Mattress brand and licensing group Nature’s Rest is re–energized and expanding into new markets and new products, said Bill Huertas, president of both Nature’s Rest and Spring Air Northeast in Boston.
Nature’s Rest and the entire family of Spring Air brands were acquired in 2009 by Ed Bates, chairman of the Spring Air International licensing group and owner of Spring Air Northeast. Nature’s Rest was founded 15 years ago by current Spring Air International President Rick Robinson and is operated by Bates as a separate company.
The mostly latex specialty sleep line recently added its fifth licensee, Biscayne Bedding, based in Miami. Biscayne Bedding is a mattress producer with its own bed brands and a 50–year history. It’s the first non–Spring Air producer to license Nature’s Rest.
“Biscayne Bedding really understands the value of the Nature’s Rest brand and the concept of ‘alternative sleep’, ” Huertas said. “We are trying to set Nature’s Rest apart from the crowd. As we move forward, we are seeking out quality manufacturers with a desire and ability to get into the specialty market.”
The company’s newest collection is the six–bed Euro Series with a smooth, contemporary, unquilted look and zippered covers. The Progeny and Natural Zone collections have more traditional styling with quilting and tape–edges. Bed components include natural latex, polyurethane foams with plant–based content, wool, sustainably forested wood, and other components and fibers with a natural story.
“We are going to be more focused on this brand as we move into 2012,” Huertas said. “And we are getting our name out there—where consumers shop every day—by licensing an accessories collection of toppers and pillows at Bed Bath & Beyond.”
The accessories have 100% cotton covers and fills of “eco–fiber,” which is 100% recycled PET or feathers. The collection rolled out to 500 stores in September.
