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Mattresses, not stereos is where the money is

On my way to Macy’s, to buy a bed, which is about 6 blocks from my office, I passed by literally 6 different mattress stores. 3 of them practically on the same block.

The competition is fierce, and it seems almost all of them were selling Tempurpedic and Sealy (which I think are owned by the same company.) They even had at least one paid sign holder with a sign directing you 1 block away to another store.

Think of that. 6 stores selling $500-$4500 goods, in a Los Angeles suburb. They are all paying rent, and staying open.

I know the average retail markup for stereo gear is around 45%. What must the mark up be for mattress stores to stay open with this much competition? 90%?

I still went to Macy’s. :) Two simultaneous discounts + a modular bed system with replaceable coils sang to my geek heart.

By comparison, the nearest high end audio store is about 30 minutes away.
erik_squires

Showing 8 responses by erik_squires

erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 

I just spent an overnight in Charleston, SC in a great hotel.  It was like sleeping on the side of a refrigerator.  I doubt I slept much at all.

erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 

I agree that a good mattress is vital, but this discussion is about markups, not value. :)

erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 

I once was told that $2 toothbrushes often cost stores less than 10 cents. That's the business I should be in, setting up discount toothbrush stores at malls.  Have adorable models outside dressed all in black offering to brush your teeth for you, and then charge $30 per toothbrush....

erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 
I've been thinking about the question, how is this really about stereo. While of course I meant to have some fun with my friends here, I also think there are some really good parallels:

1 - Ultimately the personal experience is the only thing that matters.

2 - Lots of different types of tech to solve the same problem.


erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 
Oh, so here's the cool thing of Bedgear:
You can choose the firmness of each side!

Not only that, if you try out one set of coils, and find out you needed firmer or softer, you get 1 replacement set free. 
erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 
All about the sheets. Directional threads and cyrogenically sewn.

 
Well, I am buying the coldest feeling memory-foam mattress I can find!

erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 
Nectar was a brand I didn't end up trying.  I did try the Tempur-pedic. The only model that worked for me temperature and support wise was, of course, the $4,500 queen.
Ended up with a Bedgear for $1,700. If I find it is too firm or too soft they will send me different coils to put in.
erik_squires OP
15,772 posts
 
I also want to point out this :
Both stereos and memory-foam mattresses have a warm up period.

The bed sleeps very differently after it's warm, the major reason I'm having to replace mine.
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