charlotte, Cory Bush of Mooresville, Lindsey Bush of Denver, Colo., Jay Bush of Raleigh and Amanda Bush of Raleigh; great-grandchildren, Jorge and Jake Bush of Charlotte; and a sister, Betty Bush Wright of Winchester, Va. 

World Market Center Las Vegas Establishes Mega-Market Weeks

Las Vegas Market Sets New Dates in August and January; Designed to Drive Additional

Sales Opportunities and Maximize Efficiencies for Buyers, Sellers

December 29, 2009 - World Market Center Las Vegas today announced a new Market structure and timing that, beginning in August 2010, will create two multi-faceted mega-markets each year in order to increase sales for both retailers and manufacturers. The new cross-category business platform is designed to provide partners with increased value by attracting a wider array of buyers, expanding new channels of distribution, and maximizing sales opportunities at the most efficient, optimum periods relative to the industry’s business cycles in the new economy.

In 2010, the new Summer Las Vegas Market will run Aug. 2-6, 2010, serving as the anchor of an integrated mega-market that will be co-located with World Market Center’s debut shows Gift + Home™ and Vegas Kids™. Gift + Home™ and Vegas Kids™ will feature a dedicated but complementary date pattern of Aug. 4-7, 2010 including a weekend component which has been identified as important to the independent gift retailer. Together, these events will attract the broadest possible range of buyers, exhibitors and designers to Las Vegas for extraordinary business opportunities. In years beyond 2010, Las Vegas Market plans on holding its Summer Market in a similar time frame of late July and first half of August based on calendar and strategic considerations.

World Market Center Las Vegas also announced it will hold its 2011 Winter Market during the last week in January – Jan. 24-28, 2011. These new dates maximize the synergistic value of World Market Center’s strategic partnership with SURFACES, the floor coverings industry’s leading event and INSPIREDESIGN™, World Market Center’s new hospitality design show, to create a winter mega-market. In years beyond 2011, Las Vegas Market plans on holding its Winter Market in a similar time frame of late January and early February based on calendar and strategic considerations.

“Our ‘mega-market’ approach, combined with the new Summer and Winter Las Vegas Market dates, represent an innovative new way to add value for our partners and empower businesses to increase their profitability in this new economy,” said World Market Center Las Vegas President and Chief Executive Officer Robert Maricich. “This diversified model clearly meets the industry’s need to cost-effectively generate new leads and sales by promoting cross-category activity among complementary industry sectors.”

Maricich continued, “At a time when all businesses require introspection and must challenge themselves to create more value, we are proud to embark on strategic decisions that, based on input from many of our partners, optimize sales opportunities for their businesses and expand channels of distribution. As a privately held enterprise, World Market Center is truly a unique business platform, able to respond to our customers’ needs quickly and decisively. We have always said we would do what is best for our customers and their customers. In this unprecedented environment, we are confident these strategic business decisions will benefit our entire industry.”

The new initiative, which has the unanimous support of World Market Center’s Advisory Board, will provide retailers an opportunity to see increased new product rollouts, cross-shop a diversified product platform, discover new vendors, and place orders in order to have merchandise in their stores during the important fourth quarter.

The new market weeks also minimize staffing and travel considerations for exhibitors, retailers and designers whose event schedules will be simplified by the new and consolidated slate of events. The new schedule also reduces potential industry conflicts, allowing businesses to focus all of their attention on maximizing their returns during Las Vegas Market week.

“We are very pleased with the new dates announced for the Las Vegas Market,” said Phil Haney, president and CEO of Lexington Home Brands. “We think these dates represent the optimal time for us to introduce new product to our dealers, while allowing them to take advantage of the exceptional hotel and travel values being offered in Las Vegas.”

“An early August Las Vegas Market restores the natural rhythm for exhibitors and buyers who attend the winter market in late January,” said Larry Woods of Powell Corp. “World Market Center has done a fantastic job of neutralizing the summer heat for our attendees, making it a non-issue. An early August date also allows time for our summer product introductions to reach retailers’ floors before the holidays, which is a win-win for retailers and exhibitors.”

“The earlier timing allows us to introduce new collections with enough time to be able to produce and ship the product before year end. This improves our sales potential in the current year and ensures the possibility of a reorder in the first quarter of the following year,” said Ed Grund of A.R.T. Furniture.

Exhibitors for the new Gift + Home™ show will include a diverse range of categories, including seasonal, floral, decorative accessories and general gift. Vegas Kids™ will attract exhibitors and buyers across an equally broad range of interrelated industries, including nursery and youth furniture, juvenile products, toy and game, children’s books, children’s apparel and gift.

“Everyone associated with Global Views is excited to have the Las Vegas Market dates move to early August,” said company CEO David Gebhart. “Most importantly, our customers will be happy to get at least one more full turnover from the inventory they purchase during this earlier show. This move will also allow us to devote our undivided attention to making our showroom in Las Vegas our most exciting showroom around the country. The weekend of selling will also have a huge impact on our customers’ reactions to this show. These are good business decisions for our entire industry.”

About World Market Center Las Vegas World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), now open daily to consumers and designers. World Market Center currently hosts Las Vegas Market™, the preeminent total home market, biannually. Additionally, making its debut in February 2010, INSPIREDESIGN™ at World Market Center represents a dynamic alternative for manufacturers and companies serving the hospitality design marketplace. In 2010, World Market Center will launch the inaugural Gift + Home™ show catering to the gift, decorative accessory and seasonal industries along with Vegas Kids™ which will provide youth furniture, juvenile products, toy and game, children’s books, children’s apparel and gift. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on World Market Center Las Vegas, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.

Natura World Adds New CFO to Help Guide Future Growth of The Company

December 29, 2009 - Natura World Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Ted Sehl to the newly created position of Chief Financial Officer. He will report directly to Ralph Rossdeutscher, President of Natura World Inc.  

Mr. Sehl’s successful career in finance includes positions at W.C. Wood Corporation, a leading manufacturer of freezers and refrigerated appliances and McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada. Additionally, Mr. Sehl serves on the board of Hammond Manufacturing, a global electrical and electronics manufacturer.  

A graduate of York University in Toronto, Mr. Sehl is an MBA and a Chartered Accountant.  

“Like all of North America, Natura hunkered down during the recession, refining and focusing our growth, “ says Ralph Rossdeutscher, President of Natura World Inc. “But we have continued to innovate, expand and grow in new directions. Ted will be a driving force as we march forward at the swift and steady course we’ve set for ourselves and the industry.”  

Mr. Sehl will work closely with Mr. Rossdeutscher to identify the cornerstone resources that will foster innovation and growth.    

About Natura World

Founded 15 years ago by the Rossdeutscher family, Natura is committed to nurturing healthy bodies, souls and planet through healthy sleep systems. By providing a nourishing night’s sleep through sustainable, earth-friendly materials and manufacturing, Natura truly is where nature meets nurture. It’s not a trend. It’s about aligning personal values with everyday actions. A good night’s sleep makes for happier, healthier people and ultimately a better planet.

Please visit www.naturaworld.com for more information.

FXI Foamex Innovations Announces New Safety Record Achievement

for its Cornelius, NC Manufacturing Facility

December 28, 2009 - FXI Foamex Innovations today announced on December 23rd. a new safety record achievement for its Cornelius, NC manufacturing facility. The Cornelius Facility manufactures flexible polyurethane foam products used in the production of mattresses for the bedding industry as well as foam products for the automotive and furniture industries.  

The Cornelius Facility broke its prior safety record by surpassing the one-year mark without an OSHA recordable incident.  Further, the last lost time injury was in June of 2008.  In recognition of this accomplishment, FXI Foamex Innovations sponsored a Safety Appreciation Day event for the 95 employees at the Cornelius facility on December 18, 2009.  

Richard Centeno, plant manager of FXI Cornelius said, “This new record is a testament to the safety culture and awareness that every FXI employee takes seriously.  I'm very proud of our employees. They have diligently followed proper procedures, donned personal protective equipment every time and are always looking out for their fellow coworkers.  It is a substantial achievement worthy of management accolades and congratulations.”  

The year began with the unveiling of the 2009 Cornelius Employee Participation Program.  The program was developed with an emphasis on employee training in safe work practices, increasing hazard awareness and reflecting the importance of safety in their workplace.  Events for the Safety Day celebration included a dinner, award presentations, and a commemorative gift for all employees.  

“It is assuring to know that I am able to go out on the production floor and that it’s safe to do my job without fear of injury,” said Scott Robeson, production control manager of FXI Cornelius. “In addition, I feel confident knowing it is safe to bring vendors, customers and visitors into an environment that we can be proud of.”  

About FXI

FXI is a leading producer of innovative foam products for the Home, Healthcare, Electronics, Industrial, Personal Care and Transportation markets.  Products include finished goods, sub-assemblies, services and raw materials for OEMs, fabricators and retailers. FXI innovations and products provide comfort for automobile passengers and protect fragile electronic components in shipment.  Our products help consumers sleep sounder and furniture manufacturers create comfort.  Our products provide for sharper images in digital printers and copiers and help consumers keep their homes clean. Our products provide critical components for filters, dispensers, gaskets and seals in everything from blood oxygenators to computer disk drives. The Company is headquartered in Media, PA. 

For more information, please visit www.fxi.com.

February Las Vegas Market to Salute Bedding Industry

“Kick Off to Bedding” Events Bring the Best of Products, People

and Profits into Focus for the Mattress Market

December 21, 2009 - Bedding suppliers and retailers are gearing up for the mattress industry’s blockbuster event of the year, with an air that says they’re ‘playing to win’ in 2010. On Tuesday, Feb. 2 World Market Center Las Vegas will host its first “Kick Off to Bedding” – an all-star day of activities focused the home furnishings industry’s most profitable sector.

“Kick Off to Bedding 2010” will underscore the winning line-up of new products and collections at February Market, coupled with exclusive networking events and complimentary programs. There’s no better arena than Las Vegas, which is the undisputed market leader for the bedding industry with 75-plus suppliers and brands showing their lines.

“With so many new product introductions planned for February among our mattress producers, we wanted to shine a giant spotlight on our bedding market and create new opportunities to grow business for our customers in 2010,” said Babs Blair, vice president of leasing for World Market Center Las Vegas. “We have a terrific line up of networking and content-focused events that will energize retailers and ensure February Market is the ‘Super-bowl’ of the bedding industry.”  

Bedding technology has changed dramatically in recent years and because most homes have at least three beds, retailers find bedding scores sales when it’s part of their merchandise mix.  

“Bedding has been a very important category for us, and we have nurtured it right from the start,” Blair said. “The bedding industry is constantly evolving with trends and new products and deserves a place as a recognized category within our Market. Our ‘Kick Off to Bedding 2010’ events allow us to highlight our bedding-rich market in an exciting way.”

The playbook for the day’s events includes the following:

• “The Producers: Power Breakfast” – The day of events will start at 8 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 2, with a bedding producer roundtable discussion hosted by Furniture/Today. Senior bedding executives will share their perspectives on the industry’s business prospects in the new year and will reveal what their companies will be doing to spark sales.

• “Environmental Claims: What Marketers and Retailers Need to Know --- Terminology, Definitions, Standards and Trends for the Bedding Industry” - sponsored by the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) on Tuesday, February 2, at 2:00 p.m. in Building C-1350 within the SSA conference area. In conjunction with the release of these findings from a “Green Initiative” consumer survey, the organization will also release a set of definitions and terms based on research conducted over the past nine months.  Open to the public, the Mattress/Bedding “Green Initiative” is working to better define common terms being used in the industry to achieve transparency with clear terminology based on consumer and retail sales research. 

• “Kick Off to 2010: The Bedding Producers and Players” – World Market Center Las Vegas teams up with its top producers to host a private event that brings the bedding industry’s power players together for networking and insights. Invited guests will enjoy an entertaining address by former New Orleans Saints quarterback, Archie Manning. Manning had an impressive professional football career from 1971 - 1984 that netted him NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1978 and induction into Mississippi's Sports Hall of Fame in 1989. Manning is a father of current Indianapolis Colts starting quarterback Peyton Manning, current New York Giants starting quarterback Eli Manning, and former Ole Miss receiver Cooper Manning.  Manning’s on-the-field leadership will present new insights for an industry “playing to win.”

The industry’s largest producers show at World Market Center Las Vegas, including Sealy, Simmons, Serta, Spring Air, Tempur-Pedic, Comfort Solutions, International Bedding, Therapedic, Englander, Restonic, Corsicana, Fashion Bed Group, King Koil among many others.

The Fall 2010 Las Vegas Market is scheduled for February 1-5, 2010 at World Market Center Las Vegas. Attendees can register and reserve discounted rooms online now at www.LasVegasMarket.com.

About World Market Center

Las Vegas World Market Center Las Vegas is an integrated home and hospitality contract furnishings showroom and trade complex. The state-of-the-art campus showcases furniture, decorative accessories, gift, lighting, area rugs, home textiles and related segments, as well as the Las Vegas Design Center (LVDC), now open daily to consumers and designers.  World Market Center currently hosts Las Vegas MarketTM biannually in February and September – the preeminent total home market.  Additionally, making its debut in February 2010, INSPIREDESIGNTM at World Market Center represents a dynamic alternative for manufacturers and companies serving the hospitality design marketplace. In 2010, World Market Center will launch the inaugural Gift + HomeTM show catering to the gift, decorative accessory and seasonal industries. Find us on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on World Market Center Las Vegas, visit www.LasVegasMarket.com.

SSA to Report First Key Findings of Mattress/Bedding “Green Initiative”

Group Begins to Unravel Myriad of Terms Used to Market Environmentally Sensitive Bedding, Tuesday, February 2, 2:00pm at WMC with BOTH Consumer and Retail Research

December 16, 2009 - The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) will unveil the first-of-its-kind research on consumer needs in green bedding products at February Las Vegas Market --- “Environmental Claims: What Marketers and Retailers Need to Know --- Terminology, Definitions, Standards and Trends for the Bedding Industry” Tuesday, February 2, 2010, 2:00pm – 3:30pm at Building C1350 in the SSA conference area. In conjunction with the release of these findings from a “Green Initiative” consumer survey, the organization will also release a set of definitions and terms based on research conducted over the past nine months. Open to the public, the Mattress/Bedding “Green Initiative” is working to better define common terms being used in the industry in order to achieve transparency for clear terminology based on consumer and retail sales research.

“While some studies have focused on what manufacturers think are common terms in environmentally friendly bedding, this is the first time that anyone has spoken directly to the consumer to report those vital findings,” said Dale Read, president of the SSA. “We are excited about sharing this information and are pleased to present --- for the first time --- the suggested guidelines for the mattress/bedding industry on how certain green and environmental terminology is used and what those words and definitions actually mean.”

A panel of industry leaders including David Farley, chair of the “Green Initiative” Board and CEO of Anatomic Global, Vicki Worden, founder/president of Worden Associates and a noted strategic counselor on the development and launching of products and services with green labels, Dale Read, president of the SSA, and Ken Morgan, Director of Market Analysis, Simmons Bedding Company are scheduled to highlight the state-of-the art green movement occurring in the bedding industry.

A diverse group of industry representatives are building a resource manual to better define these terms being used in the industry. The “Phase I” of the “Green Initiative” outlines results of research coupled with recommendations for terminology. Key findings will include the concern consumers have about the environmental impact of the bedding products purchased and the environmental attributes that would affect consumer shopping for bedding.

The SSA panel is part of a larger “Bedding Bowl” to be held at World Market Center Las Vegas. “An event-within-an-event, we look forward to hosting those in the mattress category to give a better understanding of issues pertaining to our industry,” noted Margaret Casey, Director of Programming, World Market Center Las Vegas.

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Companies interested in learning more about the SSA “Green Initiative” should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

Contestants Exercise Eco-Abilities in Hickory Springs Inaugural “EarthCare Challenge”

Finalists to Compete Entirely on Social Media Sites

December 9, 2009 - Six of the nation’s most eco-oblivious citizens were chosen as finalists this week to face off in the Hickory Springs “EarthCare Challenge.” Finalists now advance on a 45-day sustainable lifestyle makeover for a chance to win their own personal collection of earth-friendly home furnishings.

Hickory Springs announced the final six on the contest’s Facebook page on December 1. The contest chronicles real, live challenges facing the contestants as they abandon their old ways and adopt an eco-friendly upgrade to their home and lifestyle.

Taking place entirely on the Internet on social networking communities Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and EarthCareInside.com, The EarthCare Challenge highlights Hickory Springs’ line of EarthCare Inside components for upholstered furniture.

“From a 23-year-old aspiring singer who doesn’t recycle to a father of two looking to lower the impact of his 3,000 square foot home, each one of our contestants can share a valuable lesson about what it means to be earth-conscious,” said Hickory Springs Executive Vice President Dwayne Welch. “Just as we’re showing with our EarthCare Inside components for the country’s leading furniture makers, positive change is possible – from the inside out.”

The finalists are as follows:

• Ray Bariso, a business manager from Warren, N.J., is considering cutting-edge products to make his home more energy efficient, such as solar panels and geothermal heating.

• My Bui, from Highland, Cali., is a kinesiology major at California State University who wants to lead by example by teaching her friends and family about the benefits of going green.

• Idona Cabrinha, a mother of two from Los Osos, Cali., wants to take her love of gardening to a whole new level by growing her own food.

• Laura Dillon, a hairstylist from San Bernardino, Cali., realizes she consumes more than her fair share of water and energy and wants to learn eco-friendly habits to help cut down on her cost of living.

• A performer from Clifton, N.J., who goes by “Justina,” pays little attention to the food she eats but wants to change that for the better, keeping the environment in mind.

• San Francisco resident, Jackie Walker, a recent graduate from Cal Poly Pomona, wants to practice eco-friendly habits to benefit her health.

The contestants are guided by experts who specialize in the areas of green lifestyle, diet and eco-friendly home: Cindy Ojczyk, LEED AP, owner of Simply Green Design, a residential design firm leading the interior design field in sustainability, and co-owner of Verified Green, a green building consulting and training firm; Michael Anschel, a nationally recognized expert on green remodeling, owner of Otogawa-Anschel Design-Build, a national award-winning firm known for the ability to produce high end design that is sustainable, and co-founder of Verified Green; and Amy Todisco, a green lifestyle writer, life coach and owner of GreenLivingNow.com, a green products ecommerce site.

Social media sites document their progress through daily tweets, photos, videos and other activities, as the public is invited to participate by voting for their favorite contestant and becoming a fan of designated online sites for a chance to win special discounts and prizes for themselves.

Components from the company’s EarthCare Inside line can be found in products from some of the country’s leading furniture makers including Alan White Furniture, Craftmaster, England and H.M. Richards.

In January 2010, Hickory Springs will award the grand prize to the contestant who has made the most dramatic makeover – taking home the title of green champion and a personal collection of EarthCare Inside home furnishings with a retail value of $5,000.

For more information on The Hickory Springs EarthCare Challenge, visit: www.earthcareinside.com and click on “Take the Challenge.”

About Hickory Springs

Hickory Springs’ headquarters is located in Hickory, North Carolina, where the international, privately-held company was first founded in 1944 as a producer of furniture springs. Hickory Springs has grown into one of the nation’s largest integrated manufacturers to the furniture and bedding industries with more than 60 operating facilities throughout the United States. In 2008, the company launched its EarthCare Inside line of components for upholstered furniture, including the industry-leading Preserve® bio-based foam, 100% recycled cotton, recycled sinuous steel and coils, among many other sustainable options.

For more information, visit: www.hickorysprings.com and www.earthcareinside.com.

Simmons Extends ComforPedic Loft Mobile Showroom Tour

Company doubles length of road show due to high success rate and numerous retailer requests

December 8, 2009 - Simmons Bedding Company has extended its ComforPedic Loft™ “Showroom on Wheels” tour by an additional eight weeks due to the road show’s tremendous success during its first phase. The “Showroom on Wheels,” a 53-foot, 18-wheeler exhibit featuring Simmons’ new ComforPedic Loft™ mattress collection with NxG® Memory Foam technology, brings Simmons’ new models directly to retailers, providing convenient access to the products as well as an ideal sales training location. When the extended tour concludes on Dec. 18, the mobile showroom will have traveled more than 22,000 miles—almost the distance around the globe—visiting 50 cities across North America, including Denver, Toronto, New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta and Orlando. The second phase of the tour focuses on the southwest region of the country and includes visits to Dallas, Phoenix and San Diego, with repeat visits to a few cities at the request of select retailers.

“We launched the ‘Showroom on Wheels’ because we thought retailers would appreciate the cost savings and convenience of having the ComforPedic Loft™ line brought to them; however, I have to admit that the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the road show surpassed even my expectations,” said Scott Smalling, president of Simmons’ specialty sleep division. “The majority of the retailers we visited during the first phase of the tour have picked up the line. Such strong success combined with retailer interest in additional city stops made us realize that a tour extension was needed.”

As in the first phase of the tour, Smalling and Butch Webster, vice president of Simmons’ specialty sleep division, are overseeing the sales presentations that take place at each stop. The presentations aim to educate dealers and retail sales associates about the key benefits of NxG® Memory Foam—dissipates heat, quicker recovery and consistent comfort. Simmons spent a year developing the new foam technology with the specific goal of providing all three of these benefits at a more affordable price. By designing the ComforPedic Loft™ line to have a starting suggested retail price of less than $1,000 for a queen set, Simmons has made NxG® Memory Foam technology available to a whole new category of consumers.

“The ComforPedic Loft™ story is easy for retailers and consumers to understand—next generation technology at an attainable price,” said Anne Kozel, Simmons’ specialty sleep brand director. “When retailers visit the mobile showroom, they recognize the ComforPedic Loft™ line’s potential to be a major hit with a wide range of value-oriented consumers. The collection looks and feels amazing. It basically sells itself.”

While the primary goal of the tour has been to present the ComforPedic Loft™ line to retailers who have not yet decided to floor the models, the mobile showroom has also proven to be the perfect training venue for retail sales associates from dealers who picked up the line at the Las Vegas Furniture Market or the High Point Market. In addition, visits to Simmons® manufacturing facilities have allowed Smalling and Webster to share their passion for specialty sleep products with Simmons employees, who now possess a greater understanding of the technology and effort that went into creating the ComforPedic Loft™ line.

“The road show has been an unbelievable experience,” said Smalling. “We’re meeting wonderful people and visiting beautiful cities while building stronger retailer relationships. I couldn’t be happier with the program’s results.”

To learn more about the ComforPedic Loft™ brand, visit www.comforpedicloft.com.

About Simmons Bedding Company

Atlanta-based Simmons Bedding Company is one of the world's largest mattress manufacturers, manufacturing and marketing a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black®, Beautyrest NxG®, Beautyrest Studio™, ComforPedic by Simmons™, ComforPedic Loft™, Natural Care®, Beautyrest Beginnings™ and BeautySleep®. Simmons Bedding operates 19 conventional bedding manufacturing facilities and one juvenile bedding manufacturing facility across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Simmons Bedding also serves as a key supplier of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties. Simmons Bedding is committed to developing superior mattresses and promoting a higher quality sleep for consumers around the world.

For more information, visit Simmons Bedding's website at www.simmons.com.

Natura’s Organic II Crib Mattress Has Been Chosen as a 2009 Greatest Product

by the Team at iParenting Media

December 6, 2009 - Honored from among thousands of products, the Organic II Crib Mattress was selected by a diverse panel of judges that included a group facility/licensed day care, an expert and a parent. These reviewers completed an extensive survey and provided feedback on their personal experience with the Organic II Mattress.  

iParenting sets the standard in parent-approved recommendations. Many moms won’t buy a juvenile product until they’ve seen what the moms at iParenting have to say about it. For a product to win this award, it must go above and beyond expectations for parent and child.  

“We work regularly with mom bloggers who test our products and review them for other moms because we understand the importance of Mom Approved” says Julia Rosien, Communications Director for Natura World Inc. “Moms know their kids better than anyone else and if Natura doesn’t meet those standards we go back to the drawing board until we do.”  

The Organic II Crib mattress is constructed of coconut coir and all-natural latex, and is covered in 100% Certified Organic Cotton and 100% Certified Organic Wool. The combination of natural materials means chemical exposure for babies is greatly reduced.  

Studies prove babies settle more quickly and stay asleep longer on wool than any other material. What’s more, wool helps regulate temperature and control humidity so babies (and parents) get the sleep they need.  

If you’d like to learn more about the Organic II Crib Mattress, visit Natura Online - www.naturaworld.com/catalog/baby/organicII/organicIIcrib-mattress  

About Natura World

Natura World is committed to nurturing healthy bodies, souls and planet. Because a good night’s sleep is as important as nurturing our fragile planet, Natura makes it easy to choose green, natural and organic bedding, pillows and mattresses. Simply put, Natura matches eco-integrity with cutting edge technology to create handcrafted, naturally healthy sleep systems.

To learn more, please visit www.naturaworld.com.

Protect-A-Bed Offers Bed Bug Prevention Tips for Holiday Travelers

Company expert advises on how to prevent bringing bed bugs home

December 6, 2009 - As families head to festive gatherings this holiday season, they had better take note of the scope of the bed bug problem in hotels and motels along the way and best practices to prevent bringing bed bugs home.

After all, the growing problem of bed bugs in the hospitality industry is undeniable. The National Pest Management Association says the overall bed bug problem in the United States has grown by 71 percent since 2001. And according to recent news, the Franklin County Board of Health, which serves Columbus, Ohio, recently predicted as many as 70 percent of hotels and motels in that jurisdiction have had a bed bug problem. It’s unlikely that Columbus is unique among major cities.

While the inconvenience and itchy bites associated with staying in a bed bug infested hotel are troublesome, what’s more of a problem is what happens when an infestation is brought home. Costs for home bed bug extermination services can run in the thousands of dollars and create a serious inconvenience. Bed bug extermination requires a detailed and time intensive process for the residents of an infested property over a number of weeks.

Petra Minoff-Michael, Vice President of the Hospitality Division at Protect-A-Bed, who works with hotel owners and operators across the country to develop and implement an aggressive approach to addressing bed bugs, is all too familiar with the problem. She’s also an expert at offering advice and solutions.

“Vigilance pays off when you travel,” Minoff-Michael said. “A simple routine when you arrive at a hotel and when you arrive home, can go a long way to decreasing your chances of catching hitchhikers in your luggage.”

“Seventy percent of hotel dwelling bed bugs are taking up residence in mattresses, box springs, night stands and headboards, so these should be among the first places you look,” Minoff-Michael said.

She offers the following steps to help travelers decrease their chances of dealing with a bed bug problem:

Protect-A-Bed’s basic tips for travelers to follow upon checking-in to their hotel:

1. Using a travel flashlight, conduct a very basic inspection of the bed by pulling back the bed linens and checking the visible edges of the mattress. Look for evidence of live bugs, dark brownish to black spots or stains that could indicate bed bugs.

2. Inspect the headboard and the spaces between the carpet and the wall where moulted skins, excrement and eggs of the bed bugs could be found.

3. Do not place your luggage near the places where bed bugs are typically found – on the bed, near the bed, on the couch or any type of upholstered furniture.

4. Elevate your luggage on a luggage stand.

5. Keep your luggage closed at all times. If possible, use hard shelled luggage.

6. When not in use, keep items like laptops, books, toiletries, jewelry and electronics in sealed plastic bags.

7. Notify the manager-on-duty immediately if you suspect bed bugs or if you begin to develop itchy welts on your body.

Protect-A-Bed’s basic tips for travelers to follow upon returning home:

1. If you are a frequent traveler, encase mattresses and box springs before you leave home.

2. Do not take luggage inside your home.

3. Unpack your luggage in an area that is well-lit and away from furniture and sleeping areas, such as a garage.

4. Unpack one suitcase at a time. Immediately place all of your clothing that can be hot-laundered into the washing machine or into a garbage bag that can be sealed and placed aside.

5. All items being laundered should be laundered in the hottest possible wash cycle and placed in the dryer on the hottest possible setting.

6. Place all dry-clean clothing in a garbage bag, seal it and place it aside. Consider using dissolvable laundry bags to transport your clothes from your luggage to the washing machine a simple one-step process.

7. Empty items that you sealed in plastic bags (computer, books, toiletries, etc.) and immediately discard the bags in an outdoor trash can.

“While our steps for preventing an infestation cannot guarantee bed bugs won’t make it home with you, they can significantly decrease the likelihood,” Minoff-Michael said.

Mattress encasements are an important part of a bed bug management strategy, and a vital tool for those wishing to minimize serious bed bug infestation in their mattresses and box springs. Protect-A-Bed offers bed bug entry, escape and bite proof mattress encasements featuring the company’s patented BugLock® with Secure Seal®.

Protect-A-Bed products are designed to make the tell tale signs of a bed bug infestation more easily identifiable, and are used as an essential part of the bed bug management process at most hotels and by a majority of pest control companies nationwide. If you’d like to learn more about Protect-A-Bed and its bed bug management solutions, visit www.protectabed.com.

About Protect-A-Bed®

Protect-A-Bed offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products to create a Healthy Sleep Zone. The unique technology featured in Protect-A-Bed’s mattress and pillow protectors was developed in South Africa in 1980 before the company was officially established in the United States in 2000. Now selling in 27 countries, Protect-A-Bed is a worldwide leader in mattress protection innovation. The company developed the proprietary Miracle Membrane® and patented Bug Lock® and Secure Seal®, which help create a dry, bed bug free, anti-allergy sleep zone for people of all ages. Protect-A-Bed products are listed as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Food and Drug Administration and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal.

For more information, visit www.protectabed.com.

Eisenberg Promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales

December 4, 2009 - Alan Eisenberg has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales at Protect-A-Bed®, a premier provider of bedding protection products. In his position Eisenberg executes sales and marketing initiatives that increase Protect-A-Bed brand awareness and achieve sales and profit goals. Eisenberg works with leading retail companies and leads Protect-A-Bed’s team serving the Pest Control Management Industry.

“Protect-A-Bed has seen significant growth in recent years, in part, because of the outstanding leadership Alan has show within the home textile, furniture and pest control industries,” said Protect-A-Bed CEO James Bell. “He is an essential part of our company’s team.”

Prior to joining Protect-A-Bed in 2007, Eisenberg served a Vice President of National Accounts for the Serta Mattress Company where he received a number of awards, including a retail client’s Vendor Appreciation Award. Eisenberg’s nearly 20 years of experience in the mattress industry also includes employment at the Sealy Mattress Company, where he served as a Senior Key Account Manager.

Eisenberg has a B.A. in Economics from the City University of New York – Brooklyn College. He resides in Wellington, FL.

About Protect-A-Bed®

Protect-A-Bed offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products to create a Healthy Sleep Zone. The unique technology featured in Protect-A-Bed’s mattress and pillow protectors was developed in South Africa in 1980 before the company was officially established in the United States in 2000. Now selling in 27 countries, Protect-A-Bed is a worldwide leader in mattress protection innovation. The company developed the proprietary Miracle Membrane® and patented Bug Lock® and Secure Seal®, which help create a dry, bed bug free, anti-allergy sleep zone for people of all ages. Protect-A-Bed products are listed as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Food and Drug Administration and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal.

For more information, visit www.protectabed.com.

Dow Polyurethanes Joins SSA Mattress/Bedding Industry “Green Initiative”

December 3, 2009 - The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) has announced that Dow Polyurethanes has joined the SSA mattress/bedding industry “Green Initiative.”

“With more than 60 years of expertise in polyurethane chemistry coupled with our breakthrough work with bio-based feedstocks and technical knowledge of key raw materials for the bedding industry, Dow is excited about the opportunity to be an active member in the ‘Green Initiative’,” said Umberto Torresan, North American Marketing Manager for Furniture and Bedding and Global Marketing Manager for RENUVA™ Natural Oil Polyols, Dow Polyurethanes. “Defining what ‘green’ means and establishing industry-wide ‘green’ standards is a critical step in helping businesses and consumers alike make better buying decisions. We are thrilled to work hand in hand with bedding industry manufacturers, retailers and experts toward this goal.”

“We look forward to Dow’s involvement with the SSA and the ‘Green Initiative’ as we create and set definitions, terms and standards of green products in the bedding industry,” said SSA President, Dale Read. “Having Dow as part of our ‘Green Initiative’ means that the worlds’ largest producer of polyether polyols and a leading producer of isocyanates – key components used to create flexible polyurethane foam used in mattresses – recognizes the importance of establishing green standards.

“It is important for the SSA to work closely with top, world-wide suppliers and manufacturers as it is to also work with smaller ‘green’ boutique companies. The broader the participation --- the more likely all stake holders will participate in the development of meaningful definitions, terms and evolution towards a ‘Green Standard’ working with the industry as a whole."

