Maybe it’s a sign of the times, or maybe it’s a signal that mattress brands are beginning to see the benefit of meeting retailers where they are.
High Point Market has long been the heartbeat of the home furnishings industry, an essential gathering place where retailers, manufacturers and designers converge to set the tone for seasons ahead. But for years, one crucial category has been noticeably underrepresented: mattress brands.
That tide seems to be shifting somewhat.
After years of absence, some mattress brands are finding their way back to High Point, signaling a resurgence that feels somewhat necessary. It’s a move that speaks to the evolving landscape of the sleep industry, where competition is fiercer than ever, visibility is paramount, and economic pressures are prompting strategic shifts.
The most recent company to announce its return is Therapedic, which took a hiatus during the pandemic from its long-standing showroom in the International Home Furnishings Center. CEO Gerry Borreggine has always been bullish on the market, but finding the right location for a showroom has proved challenging. Now, the company has struck a deal with Lifestyles for a shared space in its Commerce Avenue showroom.
Diamond Mattress will be back for its third consecutive market at the Atrium on Main, and Customatic will be back for a second showing since its return.
The mattress segment has seen significant changes over the past decade: The rise of direct-to-consumer brands, continued consolidation, a pandemic and softer business at retail. Foot traffic has fluctuated, promotional activity has ramped up, and some retailers are feeling the squeeze of tighter margins.
That’s a lot to contend with, and as fewer dollars are spent on mattresses, companies must adapt. As part of that evolution, brands are reconsidering High Point as a place to capture new retail partners. As brands seek to reinforce relationships and expand distribution channels, Market offers an opportunity to forge new partnerships and nail down existing ones.
Mergers and acquisitions have reshaped the competitive landscape, creating an environment where independent and mid-sized brands must work harder to differentiate themselves. For many, returning to High Point is a strategic play: an opportunity to stand out, reinforce brand identity and ensure they remain part of retailers’ conversations. In an industry where scale matters, visibility can make all the difference.
A return to High Point isn’t just about reclaiming showroom space; it’s about reconnecting with an ecosystem that thrives on relationships. Retailers need to see, touch and feel new product innovations. They want to have real conversations with suppliers, understand the nuances of new sleep technologies and gauge the quality of construction up close.
Perhaps most importantly, this renewed presence of mattress brands signals a commitment to long-term industry growth. High Point is not just about immediate sales; it’s about strategy, positioning and vision. A brand’s presence at Market sends a message: “We’re here, we’re invested, and we’re ready for what’s next.”
For those who have watched the ebb and flow of the mattress industry over the years, this moment feels hopeful. There’s movement, there’s interest, and there’s optimism. I’m not naïve enough to think three new companies staking a claim in High Point is enough to shift the tides, but the industry does tend to have a herd mentality. If one company is successful, one more may follow, and that could lead to others.
Looking forward to seeing you at Market.
See also:
: