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The FAM Audio Stories

The FAM Audio Stories

By The FAM

Mattress industry audio stories from the world’s first audio-everywhere media hub for the bedding business.
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The Power of the Labor Day Double Entendre 

The FAM Audio StoriesOct 12, 2022

00:00
02:59
The Power of the Labor Day Double Entendre 
Oct 12, 202202:59
5 Creative Ideas To Drive Fall Foot Traffic
Oct 04, 202203:39
Retail Sustainability – Are We Environmental Hackers or Caretakers?
Sep 27, 202208:06
New Tool Predicts Leads And Finds Industry Weak Points
Sep 19, 202203:20
Is Revenge Bedtime Procrastination Real?
Sep 19, 202202:51
3 Reasons You Really, Really Need To Pay Attention To TikTok
Sep 09, 202203:27
Stop And Smell The Micro-Moments
Sep 09, 202202:37
Could A Brand Museum Work For Your Store?
Sep 09, 202203:05
A Day In the Life of Dennis The Pillow
Sep 09, 202201:12
Is Your Business Blog Delivering Results?

Is Your Business Blog Delivering Results?

When’s the last time you did an honest, thorough audit of your content marketing strategy?

When it’s done correctly, content marketing is a powerful tool. But when it’s done incorrectly, it’s an expensive hobby.

An effective business blog allows you to tap into audiences that you may not be able to reach through traditional marketing channels and track and measure reach and conversions.

Aug 22, 202206:33
World's Greatest Mattress Superhero Returns!

World's Greatest Mattress Superhero Returns!

It was a sad day in superhero history when Mattman fell fighting the nasty Sleeping Bandit. But there's hope! 

Aug 17, 202201:33
Wells Fargo Economist Predicts Normalization Is Coming

Wells Fargo Economist Predicts Normalization Is Coming

At Nationwide Marketing Group’s 59th PrimeTime event in Orlando this week, Wells Fargo Economist Charlie Dougherty shared several interesting insights into the housing market, inflation and the supply chain.

Read the full recap here

Aug 17, 202205:08
Nationwide Partners with Thermador On Exclusive Appliance Program
Aug 10, 202202:36
5 New Mattress Firm Ads Get To The Bottom of Junk Sleep

5 New Mattress Firm Ads Get To The Bottom of Junk Sleep

Around this time last year, Mattress Firm unveiled its unforgettable “Unjunk Sleep” campaign — which launched with actor Liev Schreiber riding down the street on a mattress and stating that America has a junk sleep problem.

The campaign was a success, and it led the company to launch several more ad spots that look at the different ways junk sleep can impact us all — whether physically, mentally, or emotionally — with a healthy dose of humor.

On a deeper level, the ad spots speak to human sleep needs — a message the entire industry should be pushing — and they do it in a way that catches people’s attention.

To learn more, read the entire article here.

Aug 10, 202201:14
Casper Hiring Professional Sleepers

Casper Hiring Professional Sleepers

You heard that right — it’s a real job title that Casper is hiring for right now.

Casper Sleepers will sleep “in our stores, and in unexpected settings out in the world,” according to Casper’s job posting.

For more on this exceptional job posting, click here.

Aug 10, 202201:41
Planner 5D Takes 3D To Next Level

Planner 5D Takes 3D To Next Level

Tech company Planner 5D has developed the first use-case demo for Apple's newest RoomPlan API, which uses the camera and LiDAR scanner on iPhones and iPads to create a 3D floor plan of any room.

This unique technology finds dimensions and inserts furniture and decor items by using its own AI recognition feature to scan the furniture and match them with items from its catalog to easily apply different interior design styles.

Aug 03, 202202:42
RSA Rockstars: Jerrod Young at Columbus Mattress Wholesale

RSA Rockstars: Jerrod Young at Columbus Mattress Wholesale

Despite what those outside the industry might think, to say RSAs are the backbone of the home furnishings retail would be an understatement.

They are the ones spearheading the sales, talking to and learning about customers. They train and memorize product details, brand names, and SKUs, all while offering service with a smile.

At The FAM, we have mad respect for RSA, so we decided to talk to RSAs and see what sage advice they have as soldiers on the front line.

When Jerrod Young was looking for work, he knew he wanted to join a small business where he could gain experience wearing several different hats — and he found that at Columbus Mattress Wholesale.

