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 2 responses by noromance

At least you didn't fall for a Tempurpedic. We sent one back after a few days as it was like sleeping in a polystyrene mold. It also outgassed an awful toxic odor.

Bottled water. Now, that's markup. $3 a case of 24, sells in the airport for $4.75 per bottle.

I once was told that $2 toothbrushes often cost stores less than 10 cents.