International Bedding, Comfort Solutions sign IHFC leases

Move bolsters building's efforts in mattress category

David Perry -- Furniture Today, March 24, 2010

HIGH POINT — Top 10 bedding producers International Bedding and Comfort Solutions have signed long-term leases at the International Home Furnishings Center, IHFC officials said.

They said the moves reflect the efforts of the market's largest showroom building to create the "premier bedding category destination."

"Our bedding category exhibitors have done very well over the past few markets," said Julie Messner, the IHFC's vice president of publication sales, who also oversees leasing for the bedding category and was a key force behind the development of the Big Building's Bedding Center.

That center organizes many bedding producers on the fifth and sixth floors of the IHFC's Main wing.

Scott O'Bryant, marketing manager for International Bedding, said that showing at the IHFC at the October market was a test for his company that "went very well."

O'Bryant said IB has shifted some of its efforts from OEM production toward more work directly with retailers.

Steve Mageland, marketing director for the Mid-Atlantic region for Comfort Solutions, said that the Comfort Solutions licensee, based in Norfolk, Va., is doubling its IHFC space "based on last year's success and our plan for progressive growth in the fall."

Messner said the IHFC boasts "a who's who in the bedding industry. And it makes for a unique and productive shopping experience for buyers." Other new bedding exhibitors there include Klaussner Memory Foam Bedding and Symbol Mattress, she added.

They join a list of bedding exhibitors at the IHFC that also includes Serta, Simmons, Classic Brands, Zedbed, Glideaway, Hickory at Home, ICare Sleep Products, Leggett & Platt's Consumer Products Group, Five Star Mattress, Pure Latex Bliss, Jamison Bedding, Restonic, Natura, Knickerbocker, Otis Bedding, Wickline Bedding, Gold Bond, Corsicana, Magniflex and EcoSleep.