Dow (www.dowpolyurethanes.com) is the world's largest producer of propylene oxide (PO) and polyether polyols, and is a leading producer of quality aromatic isocyanates, such as MDI and TDI. The business manufactures and markets polyurethane products and polyurethane systems that create rigid, semi-rigid and flexible foams, adhesives, sealants, coatings, elastomers and binders used for a broad range of applications including bedding and furniture. Dow also offers the latest in polyol technology with RENUVA™ Renewable Resource Technology (www.dowrenuva.com) and VORANOL™ VORACTIV™ polyols (www.dowvorativ.com), part of an ongoing initiative by Dow to lead the industry in providing high-performance products.

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Companies interested in learning more about the SSA Green Initiative should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org. 

AeroBed Wants to Know Your Overnight Guest Rating

Online Campaign Reveals if Accommodations are “Smart” or “Not So Smart”

November 13, 2009 - AeroBed® is bringing permanent bed technology to the airbed category while connecting with consumers to find out how “smart” their guest accommodations are.

The launch of the Luxury Collection Raised Pillowtop AeroBed® with Smart Settings™ firmness control introduces a level of comfort adjustability that’s revolutionary to an airbed. The Smart Settings control provides the perfect firmness with 7 unique pre-set firmness levels – from extra-firm to super-soft. And the innovation offers a “hands-free” feature with auto shut-off so the pump will turn off when the bed is fully inflated. Just push the button and in 3 minutes your bed is ready - it’s that easy. Simply dress the bed with your own standard size sheets, adjust the firmness to your preferred comfort level, and get a great night’s sleep!

Online campaign will run from November 3, 2009 through December 7, 2009.

The exclusive Smart Settings AeroBed is available at Bed, Bath and Beyond stores this fall, and to have some fun while educating consumers, AeroBed is running an online campaign. Visitors to www.brickfish.com  will be able to submit entries about their own guest accommodations and tell AeroBed if they are “Smart” or “Not So Smart.” Winners of the campaign will receive a free Smart Settings AeroBed along with $1,000 in free airfare to visit friends or family for the holidays. Additionally, the most viral winner will receive 2 Smart Settings AeroBeds – one to keep and one to share with a friend. The campaign will run from November 3, 2009 through December 7, 2009. Anyone over 18 years of age in the U.S. and Canada (excluding Quebec) can participate with either a campaign entry or a sweepstakes entry, and anyone worldwide can vote for their favorite campaign.

After November 3rd the campaign can be accessed from www.Brickfish.com by going to the “What’s Your Overnight Guest Rating?” campaign or by visiting www.aerobed.com and following the link from the home page.

The luxurious Smart Settings bed combines all the features that make an AeroBed the category leader – a plush, comfortable pillowtop surface, advanced pump for quick and easy inflation and deflation, coil construction that provides ultimate support, and a 22” bed height for ease of getting in and out of bed.

Whether your guest accommodations are already “smart” or “not so smart,” the AeroBed Luxury Collection Pillowtop Smart Settings bed is the perfect addition to any home.

About Aero Products International, Inc.

Aero Products International Inc., located in the Chicago area, is the leading innovator of premium, air-filled products under The Original AeroBed®, AeroBed® Active and AeroBed®Earth brand names. The original AeroBed was introduced in 1992, redefining the air bed product category through higher quality standards and new inflation technology. Aero Products International, Inc. produces a wide range of products designed for both indoor and outdoor use.

For additional information, visit the Aero Products website at www.aerobed.com.

Anatomic Rolls Out New Advanced Memory Foam Technology

November 11, 2009 - Anatomic Global recently introduced the company’s newly designed Ecomfort Mattress collection at the autumn High Point, NC market.

The new “SA2010” line represents five models ranging in price from $999 to $1,999 retail in queen. Among its features is a technologically superior Anatomic support system which delivers outstanding pressure relief and contouring support.

Within the mattress, a conforming foam layer provides an underlying elastic and fluid feel. Genuine EcoMemoryFoam™, Anatomic Global’s proprietary, exclusive material, provides shape-conforming comfort and support. EcoMemoryFoam, an extreme open-cell memory foam, does not retain heat, addressing the most common consumer complaint; sleeping hot on foam bedding.

“We are expanding the line because many of our new retail partners are telling us that they have never seen a product take off so quickly,” said Anatomic Global president Jeff Scorziell. “We have the right solutions that retailers need right now. It includes our superior technology in a leading-edge specialty sleep product that we vacuum-roll and drop-ship nationwide.”

Ecomfort Mattress is also earth-friendly to the core. A significant portion of the EcoMemoryFoam formulation is comprised of a 100 percent plant-based product. The product uses less energy to process, conserving energy, and the process is fully contained in a patented Zero Emissions chamber, dramatically reducing the product’s impact on the environment from its inception.

“Retailers are telling us that the products are successful not only because it is an entirely different memory foam product, but also different in the way we construct it,” said Jeff Scorziell. “Our technology for layering the materials creates the distinctive, gentle resistance that has become a signature trait of all our mattresses.”

About Anatomic Global

Founded in 1989, Anatomic Global, Inc. sets itself apart by raising the bar on the manufacture and supply of “proudly made in the USA” environmentally-friendly mattresses and bedding. The company upholds a 360-degree green manufacturing commitment in three ways – by developing applications for its innovative and sustainable plant-based formulas; by leading the industry with its zero-air emissions manufacturing process; and by applying the most efficient direct-to-store and consumer-direct delivery methods for a reduced carbon footprint. In 2008, the company launched the Ecomfort Mattress brand of mattresses featuring its signature, patented EcoMemoryFoam™ extreme open-cell plant-based memory foam.

For more information, visit www.ecomfortmattress.com.

OrganicPedic By OMI Selected for the Alice Cooper and David Bowie

Themed Furnished Apartments in Los Angeles

Eco-designed Rock-Royalty Showcase Highlights Development's

Future as a Green Building Landmark

November 10, 2009 - Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI) was tapped by Los Angeles-based sustainable real estate developer REthink Development to furnish the Alice Cooper and David Bowie themed apartments. The apartments are part of a four-week showcase to celebrate the completion of Lofts@Cherokee Studios, a former Hollywood recording studio converted into a 12-unit live/work loft development that is expected to achieve LEED Platinum certification from the USGBC. This accomplishment will mark the space as the first building of its kind on the West Coast.

“This program is a great example of public education and showing average consumers that they have the ability to effect environmental change,” said OMI President and CEO Walt Bader. “Beyond buying a Prius or shopping at an organic grocer, each of us can do more to create a natural living environment. In the home furnishing space, we are proud the developers chose OMI to represent all the benefits of organic bedding.”

Leading Los Angeles designers underscore the development’s future as a green building landmark and commemorate rock-royalty who recorded at the former studio, such as Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Aerosmith and Madonna by designing themed spaces, melding music with sustainable design. This special showcase will run from now through Nov. 19, with public tours held every weekend. Proceeds from the public tours will benefit charity partner Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles.

OMI, through their retail partner, Southern California-based Custom Comfort Mattress is outfitting the Alice Cooper room with their OrganicPedic® Terra mattress. Four OrganicPedic® 100% Natural Rubber Latex pillows will decorate David Bowie’s room and show-goers can view an OrganicPedic® Flora mattress and an OrganicPedic® Terra mattress in the model room.

Over the past few months OMI has developed a mattress collection priced competitively, enabling more families to enjoy the health and wellness benefits of a better night’s sleep on a purely organic mattress. With entry level price point at $1,595 for a queen size, OMI is making organic more accessible and is doing for organic mattresses what Toyota did for electric cars.

An industry leader in organic bedding, OMI has the most third-party certifications for raw materials, factory processing and finished-product testing, including being Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified® in the category of children and schools. All OMI products are made by expert artisans at OMI’s Eco-Factory™—the first Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified eco-factory in North America, a chemical-free, smoke-free and fragrance-free environment. An exclusive ozone-sanitization process is used to help protect against potential contamination from molds, yeasts, pollen, and bacteria. OMI’s commitment to maintaining a pure environment runs so deep that its employees do not smoke, wear fragrances, or use fabric softeners on their clothing.

OMI mattresses and accessories are made and sourced in the U.S. and is a full-circle environmental company that proudly uses organic raw materials from American organic farmers and industries.  Doing so supports American farmers and prevents the risk of contamination from foreign-based impurities and import fumigants, as well as reducing the environmental impact and carbon footprint involved in global transportation.

For more information, visit www.organicpedicbyomi.com.

Jim Nation Named President of Five Star® Mattress Company

November 9, 2009 - Officials at Five Star Mattress and Serta International announced on November 2nd. that Jim Nation has been named President of Five Star Mattress Company.  

Nation is a thirty-plus year veteran of the mattress industry and previously held management positions at Spring Air, Sealy and Basset Bedding.  Nation was also a former Chairman of ISPA.  

“I am excited to lead Five Star Mattress,” says Nation.  “I see a great opportunity to fulfill the vision of a national, value-price brand with big brand quality and capabilities.”  

About Five Star® Mattress

Five Star Mattress was launched in January 2008 by AOT Holdings, which is owned by Ares Management and the Ontario Teachers Pension Fund. Five Star’s products are manufactured exclusively by Serta®, which is also part of the AOT Holdings portfolio. The company’s goal is grow its retail partners’ businesses by supplying high-quality products at exceptional values.

About Serta®

Serta is a bedding brand leader and the manufacturer of the best selling premium mattress in America, The Serta Perfect Sleeper®, the upscale Perfect Day® collection and the elegant Vera Wang by Serta® Collection. As the leading provider of mattresses to the hospitality industry, Serta partners with hotel groups such as Hilton Hotels, Marriott, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Bellagio Hotel, Wyndham Hotels, Omni Hotels, Choice Hotels, Accor Hotels and many more.

Serta has 23 U.S. and four Canadian manufacturing plants.  In addition, Serta is distributed internationally in 60 other countries.  With its worldwide network, Serta is able to respond quickly to customers’ needs while still preserving strict control standards to ensure the highest quality products.

For more information, visit, www.serta.com. 

Serta and National Home Furnishings Association To Launch Consumer-centered Sweepstakes in January 2010

New sponsorship program will kick off in 2010 with an exclusive national sweepstakes designed to grow members’ bedding business

National Home Furnishings Association Names Serta as its Official Mattress Sponsor.

November 8, 2009 - The National Home Furnishings Association (NHFA) announced today that Serta is its official and exclusive mattress sponsor, making the bedding giant the first member of a new premium level of NHFA sponsorship.

Serta will offer NHFA members exclusive national promotions designed to energize NHFA members and their retail sales associates while encouraging consumers to shop during key selling periods. The sponsorship will kick off in January with an exciting consumer-centered sweepstakes that will run through April of 2010 - in conjunction with the national launch of the NHFA’s new web portal, www.homefurnishings.com.

“This is an exciting time for the NHFA and I am thrilled to have Serta sign on as our official mattress sponsor,” says Steve DeHaan, Executive Vice President for the NHFA. “Like the NHFA, Serta has invested in innovative and aggressive marketing programs to help their partners grow. This partnership is a natural fit and it will be beneficial to our members.”

The details of Serta’s exclusive sweepstakes program will be revealed at the upcoming High Point market. Officials at Serta did reveal that the company will provide a turnkey retail advertising program to help participating retailers successfully promote the event as well as advertise on www.homefurnishings.com.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Serta to partner with a very respected organization,” says Bob Sherman, President of Serta International. “The NHFA has made a great investment in supporting their members and we are thrilled to be part of this endeavor. Our sweepstakes program, which we will reveal at High Point, is going to be a blockbuster event. Plus, it is going to be a lot of fun for NHFA members and consumers.”

While Serta is offering this program exclusively to NHFA members, company officials do encourage retailers that are not members of the NHFA to contact them.

About Serta:

Serta is a bedding brand leader and the manufacturer of the best selling premium mattress in America, The Serta Perfect Sleeper®, the upscale Perfect Day® collection and the elegant Vera Wang by Serta® Collection.  As the leading provider of mattresses to the hospitality industry, Serta partners with hotel groups such as Hilton Hotels, Marriott, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Bellagio Hotel, Wyndham Hotels, Omni Hotels, Choice Hotels, Accor Hotels and many more. Serta has 23 U.S. and four Canadian manufacturing plants.  In addition, Serta is distributed internationally in 60 other countries.  With its worldwide network, Serta is able to respond quickly to customers’ needs while still preserving strict control standards to ensure the highest quality products.

Retailers can learn more by visiting www.serta.com or by calling Serta’s dedicated NHFA hotline at 800-372-3782 extension 6014.

Simmons Rolls On With Nationwide Truck Tour of

ComforPedic NxG Loft® Memory Foam Line-Up

Retailers and Factory Employees Tour “Showroom on Wheels”

Edited by: Dale T. Read, Editor-in-Chief, BEDROOM Magazine

October 30, 2009 - Simmons continues the company’s nationwide traveling launch of its new value-oriented ComforPedic Loft™ collection of memory foam mattresses featuring the company’s next generation technology with a North American retailer tour. The highly visible ComforPedic Loft “Showroom on Wheels” already traveled over 10,000 miles throughout the United States and Canada, numerous cities and retail locations. This Simmons® NxG® Memory Foam ComforPedic Loft road tour is allowing the company to present the new models to retailers all over the country who did not attend the Las Vegas Furniture Market. It will also allow those retailers who committed to carrying the line at the Vegas market to personally give their retailers a first-hand look at the new bedding brand from Simmons.

A Powerful Presence in High Point As Well

The 53-foot, 18-wheeler rolling showroom showed up the street from the Green Building in High Point, NC in mid-October and then continued on its tour to Altanta, Texas, Oklahoma and eventually St. Louis, MO.. The truck was open to those retailers who were interested in stopping by during the course of the show.

A Stop at the Charlotte, NC Plant

BEDROOM Magazine got a chance to visit the traveling showroom both at High Point, NC during the furniture market, and then a few days later in Charlotte, NC at the Simmons factory located Northwest of the downtown area. When this editor arrived, the huge traveling showroom was packed with factory employees, who were receiving a tour of the showroom and the product. According to Anne Kozel, Simmons Specialty Products Manager, this was a real opportunity for the men and women who make these products to get to see them in finished format and on display. “It actually creates a buzz..a little excitement. They get to see the products in a finished setting. You could tell they were very upbeat about this display, “said Kozel.

Scott Smalling who is President of the Simmons Specialty Division within Simmons told bedroom Magazine that the traveling tour was extremely successful and well received by both retailers and Simmons factory personnel. “We are well over 10,000 miles and more to go, and so far it has been extremely well received and successful, said Smalling. If this is working so well, this editor wonders if there could be more of this outreach marketing to come?

The road trip actually began on the closing day of the Las Vegas show with the truck heading to Los Angeles followed by Sacramento, CA. After the California leg of the trip, the road show made its way across the country and into Canada with stops in Salt Lake City, Denver, and Omaha, Neb., as well as touring other major cities including Milwaukee, Chicago, Toronto, Ontario, New York, Boston, and Philadelphia before arriving in High Point.

The truck is an easy-to-spot advertising and marketing vehicle (figuratively and literally) with a full trailer wrap that features bold, color images of the ComforPedic Loft brand and products. Some of the truck’s other images include the NxG Memory Foam handprint and the brand feature/ benefit claims of “Dissipates Heat,” “Quicker Recovery,” and “Consistent Comfort.”

Tracking the Trip Using Modern Social Media

Ah…nothing like virtual reality, real TV and yes now Twitter® and Facebook® to keep us abreast of a moving marketing campaign….to track a live event. According to Scott Smalling, president of Simmons’ specialty sleep division, he and Butch Webster, the well-known industry veteran who serves as vice president of Simmons’ specialty sleep division, will join the rolling mattress display on the cross-country trek, traveling in their own ComforPedic branded SUV. Smalling says that he and Webster will conduct sales meetings and training, and that they will oversee the product set up at each tour location. Smalling says it will be invaluable to receive real-time feedback from both consumers and retail sales associates (RSAs). Interested dealers and consumers will be able to follow the tour’s progress on Simmons’ Facebook page and through Twitter, as Smalling chronicles his own experience on the road with daily posts at www.twitter.com/ComforPedicLoft.

Scott Smalling tells BEDROOM Magazine that the “ ‘Showroom on Wheels’ has been so far a real adventure for those going on the road. In this modern age of personal marketing, we take reaching out to our dealers and consumers very seriously. Taking a new product directly to our dealers and creating an event at their location is a unique concept. We know that retailers are watching their resources very closely, and we want to do what we can do to make things more convenient for our Simmons customers. Since we will be on the retailers’ turf, I have a feeling that the tour will provide us with insights we would never learn in a traditional bedding showroom.”

To learn more about the new Simmons ComforPedic Loft collection, retailers are invited to visit www.comforpedicloft.com.

Farley Accepts Specialty Sleep Association's Appointment to the Chairmanship

of the Mattress/Bedding Industry “Green Initiative"

October 21, 2009 - The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) appointed David Farley, CEO of Anatomic Global, as the chairman of the mattress/bedding industry “Green Initiative.” The Green Initiative, sponsored by the SSA, is a process designed to identify, define and standardize how mattress manufacturers and retailers label “green” and natural sleep products. Farley joins Anatomic Global’s president, Jeff Scorziell on the founding Initial Governing Board.

Farley founded Anatomic Global, formerly Anatomic Concepts, in 1989 as a supplier of foam support devices and mattresses to the medical industry. Re-named Anatomic Global in 2007, is the world's number one OEM supplier of memory foam products on the Internet, fulfilling an average of 850,000 orders each year directly with U.S. consumers. In 2008, the company launched Ecomfort Mattress, an environmentally-friendly sleep line, which has fueled record sales growth for the company.

Farley has more than 25 years of experience in the foam industry and holds 27 patents on the anatomic uses of foam. Farley graduated from California State Polytechnic University with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering. He holds a MBA from Pepperdine University.

“We are excited to welcome David as chairman,” SSA President Dale Read said. “He provides a unique combination of engineering and bedding industry experience that will provide the SSA Green Initiative Governing Board wonderful insight and leadership.”

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Companies interested in learning more about the SSA Green Initiative should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

‘Fly by Night’, New England’s Leading Retailer in Natural Bedding,

Debuts Greenest and Purest Mattress in the Nation

Eco-Guru and “Healthy Sleep” Expert Walt Bader Spoke in Northampton, MA

October 21, 2009 - Organic Mattresses, Inc. (OMI), the nation’s leading manufacturer of organic mattresses and bedding, announced on October 14th.that Northampton, MA’s largest furniture store and leader in natural bedding, Fly by Night, will offer OMI’s complete line of organic, all-natural latex mattresses.

To help debut the Organicpedic® by OMI collection, OMI’s CEO and President Walt Bader attended a special presentation at the store on Wednesday, Walt, a thought-leader in the eco-community and an eco-living go-to source, will share his philosophy and answer questions about healthy, pure sleep.  Walt is one of the U.S. leading advocates of healthier sleep and the author of Toxic Bedrooms: Your Guide to a Safe Night’s Sleep.

“It seemed only natural to chose Fly by Night to introduce our handcrafted pure mattresses in the New England area,” said Bader. “Fly by Night was one of the first retailers to offer natural bedding and remains truly committed to bringing consumers the most wholesome sleep alternatives for a healthy, toxin-free home.”

Introduced in 2008 and made by expert artisans at OMI’s Northern California Eco-Factory™—the first large-scale, Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified eco-factory in North America, the OrganicPedic® by OMI line redefined quality-of-life and healthy sleep.  Now, Fly by Night is offering this collection to its consumers.

“In western New England, we’ve been the leaders in natural mattresses for over 12 years, so partnering with OMI was a perfect fit,” said Richard Zafft, co-owner of Fly by Night. “Eco-conscious living is not a fad for us, it is part of our DNA and the OMI line allows us to continue to offer the best in natural bedding solutions,” Zafft added.

The OrganicPedic® by OMI Collection is constructed with 100-percent Natural Rubber Latex, Certified Organic Cotton and Eco-wool™.  The collection includes a full range of comfort options, starting with the most plush, OrganicPedic® Terra, moving to the OrganicPedic® Lago, OrganicPedic® Flora, OrganicPedic® Midori and the newly debuted OrganicPedic® Sierra.  To accompany the latex mattress line, OMI also makes a fully upholstered wood-slat foundation made from cabinet-grade, kiln-dried wood with Forest Stewardship Council certified wood.  OrganicPedic® by OMI Collection is most noted for its luxurious comfort and tailored appearance.  The beds range in price from $1,595 to $4,395 in queen size.

OMI products are made and sourced in the USA and is a full-circle environmental company that proudly uses organic raw materials from American organic farmers and industries.  Doing so supports American farmers and prevents the risk of potential contamination from foreign-based impurities and potential import fumigants, as well as reduces the environmental impact and carbon footprint involved in global transportation.

For more information, visit www.organicpedicbyomi.com.

Protect-A-Bed & Mattress Firm Team Up to Fight Against Pancreatic Cancer

October 14, 2009 - Mattress Firm and Protect-A-Bed, today announced their plans to launch a campaign to raise money for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.  During the month of November, Mattress Firm and Protect-A-Bed will donate a portion of the proceeds for each mattress protector (made by Protect-A-Bed) that is bought from a Mattress Firm store to the foundation.  The two companies have chosen to run this program throughout the month of November to correspond with the national pancreatic cancer awareness month.

Pancreatic Cancer is the fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths in the United States.  Unfortunately, the discovery of new cases is rising instead of falling.  Pancreatic Cancer has the highest mortality rate of any of the major cancers with only 5 percent of those affected surviving longer than five years.  The Pancreatic Cancer Action Network is a nationwide network of people dedicated to working together to advance research, support patients and create hope for those affected by pancreatic cancer (www.pancan.org).

Karrie Forbes, VP of Marketing for Mattress Firm, said about the month-long program, “Mattress Firm is proud to be partnering with Protect-A-Bed to contribute to such a worthy cause.  As part of our purpose to improve lives one night at a time; it is extremely important that we are committed to serving not only our customers, but our communities through hands on involvement and philanthropic efforts to worthwhile endeavors.  Pancreatic Cancer takes far too many lives every year, and we hope that our contributions can aid in the effort for medical breakthroughs in prevention, diagnosis and treatment.”

A similar sentiment is expressed by the executive team at Protect-A-Bed, "Protect-A-Bed has been a long-time supporter of pancreatic cancer research," said James Bell, CEO of Protect-A-Bed. "Now that we are joining forces with Mattress Firm and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network for this special in-store promotion, I am confident we will help put researchers one step closer to finding a cure for one the nation's deadliest forms of cancer."

About Mattress Firm

Houston-based Mattress Firm is one of the nation’s premier specialty bedding retailers, offering a broad selection of both traditional and specialty mattresses from leading manufacturers, including Tempur-Pedic, Sleep to Live, Sealy, Simmons, Stearns & Foster and Serta. Founded in 1986, Mattress Firm’s purpose is to improve lives one night at a time.  With more than 525 stores across 21 states, Mattress Firm offers consumers the benefit of highly-trained, knowledgeable sales professionals, a broad product offering and competitive prices in an attractive and comfortable store environment.  

About Protect-A-Bed®

Protect-A-Bed® offers consumers a complete line of protective bedding products to create a Healthy Sleep Zone. The unique technology featured in Protect-A-Bed’s mattress and pillow protectors was developed in South Africa in 1980 before the company was officially established in the United States in 2000. Now selling in 27 countries, Protect-A-Bed is a worldwide leader in mattress protection innovation. The company developed the proprietary Miracle Membrane® and patented Bug Lock® three-sided zipper system with Secure Seal®, which help create a dry, bed bug free, anti-allergy sleep zone for people of all ages. Protect-A-Bed products are listed as a Class 1 Medical Device with the Food and Drug Administration and have received the Good Housekeeping Seal.

For more information, visit www.protectabed.com.

Specialty Sleep Association Adds Springs Creative’s Specialty Fabrics Group Executive

to ‘Green Initiative’ Governing Board

October 5, 2009 – The Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) has stated that Springs Creative’s Specialty Fabrics Group executive Scott Frisch has joined the SSA Governing Board of the mattress/bedding industry “Green Initiative.” Springs Creative’s Specialty Fabrics Group delivers substrates specifically designed and engineered to fulfill the needs of clients in a wide variety of industries, including bedding. Springs Creative is the 10th company to join the board.

Frisch is a well know industry consultant. At Springs Creative, he is Sales/Merchandising Manager in the Specialty Fabrics division. Prior to joining Springs Creative, Frisch spent 10 years as a consultant in the textiles and mattress industries, specializing in marketing, business development and new product launches. Frisch had also served as Vice President of Sclavos USA, a textile machinery company. He is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a B.S. in textile management. Frisch is a resident of Tega Cay, South Carolina.

“Having a representative of the textile component of our industry on our Governing Board will be extremely helpful as we create and set definitions, terms and standards of green products in the bedding industry,” said SSA President, Dale Read. “We look forward to Scott’s perspective and insight as we work towards our goals.”

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Companies interested in learning more about the SSA Green Initiative should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

Englander Continues International Expansion with Englander Australia

October 2, 2009 - At the recent Las Vegas Market, Englander continued to build its international presence with the signing of Englander Australia. Englander’s newest licensee, with factories in Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth and Sydney, has been provided the exclusive territory rights for all of Australia.

“Englander has the second oldest brand in the United States, and now we are well on our way to establishing Englander in the global bedding arena,” says Kevin Toman, president of Englander LLC.

Englander, the leader in sleep technology since 1894, is one of the nation’s leading mattress manufacturers with owner-operated facilities throughout the United States and licensees worldwide.

For additional information on joining Englander’s international partnership, visit www.englander.com, or contact them at licensing@englander.com.

Spotlight on Patented-Pending Leggett & Platt's Retail Solution

Leggett & Platt Showcases Proven Success of Emotional-Based Retail Concept at

High Point Market IHFC, Commerce 603

October 2, 2009 - On the heels of the successful “Extreme Retail Makeover” in Alabama, L&P CPG is renovating part of its High Point showroom to showcase the success story of an emotional-based retail concept built around Leggett & Platt’s Retail Solution, an innovative merchandising and marketing program at the heart of the makeover event.

The patent-pending LPRS was proven to be successful at Bedzzz Express, a Birmingham, Ala., mattress retailer where the Extreme Retail Makeover took place earlier this year. Following the implementation of the retail solution, Birmingham Bedzzz Express stores saw a 30 percent increase in average ticket growth after the retail transformation. In addition, there was a 56 percent increase in adjustable bed sales and a 45 percent increase in attachment sales for accessories in Bedzzz Express stores after installing the LPRS.

L&P Retail Solution is expanding to retailers throughout the country.

Now, L&P Retail Solution is expanding to retailers throughout the country to help them discover that selling on the emotional benefits of sleep can result in higher revenues, a better way to survive the “new normal”.

“In an industry where most sales are made only on price, L&P CPG has discovered that purchasing bedding products is much more of an emotional experience. Sleep is a major aspect of our health and wellness and all products related to sleep should be treated accordingly,” said Herman Tam, group vice president of marketing for Leggett & Platt’s Consumer Products Group.

Leggett & Platt’s Retail Solution program concept will comprise of approximately 800 square feet of showroom space and will include both display and marketing materials and a variety of sleep accessories including mattress protectors, pillows, sheet sets and product samples. L&P CPG’s Team Impact™ sales training team will be on duty answering questions regarding emotional-based selling as well as details of the LPRS program.

Leggett & Platt will display their new retail solution at the upcoming High Point Market in IHFC, Commerce 603.

For more information, please visit www.leggett.com.  

Specialty Sleep Association Engages Worden Associates to Help Launch
and Manage the Mattress Bedding Industry Green Initiative

Worden to Work With the Initial Governing Board

September 28, 2009 - Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) has engaged noted green consultant, Vicki Worden, CEO of Worden Associates to assist the organization’s Green Governing Board and to recruit the larger Working Committee. Worden’s position will be to facilitate the board in carrying out the mission of the Green Initiative --- a process designed to identify, define and standardize how mattress manufacturers and retailers label “green” and market natural sleep products.

Worden is the founder/president of Worden Associates (www.WordenAssociates.com) and a noted strategic counselor on the development and launching of products and services with green labels. She has 18 years of experience in planning and business development and has consulted for numerous corporations and non-profit organizations.

Previously, Worden was a Vice President of Commercial Programs for the Portland, Oregon based Green Building Initiative, where she launched the Green Globes® environmental rating system in the United States, which is on track to become the first American National Standard for commercial green buildings.

“When Vicki spoke at the SSA Green Initiative Conference in May, she impressed the industry with her knowledge in navigating the sea of hyperbole when creating green definitions and standards,” said SSA President Dale Read. “We look forward to her help in facilitating the mattress/bedding industry Green Initiative Governing board.”

Founded in 1995, the Specialty Sleep Association (SSA) is a national not-for-profit organization created to facilitate the growth and positive awareness of the specialty sleep category. SSA membership is comprised of more than 100 manufacturers and retailers ranging from small, family-owned businesses to large corporations.

Companies interested in learning more about the SSA Green Initiative should contact SSA Executive Director Tambra Jones, tambra@sleepinformation.org.

Stearns & Foster Introduced Three New Heritage Series at Las Vegas Market

 Upscale Models Follow Successful Launch Amid High Retailer Demand

September 27, 2009 - Stearns & Foster recently introduced the Heritage Series, its newest models at the September Las Vegas market following the brand’s highly successful initial launch in January 2009. The three new models, the Golden Elegance, Pearl Grandeur and Silver Dream continued the Stearns & Foster tradition of mattresses that are synonymous with luxury, living up to a legacy of inspiration, inside and out.

“Since launching earlier this year, retailer response to the new Stearns & Foster line has been tremendous,” said Larry Rogers, Sealy president and CEO. “This positive response created an immediate need for new top-of-the-line models. We’ve answered retailer demand with the Heritage Series.”

Each model offers unique design features – the top model, Golden Elegance, boasts impeccable tailoring, including golden inset panels with rich, black trim that accentuates the luxuriant fabric and contrasting gusset fabric. The next model, Pearl Grandeur, features a vivid rose trim accentuated by subtle tones of the panel fabric while the classic Silver Dream features a rich dark grey trim that complements the relaxing silver tones of the panel fabric.

“Each sleep set has its own personality, providing the luxurious detail only found on a Stearns & Foster,” said Mark Delahanty, vice president, Sealy marketing. “We’ve used best-in-class upholstery layers and incorporated the world’s finest bedding materials such as silk, white cashmere and merino wool for unsurpassed comfort.”

The oldest brand in bedding, Stearns & Foster has a rich heritage that began more than 160 years ago, when two Ohio businessmen making upscale upholstery for horse-drawn carriages discovered their unique process for cotton bunting also would make for a luxurious night’s sleep. Building on this tradition of luxury and comfort, the new line contains the finest selection of fibers and materials, including New Zealand wool for lasting resilience and comfort and refined touches, such as embossed metal corner guards and hand-tufted finishing.

Stearns & Foster continues to take the lead in quality production and consistency. Each mattress is created in a proprietary Stearns & Foster manufacturing cell by certified craftsmen – at just two plants in North American – using a dedicated approach to ensure each product is consistent and exceeds customer and consumer expectations.

New Stearns & Foster Heritage Series models are available at select retail stores winter 2010. Models range from $2,999 to $3,999 based on queen set.

Forward-looking Statement

This release may contain various forward-looking statements and information that are based on Sealy's beliefs, as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Sealy. When used in this or other releases or communications to the public, words such as “anticipate,” “project,” “expect,” “plan,” “goal,” “forecast,” “intend,” “could,” “believe,” “may,” and similar expressions and statements regarding the plans and objectives of Sealy for future operations are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although Sealy believes that such expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Sealy cannot give assurances that such expectations will prove to be correct. Sealy has no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

About Stearns & Foster

The oldest brand in bedding, Stearns & Foster has a rich heritage that began more than 160 years ago and since then has been dedicated to creating the ultimate sleep experience. Building on a heritage of luxury and comfort, Stearns & Foster emphasizes the finest materials, flawless attention to detail, industry-leading innovation and technology and a steadfast commitment to excellence.  A brand of Sealy Corporation since 1983, Stearns & Foster pioneered the luxury bedding business and product line and continues to be an industry leader in quality production and consistency. Stearns & Foster is manufactured in 22 plants across North America and Puerto Rico.  

For more information, please visit www.stearnsandfoster.com or www.sealy.com.

Therapedic Inks India Licensee

September 26, 2009 - Therapedic International has announced that they have entered into a long-term agreement with Restolex, located in Bangalore, India to represent the brand in that country. Restolex has been granted the Therapedic license for all of India, according the Gerry Borreggine, Therapedic president/CEO.

“We are pleased to have an outstanding manufacturer, with heritage of quality production, represent our brand in such an important part of the world,” said Borreggine. “We are looking to increase the brand stature of Therapedic by engaging critical partners, like Restolex, in every corner of the world, but especially in key countries, like India,” he said.

“We are pleased to have not only joined a brand with a great international history, but also, become part of a brand that has a very compelling marketing