In high school, we studied William Wordsworth’s poem, “The World Is Too Much With Us.” It’s a cry against materialism, but for some reason I equate the title with the worries of the world impinging on our collective peace of mind. It seems to be on repeat in my brain lately, as I consider market challenges and their potential solutions.
At the High Point Market in April, tariffs were a hot topic. As economist Chris Kuehl noted during his talk at the ISPA Industry Conference in March, businesses can deal with anything. “They just want to know what the rules are,” he said. “So, if there is a tariff, fine. If there isn’t a tariff, fine.”
The problem is, the rules keep changing. Some manufacturers have responded by moving production back to the United States. Others have shifted away from China but have factories elsewhere. Making those kinds of moves takes time.
Along with these considerations, consumer confidence is rocky. Research by the Better Sleep Council, which leads consumer research and education for the International Sleep Products Association, found that more than a third of U.S. adults are worried about being able to afford purchases beyond their basic needs.
Some folks at High Point Market said now is the best time to market mattresses, because, unlike other goods, the prices are moderately stable. Others were worried because mattresses are deferrable products.
High-durability mattresses might appeal to cash-strapped consumers. Designed for bigger bodies, these mattresses contain heavy-duty coil units and foams that are meant to last longer. Our article on this growing segment notes that while these beds are created with athletes or plus-size consumers in mind, anyone can benefit from these mattresses. As Paramount Sleep Co. President Richard Fleck notes: “(The HD Super Duty line) was created in response to a growing demand from value-conscious consumers seeking greater durability and long-term performance from their mattresses.”
As an industry, we’re always trying to find the balance between sustainable and profitable products and this is one way the industry seems to be addressing that. On a related note, I’ve seen a small return of two-sided mattresses, such as the GTS models in A.W. Industries’ revamped Silentnight line. Of course, brands like Gold Bond and Shifman never stopped.
I hope good things and stability are on the horizon -— and that the world isn’t too much where you are.
