Bedding Market Dips in 3rd Quarter
Total unit shipments of mattresses, as well as stationary and motion foundations, from U.S. producers and imports tumbled 7.9% in the third quarter, compared with the same three-month period in 2018, according to Bedding Market Quarterly, a sales trend report published by the International Sleep Products Association. The value of those shipments declined 4% year over year. The year-to-date unit shipments were 7.6% below the same period in 2018, and the value of those units dropped 3.7%.
Turning to reported U.S.-produced mattresses and stationary foundations, unit shipments decreased 11.3%, compared with the third quarter of 2018, while the wholesale value of those shipments dropped 3.4% below last year. The average unit price in third quarter of 2019 rose 8.9% over the third quarter of 2018. Year to date, units and dollars fell 14.3% and 4.2% respectively, while AUP rose 11.7% above the same period in 2018.
Bedding Market Quarterly reports U.S. sales activity (including Puerto Rico) based on data provided by 13 U.S. mattress producers. The participating companies accounted for 71.3% of the mattress units shipped and 58.7% of the wholesale market revenue for mattresses sold in 2018. The experience of these participants as a group does not necessarily reflect those of the entire mattress manufacturing industry. Furthermore, comparisons of Bedding Market Quarterly results for different time periods can be affected by a number of factors, including differences in the number of workdays and holiday promotions in a given quarter, weather conditions, etc.
Participate in ISPA’s Wage Survey
The International Sleep Products Association has begun to collect data for its biennial Mattress Industry Wage & Management Compensation Report, a valuable management tool for members. The industrywide statistical report, commonly known as the Wage Survey, provides comprehensive data on industry compensation practices and policies that help mattress manufacturers improve their business performance.
ISPA members can access the survey at Secureii.com/ISPA/Account/Login.aspx, enabling you to enter and save your data electronically. Once you register, you also can download the questionnaire in PDF form if you prefer.
This useful management tool provides data that will help you:
• Set competitive pay scales and salaries
• Review union contracts
• Negotiate benefits packages.
Members who participate in the Wage Survey receive a national report, as well as a customized confidential report, comparing your company’s specific compensation packages with your industry peers. To receive these exclusive reports, complete the online questionnaire no later than Dec. 16.
Questions? Contact Jane Oseth, manager of member services, at [email protected].
Manual of Labeling Laws Expanded
The International Sleep Products Association Manual of Labeling Laws now includes the ISPA Sleep Products Voluntary Dimensional Guideline for Bedding Products and Components. This important manual is your source for comprehensive information regarding U.S. and Canadian laws covering the labeling of bedding, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture and other products. The voluntary dimensional guidelines explain the total size relationship of bedding products and components and provide information on other applicable standards and common industry terminology.
In the manual you’ll also find:
• A list of states and jurisdictions with and without labeling laws
• General requirements for new and secondhand bedding products
• U.S., federal, state and Canadian labeling law requirements
• Illustration of the Uniform Law Label
• Contact information for law enforcement officials for
questions
• An overview of the registration/license process, fees and Uniform Registry Number System
• California Prop 65 summary
• An overview of the Mattress Recycling Council and more!
Visit the ISPA website, SleepProducts.org, to download a free member copy.
Coming in 2020…
Be sure to check upcoming issues of BedTimes and its sister publication Sleep Savvy for extensive research on the buyer’s journey and more.