Aug 03, 202202:52
3 Online Shopping Statistics You Need To Know
Jul 27, 202204:13
How to Build and Manage Your Social Media Crisis Plan

How to Build and Manage Your Social Media Crisis Plan

Have you built your social media crisis plan? If you didn’t have one before the pandemic – and still don’t have one – it’s not too late. Yet.

Jul 20, 202208:39
Dawn House Living’s Focus On Seniors Pays Off

Dawn House Living’s Focus On Seniors Pays Off

Dawn House Living President Gui Peres talks about why the new Dawn House line has been successful and what the future of health and mattresses looks like.

Jul 20, 202203:60
How Will Inflation Affect HENRYs?
Jul 18, 202202:39
Top 3 Trends in Luxury Appliances
Jul 18, 202205:33
Will Consumers Embrace Buying Now And Paying Later?
Jul 07, 202204:27
RSA Rockstars: Isabella Clark at Columbus Mattress Wholesale

RSA Rockstars: Isabella Clark at Columbus Mattress Wholesale

When Isabella Clark, needed a change of pace, she decided to try something new and interesting: mattress sales. 

Starting six months ago as an RSA at Columbus Mattress Whole in Ohio, she says she’s enjoyed learning and growing her knowledge of the industry.

The FAM talks to the RSA about what she loves and doesn't love in the industry, as well as consumer misconceptions, and more!

Jul 05, 202204:13
Why Are Storage Beds Gaining Popularity?

Why Are Storage Beds Gaining Popularity?

The FAM looks at beds with built-in storage from Bedline as well as Ergomotion, and finds out why they're getting more popular in the U.S.

Jun 27, 202203:19
Here’s What’s Working For Broad River Retail

Here’s What’s Working For Broad River Retail

When we ask retailers what questions they have about the industry, many say that they want to know what works for other retailers.

And mimicry is the most sincere form of flattery, so if something works for another retailer, there’s a chance you can make it work for you.

Broad River Retail has a laundry list of initiatives that work for them, so The FAM caught up with CEO Manny Rodrigues to see what they are and how they work.

Jun 27, 202205:16
Omnichannel Optimism: Sweet Dream’s Secret Weapons 

Omnichannel Optimism: Sweet Dream’s Secret Weapons 

Keith Moneymaker of Sweet Dreams Mattress & More explains how he has had success connecting consumers with RSAs through the store's website. 

Jun 27, 202203:57
Emerging Social Media & Your 2022 Ad Budget

Emerging Social Media & Your 2022 Ad Budget

If you’re wondering where to spend your ad dollars this year, Julia Rosien has some ideas! Hint: we’re thinking bigger ad dollars on smaller networks

Jun 22, 202210:23
RSA Rockstars: Jennifer Martinez at Sweet Dreams Mattress & More

RSA Rockstars: Jennifer Martinez at Sweet Dreams Mattress & More

Jennifer Martinez, a sales associate at Sweet Dreams Mattress and Furniture, talks about what she loves and doesn't love about the industry.

Jun 22, 202206:10
Omnichannel Optimism: Bedzzz Express Succeeds Without E-commerce

Omnichannel Optimism: Bedzzz Express Succeeds Without E-commerce

“Omnichannel” has become somewhat of a buzzword in the home furnishings industry—and for good reason.

These days, most retailers would fair better with a strategy that integrates different methods of shopping, but it may seem intimidating if you’ve never done it before.

The FAM reached out to several furniture and mattress retailers to talk about their omnichannel strategies and what’s working, and we found something surprising—omnichannel doesn’t have to be as complex as it seems.

Jun 17, 202204:39
3 Ideas to Drive Summer Foot Traffic
Jun 17, 202202:57
Climate Change May Steal 50+ Hours Of Our Sleep Per Year
Jun 14, 202203:18
Covid, Millennials Bring Opportunities Rent-to-Own Retailers 
Jun 08, 202205:09
New Tuft & Needle Videos Focus on How You Feel After Good Sleep

New Tuft & Needle Videos Focus on How You Feel After Good Sleep

Consumers are recognizing how sleep and wellness are intrinsically intertwined. However, despite acknowledging the importance of sleep, a recent Tuft & Needle survey found that two-thirds of Americans note that they don’t get enough sleep, with seven out of ten people admitting they get less than seven hours of sleep per night.

The survey also found that three-quarters of people note that sleep impacts their mood and overall outlook on life, and two-thirds also agree that sleep impacts their physical health and mental wellbeing.

To help fix that disconnect, Tuft & Needle’s new marketing campaign—“Wake Up Awake”— is focused on helping sleepers get better rest, reclaim the night, and look forward to the day ahead.

Jun 07, 202202:26
Hickory Springs Finds Niche In Home Health Category   

Hickory Springs Finds Niche In Home Health Category   

There’s a new focus on health in the bedding and mattress industry—and it’s not going to slow down anytime soon.

From adjustable bases to built-in Bluetooth sleep monitors that can track your heart rate and alert you to any potential issues, there are several mattress companies making an investment in the health category.

The pandemic has certainly had a part to play, as people who spent more time at home realized they weren’t getting a good night's sleep. They bought new mattresses because they paid more attention to what they needed—which is not just exercise or a diet, but a good night’s sleep.

Jun 06, 202204:40
13 Questions With Overstock.com President Dave Nielsen

13 Questions With Overstock.com President Dave Nielsen

Overstock.com, the online powerhouse launched in 1999, quickly established itself as a source for just about anything under the sun.

But as part of a recent and ongoing reinvention, the company now has a laser-sharp focus on furniture and related goods. The FAM’s Ray Allegrezza had a recent one-on-one with Overstock President Dave Nielsen to find out more.

Jun 02, 202213:40
Weddings Present the Mattress Industry a $2.5 Million Opportunity

Weddings Present the Mattress Industry a $2.5 Million Opportunity

Did you know that this year there are projected to be 2.5 million weddings in the U.S this year?

That’s a record high, mostly because people have put their weddings on pause for a couple of years due to Covid.

In addition to that, their bank accounts are relatively full, they’ll soon be ready to buy a house, and the average couple spends about $9,000 on furniture and mattresses when they move into a new home.

Jun 02, 202204:13
How Much Is Your Logo Costing You?

How Much Is Your Logo Costing You?

This week, Interwoven—the fabric market put on by the International Textiles Association (ITA) that  was previously known as Showtime—debuted its new brand look, including a new logo and magazine that ITA says “represent the merging of ideas through collaboration, connection and innovation.”

May 31, 202204:09
2022’s Shifting Digital Trends – a Retail Marketing Primer 

2022’s Shifting Digital Trends – a Retail Marketing Primer 

Remember the World Wide Web – Web 1.0 – and when you suddenly needed a website to promote your business? Cycle ahead a decade or so. Without warning, Web 2.0’s user-generated content model (think Wikipedia, Myspace, Tumblr) forged the path for Facebook and Twitter — and then Instagram, TikTok, and WhatsApp. Surely this is a fad…

May 27, 202212:39
In Stock and Ready to Rock: A Closer Look at Nationwide's Centerpoint Tool
May 25, 202203:54
The Furniture Today Bedding Conference with the Foam Sommelier

The Furniture Today Bedding Conference with the Foam Sommelier

What is a foam sommelier? 

It's a great question and we are so glad you asked. We sat down at the Furniture Today Bedding Conference held this past week in Orlando, Florida with Scott Smalling, Founder of Relief Bed International and more recently, Chief Commercial and Innovation Director for Emma, The Sleep Company, to chat the bedding conference, foam and what his role at Emma, and we get an update on Relief Bed since our last conversation in April 2021.

We discuss the shift facing D2C innovators and their strengths and struggles, what Relief Bed is doing to help in the Ukraine and how Scott is working to become the industry foam sommelier through Emma. 

We also honor Roger Magowitz of the Seena-Magowitz Foundation who received a Lifetime Achievement award this past week. Congratulations, brother!

May 23, 202219:45
How Are You Helping Customers Get A Better Night’s Sleep?

How Are You Helping Customers Get A Better Night’s Sleep?

Consider the sleep disruptors that detract from good quality REM sleep.

If you do a proper job of interviewing a person about all of the things standing in the way of a serious log-sawing session, then some of these things will come out.

If you’re in a mattress store, maybe they don’t get into it with you—because why would they?

May 20, 202201:40
Part Three: Retail Turnover: What Americas Silver Tsunami Means for the Furniture Industry

Part Three: Retail Turnover: What Americas Silver Tsunami Means for the Furniture Industry

For years, retail sales associates have been looked down upon—with people calling the position a dead-end job that no one can make a career out of.

