HOUSTON – Specialty sleep retailer Mattress Firm has promoted key team members to vice president positions.
Tom Polit has been named vice president of merchandising strategy for the 2,300-plus store retailer, and David Cartlidge has been named vice president of product and innovation.
Polit began his industry career with Sleepy’s on the sales floor before joining the retailer’s merchandising team in 2004. He was director of merchandising for Sleepy’s until 2015 when Mattress Firm acquired the retailer, and he retained that title.
During his retail career, Polit has worked in both finance and merchandising where he has helped transform the team by creating processes and strategies to hold the team accountable to the company’s financials.
Cartlidge joined Mattress Firm in 2021 as senior director of product innovation and development. During his tenure with the company, he has overseen Mattress Firms development and introduction of the Sleepy’s Hybrid and Beautyrest PressureSmart lines. He has also played an integral role in contract negotiations with key vendor partners.
Prior to joining Mattress Firm, Cartlidge was senior product manager for Corsicana Bedding for more than two years and held a manager’s position with Art Van Furniture’s PureSleep.