But anyone in the retail business knows that’s not true.

Just look at Broad River Retail, for example. In 2020, Broad River celebrated 51 Million Dollar Writers in its Million Dollar Memory Makers program. And while they set a goal of 60 for 2021, they had 98 employees write one million dollars or more in sales last year.

As the company explained to The FAM, jackpot bonuses, consistency, and recognition of excellence have helped them build a community of sales associates who not only receive an excellent commission but also enjoy selling furniture.

May 19, 202205:26
The Secret Code for ‘Health’ in America Should Matter to Mattress Retailers

The Secret Code for ‘Health’ in America Should Matter to Mattress Retailers

Ray Kinsley puttered around town in a pearl Buick with a blue top. He drove my grandma to the senior center for lunch each day and to church on Sundays.

Along the way he would jump curbs, motor through manicured lawns, bump bumpers, and park on top of the white lines.

A string of fender benders unfolded before my dad, Mickey, found out and decided it was time to permanently park his parent’s car in the garage.

My grandpa Ray was 90-years old and after dad retired the Buick we found out the townspeople of Crocker, Missouri appreciated my grandpa’s distinct colored car because it was an ivory and sapphire signal to get the hell out of the way; Ray was coming and he might run you off the road.

May 18, 202206:32
3 Mattress Industry Insiders Weigh in on Importance of Memorial Day

3 Mattress Industry Insiders Weigh in on Importance of Memorial Day

If you haven’t started planning Memorial Day, don’t worry, there’s still time.

With the holiday coming up in just over a month, The FAM reached out to a few mattress industry executives to see if the holiday is still important and talk about how it’s marketed in the industry.

May 11, 202205:05
New Mattress Shop Finds Success as “Complete Sleep Boutique”

New Mattress Shop Finds Success as “Complete Sleep Boutique”

Sometimes the craziest-sounding ideas are the ones that lead to the most success—like quitting your teaching job to open a mattress business during a global pandemic.

But Direct Ship Mattress did just that at the end of 2021, and the story that led to the opening is almost as unbelievable as the fact that it opened at such a challenging time in the industry.

May 11, 202203:17
The Furniture Industry’s Trillion-Dollar Diversity Problem

The Furniture Industry’s Trillion-Dollar Diversity Problem

A quick look at the most current U.S. Census shows that 76% of Americans are White, 13% are Black, and 6% are Asian.

That should come as no surprise. But when we think about the furniture industry—which is primarily made up of older White men—is there a disconnect between the people in the C suite and the people actually buying the product?

Find out more at fam.news!

May 03, 202204:24
The Rich Will Get Richer And You Need to Target Them

The Rich Will Get Richer And You Need to Target Them

The price index for household furnishings and operations increased 10.1% over the past year—its largest 12-month increase since the period ending July 1975.

That’s according to Mattress Industry Consultant and Texan Mattress Owner Lawrence Heilers.

So what does that mean? He explains in a recent Facebook post:

“Customers are getting used to higher prices. They are overpaying for homes. Paying offer sticker for cars. We need to change our marketing strategy to focus on:

  • In stock
  • Long term financing
  • Services - such as delivery and removal
  • Large assortment of choices

“We have to stop promoting $149-$199 queen mattresses, twins at $99 or $39 down no credit needed financing. Your guests shopping promotional prices are being stretched while your premium guest is flush with cash and equity. You get what you fish for. It’s time to reinvigorate your business with a better marketing strategy.”

The FAM has always been fans changing with the time and trying new marketing strategies, so we reached out to Heilers to have him elaborate on his post and see what retailers can do now to sell to the customer of the future.

To find out more, read the rest of this article on fam.news!

May 03, 202204:45
Are You Really In The Mattress Business?
Apr 29, 202201:46
Big Retailers Are Getting Bigger And It’s Time To Fight Back

Big Retailers Are Getting Bigger And It’s Time To Fight Back

It’s not just insecure men who say size matters.

In the furniture world, it seems as if big retailers are getting bigger and more successful—and that goes for big box stores, large independent retailers, and more.

If that’s the case, is the day looming where Goliath crushes David? Or do smaller retailers still have a shot on the playing field?

We take a look at both scenarios.

Apr 27, 202204:13