INDUSTRY UPDATES

White Lotus Futon Invited To New Jersey Sustainable Business Initiative Presentation

White Lotus Futon of Princeton and New Brunswick, New Jersey, was honored to be among the guests invited to the presentation of the New Jersey Sustainable Business Initiative on Tuesday ("Earth Day") April 22 at the Garden State Paper plant in Garfield, New Jersey. After outlining the details of the project, New Jersey Governor, Christine Todd Whitman, signed the executive order funding the Initiative for the invited guests and the press. Initially, $2.1 million had been budgeted, with $600 thousand for staffing and administration and $1.5 million allocated for low and no interest loans to sustainable businesses located in New Jersey. For further details, contact Connie Calisti in Trenton at (609) 292-2444.

White Lotus Futon is one of the oldest sustainable businesses in New Jersey, and has been a model nationwide for most of its sixteen year history. White Lotus employees make each and every one of their natural fiber mattresses by hand in the White Lotus workshop in New Brunswick. In an age where virtually every mattress is filled with hundreds of chemicals with unpronounceable names, along with steel springs of every shape and size, White Lotus has thrived selling simple, handmade mattresses of 100% cotton, wool, or environmentally friendly foam.

Owned and operated by Theodore and Elizabeth M. Casparian of Princeton &emdash; an ex-Wall Street trader and an Educational Consultant with a Ph.D., respectively &emdash; White Lotus has found success by simply putting people and the planet ahead of profits. White Lotus is a member of Futon Association International.

For further information, contact Theodore Casparian, White Lotus Futon: (609) 683-7408.

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A Moment To Remember At Expo Wedding

Every Futon Expo has its moments to remember but we doubt anyone will be able to top the recent Expo's Rodeo Wedding. Dean Roland of Beorc was married to Julie Pak in a wonderful ceremony on the rodeo grounds of Corona Ranch at the recent Futon Expo Saturday Night Banquet in Phoenix.

The bride wore white with western accessories including an American Indian necklace, brown suede vest and western hat. The groom was resplendent in denim.

The wedding party rode in on horseback and the wedding couple remained on their steeds throughout the short ceremony officiated by Justice of the Peace Pamela Guttierrez. Witnesses included almost five hundred Expo Banquet goers, but officially the witnesses were Sandy Cadoite and Bob Keyes of Dragon's Lair Futon.

The couple and their parents (Mr. & Mrs. Paul and Susan Pak and Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert and Barbara Roland) plan a reception this July in their home town of Mogadore, Ohio.

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Island Futons Receiving Ultimate Packaging Treatment

Island Futon Company has introduced the futon furniture industry's most damage-resistant packaging, a double sturdy "Tuff Pak" package designed to totally eliminate damaged freight for Island's entire line of futons, tables, love seats, ottomans and chairs.

The reinforced cartons are shock absorbent with triple reinforced corners. Inside the carton, futon arms are layered in cardboard, individually wrapped in scratch-resistant plastic, then firmly secured together in an inner box. Shifting within the carton is eliminated. Decks and stretcher rails are also layered and wrapped like the arms, then braced into place within the carton. Stretchers are wrapped separately, then firmly secured within the carton. Hardware is separately boxed and anchored inside. Foam cushioning, padded layers and innovative side wall inner-boxes are also included on all Island Futon product packaging. Each item is shipped in a rugged outer carton and banded.

Island President Ron O'Neil said, "Our futons do a lot of traveling. Each goes through a 18-step quality control procedure at our Indonesian factory before being carefully packaged, containerized and delivered to our North American distribution centers in Tampa, Los Angeles and Chicago. "We have taken the necessary steps to insure the consumer receives perfect furniture right out of the box. Our company will deliver the goods as expected - each and every piece," O'Neil said.

For additional information about Island Futon Company's products, please contact Island Futon Company's sales and marketing company, The Glasser Group, telephone (800) 466-9099 FAX (800) 303-6353, email: LG211@aol.com.

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SIS Covers Says "Fur Is Flying"

Super funky, fake fur futon covers and pillows from SIS Covers caused quite a commotion at the May Futon Expo in Phoenix. "The ecstatic response to our new Plush collection was quite a surprise" commented SIS Covers' John Christiansen. "Amusingly, it was our second highest placed item at the Expo," added Christiansen. SIS Covers' fun fur is available in seven vibrant fruit and veggie colors &emdash; green bean, eggplant, tomato, squash, blueberry, carrot and black bean. Fur, bright colors and groovy patterns influenced by the early 70's were central to SIS Covers' booth for which the Minneapolis company received Best Visual Display. Coming this autumn from SIS, super snugly Polar Fleece for futons and pillows.

For more information on all SIS Covers products call: (800) 989-5435.

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Revolutionary Fiber Technology in New Futon Mattress Systems from Otis Bed Manufacturing

Otis Bed Manufacturing, based in Buffalo, NY, has taken comfort to a new level with the introduction of two new products: the Contour Futon Mattress and the Contour Care-RM Mattress System. These unique futon systems utilize the latest fiber technology from DuPont &emdash; Dacron® 3D molded cluster &emdash; to provide total body support and ensure a good night's sleep.

According to the DuPont Dacron® fiberfill furniture and mattress product development team, DuPont Dacron® 3D is truly innovative. It enhances the overall comfort of the mattress while significantly increasing the performance life of the futon.

Comprised of millions of fiber clusters molded together to form an innovative cushioning material, DuPont Dacron® 3D is a blend of 100% DuPont Dacron® polyester in a special coiled and fluffed configuration. The blend contains support fibers for resilience and binder fibers that bond the clusters together resulting in a product that provides greater durability than other conventional polyester systems.

According to John Roma, corporate vice president at Otis, "DuPont not only brings the fiber innovation, but the DuPont Dacron® name adds value; it is an assurance of quality for retailers as well as consumers." "As a seat or a mattress, the Contour Futon Mattress is designed to meet the challenge of everyday use. The combination of DuPont Dacron® 3D and high density foam create a two-way pressure system for added resistance to change, superior recovery and enhanced durability. The symmetrical design is 'flipable' and reversible for more even wear," said Roma. "As a result of this special construction, the Contour Futon Mattress is also more comfortable than the traditional futon designs of cotton or high density polyester batting and gives a greater degree of support than mattresses used in conventional sleep sofas," added Roma. The first and only mattress system to utilize the DuPont Dacron® 3D molded cluster technology, the Contour Care-RM Mattress System is a combination of innovative design and exceptional durability. The mattress features buttonless tufts that secure and compress the mattress components into a compact area. The end result is soft cushioning balanced by the right amount of support.

The Contour Futon Mattress and the Contour Care-RM Mattress systems are free from metal coils and springs which often cause noise or squeaking sounds under movement. Their enhanced recovery and vibration isolation features eliminate disturbances from restless sleeping partners. Additionally, both mattresses are moisture resistant, hypo-allergenic and odor free. Both systems are available in twin, full, queen and king sizes. They can be used on a futon frame or can be ordered as a waterbed replacement or adjustable bed mattress. Due to the unique characteristics of DuPont Dacron® 3D, the king and queen size mattresses bend easily, to fit through tight halls and doorways.

Otis Bed debuted the Contour Futon Mattress and the Contour Care-RM Mattress systems at Futon Expo '97 in Phoenix, AZ. For more information you can contact Otis Bed Manufacturing at (212) 527-8826.

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Elite Furniture of San Jose Opens Connecticut Distribution Center

Elite Furniture of San Jose, CA, an industry leader in futon frames and related products, has opened East Hartford, Connecticut as a fifth distribution center serving North America and abroad. "It's possible for Elite Furniture to ship virtually any where in North America in three days or less," said Sean Pathiratne, company President "The move is designed to better serve our current and prospective customers in the Northeast and Atlantic States," he said.

Before opening East Hartford, Elite shipped from Miami FL or California into this region, and had to have orders in excess of $10,000 to justify the freight. The company can now ship to half of North America's major markets from overnight to 2 days transit with no minimum shipments.

Stock in East Hartford is a complete assortment of hardwood frames, ranging in price from $99.00 to $199.00. In Hartford &emdash; as with their other sites in San Jose, Miami, Dallas, and Los Angeles, &emdash; Elite has the industry's most popular designs in Mission, Sleigh, and the Stickley look, with the top finishes in natural, cherry (teak), or mahogany.

For more information on Elite Furniture and their full line of products, contact the Elite Furniture Sales Dept. at (800) 364-0609 or fax request to (408) 526-9127. Join them at their permanent showroom in the San Francisco Mart 1, space #961, July 18 to 22.

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LofaBed Has That "Furniture Look"

"The futon has finally reached it's potential," according to Mitch Wapen of Lofa Sales International in Montreal. "Since I first got into this business in the early 1980's I've been wanting to market a product that could compete successfully with the traditional Hide-A-Bed. We've come a long way from the early days of the student frames and all-cotton futons, but until now, we still didn't have a model that looked like the average sofa-bed. And my feeling was that until we did, we'd have difficulty penetrating the mainstream marketplace that expects a sofa-bed to have a certain...furniture look," Wapen said.

Wapen adds, "Now we've got it. The LofaBed is extremely well-made by manufacturer, Danabel, Inc. A Canadian company that only makes upholstered furniture, Danabel has done so for over 26 years! Some of the advantages the LofaBed has over traditional sofa-beds are that it has a 7-inch base for storing sheets, blankets, and pillows; a fabric covered 8-inch buttoned futon supported by elastic webbing; removable and interchangeable arms for easy handling and multiple styling; and a davenport mechanism &emdash; the most user-friendly convertible system I've ever seen. Perhaps best of all is the fact that it's prices to retail at US $499.00!"

According to Wapen, the LofaBed comes in a variety of fabrics ranging in style from beautiful jeweltone motifs of the American southwest, to plaids, solids, Quebec avant-garde, as well as theme tapestries...thirty in all. The customer chooses whether to mix 'n match or have both base and futon made the same. All this and delivery in only two weeks!

For more information on the LofaBed, contact Mitch Wapen at (514) 424-1431 or fax him at (514) 424-0267.

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August Lotz Announces Mixed Wood Alternative

August Lotz Co., Inc. has recently announced that their flagship, the "August Lotz 10,000" constructed of solid northern ash, will now be offered with the option of utilizing their all new 7700 series ash/mixed hardwood futon frames. Although the August Lotz 10,000 will still be available in its original form for the discriminating consumer, the price sensitive consumer will now be able to enjoy the style and quality as well save $100.00 to $150.00 at the time of purchase.

The company also recently introduced their new innerspring futon mattress at May's Futon Expo in Phoenix. These 180 coil spring units are available in full and queen size. As is the case with all of the August Lotz products, futon mattresses can be shipped anywhere in the United States and Canada, either in conjunction with futon frame orders, or by themselves. As an added incentive for retailers, the company will be offering their new innerspring mattress at reduced prices through July 31, 1997.

For more information contact August Lotz at (715) 667-5121.

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Zad Design's Shows Full Line at Futon Expo '97

Zad Design & Manufacturing, which launched their American made bi-fold and tri-fold frame lines last year at their newly purchased manufacturing site in Oxnard, California, attended Futon Expo '97 with its full line of futon frames, mattresses, and related softgoods. As anticipated, the new mechanism on their lounger frame got rave reviews from Expo attendees. Many buyers also appreciated the well-made American futon frames. As futon furniture broadens its customer base, the quality of futon furniture becomes as important as the price point.

As stated in the company's motto, Zad Design pledges to raise the quality of their products by implementing innovative designs and improving technology. Owner Akim Azad believes the quality of frames produced by Zad Design is consistent and also improved by producing the frames on site here in America.

For more information, contact Zad Design & MFG. at (805) 486-8393 or find them at the Summer San Francisco Design & Furnishings Show, July 18-21, 1997.

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Lofa Sales Intros New Pine Frame & Buttoned Futons from Danabel

Lofa Sales recently introduced the "Laurentian", "Cartier", and "Oriental" pine futon frames from Atelier de Bois J. A. Viens, plus three accompanying 8-inch upholstered (buttoned) futons by Danabel. "This combination of style, comfort, practicality, and value pricing has brought futon furniture not only into the nineties, but also into the

family (living) rooms, dens, and cottages of our nation," said Mitch Wapen of Lofa Sales, Montréal.

Viens, Danabel, and Lofa like to think they had something to do with that, since among the three of them they share more than thirty years' experience in developing, manufacturing and marketing futon furniture. "We think the industry will agree, these latest products are the best ever," said Wapen. The Cartier and the Laurentian each feature a front 'square' leg and, in keeping with industry trends, are four inches higher than older models like the Tyson and Classic. The Laurentian even takes the furniture look one step further by cleverly covering up all previously exposed arm hardware. "In fact, if you didn't know that this was futon furniture, you could never tell by just looking at it," Wapen said.

In an attempt to make their futons more attractive to mainstream consumers, they have decided to upgrade the quality of the foam (four 1-inch layers) to 1.5 density and then to combine that with a soft compression. "What this gives you is a long-lasting, very comfortable futon. One that fits just as easily in a studio sleeper as a double bi-fold. The buttons give it more of that furniture look we've been alluding to, as well as a cost savings", Wapen said.

Wapen added that if you've been waiting for futons to go mainstream, or to appeal to a more affluent consumer, or look and feel more like traditional furniture your wait is over. "Futons have evolved. They're furniture now and they're here to stay. And for those of us who have been in it from the beginning, all Viens, Danabel, and Lofa can say is, 'It's about time!,'" he said.

For more information contact Lofa Sales International at (514) 424-1431.

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Bedding Industry Shines at European Furniture Fair

Business was brisk at the ISPA Bedding Center at Interzum '97, May 2-6 in Cologne, Germany. Sponsored by

the International Sleep Products Association, the Center provided a sharp focus on the global bedding business, with exhibitors from around the world showing every aspect of the mattress manufacturing and marketing process &emdash; from components to machinery to licensing groups &emdash; to thousands of high-quality international buyers.

The biennial Interzum trade fair is a five-day international forum for innovations in furniture manufacturing and design, which, this year, featured 1,610 exhibiting companies from 52 countries.

"This was the fourth ISPA Bedding Center At Interzum," said ISPA Executive Vice President, Russ Abolt. "Each time the level of interest and activity has increased noticeably. Mattress manufacturers from Asia to the Mideast to South America and Australia are exploring ways to invest in and grow their businesses. For them, Interzum provides a global venue for exploring opportunities to improve product quality, increase productivity and build greater efficiencies."

Bedding Center participants found themselves in the spotlight as more than just exhibitors when they hosted Interzum's first Bedding Industry Party. Exclusive to the bedding industry, this social event brought together their supplier and manufacturer customers and featured the unique Tex-Mex cuisine of San Antonio, the site of next year's major industry gathering &emdash; the International Bedding Exposition, March 11-14, 1998.

The international exchange began before Interzum in an ISPA-sponsored factory tour. Manufacturers from several countries &emdash; including the United States, Mexico, Canada, Australia and Argentina &emdash; visited two top European mattress manufacturers: Epeda, the largest manufacturer in France; and Pikolin, the leading manufacturer in the Spanish market. The highly integrated vertical structure these two operations employ impressed even the most experienced veterans in the business, and everyone came away with new ideas and insights for their own businesses. "We truly appreciate this open exchange of information," said Abolt. "By their gracious hospitality, both Epeda and Pikolin reinforced their reputations as outstanding citizens of the international bedding community."

For more information on the International Sleep Products Association, or the upcoming San Antonio show in March of 1998, call (703) 683-8371.

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Omni Softgoods' Location Changes At San Francisco Mart

Omni Softgoods, manufacturer of futon covers and home accessories, is moving to a new space at the San Francisco Market. They will be located in Mart One showroom 961, along with futon manufacturer Wolf Corporation, and frame supplier Elite Furniture. The dynamic trio will be easy to find right across the hallway from Fashion Bed Group. Omni will be introducing fresh new fabrics, new futon cover construction, new accessories, window treatments, bed tops, and many other new products. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Omni Softgoods made a suede sensation at the FAI show, when they introduced a collection of washable faux suede fabrics that included five beautiful solid colors and one unique print.

"The response to our suede collections was touching. Customers literally couldn't get enough of these soft suede fabrics," said Robin Reid, President of Omni Softgoods. "We had a feeling that these fabrics would be a hit, and we just gave customers what they asked for," explained Nancy Colby, Sales Manager. These new suede fabrics were part of Omni's newest updates, which included southwestern, contemporary and, hold on to your bell bottoms, even a couple of retro prints!

These fresh new fabrics added a nice touch to Omni's complete line up. For more information call Omni at (800) 283-8037.

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Beorc Velvets Tame the Wild West

At the recent Futon Expo in Phoenix, the Beorc Company unveiled its new velvet collection for the Davenportsleeper™. One of the new frame styles called the Dino, a 50's retro-styled frame, was upholstered in a clay velvet with swirl embossing. The Roland frame was shown in a plush velvet slipcover for a very rich and casual look.

According to Dean PakRoland, "We were very pleased with the response to our velvet line and new frame styles, and especially surprised about the response to the Dino because its style was out there on the design side." In addition to the Dino frame, the Beorc Company also introduced six new arm and frame styles &emdash; four of which were at a lower price point than what they had shown in the past. These frames were created at a new price point to satisfy those customers who enjoyed the product but did not have the market for Beorc's higher end units. Although these frames were at a lower price point, "We designed and built them without compromising the high quality our customers have come to expect," said PakRoland.

Another new creation from Beorc was the "quick slip" futon cover system for any Beorc frame. The quick slip is a one-piece slip cover that covers both the futon mattress and frame. The company has also made their futon covers more user-friendly for any Beorc frame.

Beorc: (800) 976-9303.

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Home EXPRESS Successful Market & EXPO - Factory Expanded Again!

Home Express announced major success in the High Point Market and Futon Expo. At the shows, they displayed their 100% solid American red oak frames and introduced their patent-pending Homex Lounger Frames. "We experienced very heavy traffic at the market and the expo. A lot of people show their interest in our products and special programs," commented Wan Yueng, Chairman. "Our huge selections in style, superior structure, 14 stains & finishes, program, and extreme competitive pricing make the product very attractive. The market is filled with imported-made frames or high-priced domestic products. Many retailers are looking for strong and retail-able priced domestic-made frames. Because this search has gone on for so long, our frames draw much attention at the shows. 'Made in U.S.A.' is still a good story to tell your customers!"

Home Express also announced a factory expansion to 50,000 square feet. With the bigger facility, they feel they will be able to serve their customers better. Adds Yueng, "We greatly appreciate the opportunity our customers have given us to prove ourselves to you." Call Home Express: (215) 574-0375.

Yesteryear Introduces Wicker Futon Frame Groups

According to Don Walker, President of Yesteryear Wicker, the recent introduction of wicker futon frames and their accessory items is having great success. "They are not only being sold in the areas we expected, like Florida and other beach resort areas, but they are selling inland as well," Walker said. The company is offering two groupings, one in traditional white and the other in a unique brown antique washed finish. "This brown wash finish conjures up images of a bygone era," he said. As far as Walker knows he is the only importer selling wicker futon frames with coordinating arm chair, rocker, coffee table and end table. Since this new introduction has been so well received, he plans to add new futon groups in the future, in addition to their current collection of six wicker daybeds.

Yesteryear Wicker is the largest distributor of wicker daybeds in the country. For more information call Yesteryear Wicker at (410) 257-1302.

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Omni Softgood's Location Changes At San Francisco Mart

Omni Softgoods, manufacturer of futon covers and home accessories, is moving to a new space at the San Francisco Market. They will be located in Mart One showroom 961, along with futon manufacturer Wolf Corporation, and frame supplier Elite Furniture. The dynamic trio will be easy to find right across the hallway from Fashion Bed Group. Omni will be introducing fresh new fabrics, new futon cover construction, new accessories, window treatments, bed tops, and many other new products. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Omni Softgoods made a suede sensation at the FAI show, when they introduced a collection of washable faux suede fabrics that included five beautiful solid colors and one unique print.

"The response to our suede collections was touching. Customers literally couldn't get enough of these soft suede fabrics," said Robin Reid, President of Omni Softgoods. "We had a feeling that these fabrics would be a hit, and we just gave customers what they asked for," explained Nancy Colby, Sales Manager. These new suede fabrics were part of Omni's newest updates, which included southwestern, contemporary and, hold on to your bell bottoms, even a couple of retro prints!

These fresh new fabrics added a nice touch to Omni's complete line up. For more information call Omni at (800) 283-8037.

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Phoenix Intro Puts Monticello Oak Into Autumn Sales Cycle

Monticello, N.Y.&emdash;Leading futon retailers will begin showcasing the Monticello Oak Collection, the futon industry's high-quality oak furniture line, in retail showrooms this summer as a result of the 58 year-old manufacturer's successful futon introduction at the Futon Association International's Phoenix Expo in May.

Monticello Oak introduced five new futon frames and matching accent pieces at the Expo, and experienced an "extraordinary response" to the line-up. Monticello Oak Vice President and GM, Martin Tratt, said production capacity, labor and manufacturing equipment were increased substantially as a result of the Phoenix market. "Key retailers visited our Expo space and provided us with the feedback&emdash;and the orders&emdash;we hoped for," he said. "We are eager to begin the oak competition in earnest this summer. We've geared up and we're ready to go. We're also innovative design-wise, and all our products are priced aggressively." Stuart A. Glasser of The Glasser Group, who is responsible for sales and marketing of the Monticello Oak Collection, said, "The nation's leading retailers responded vigorously to the new styles. New leather, new wrought iron, and a new whitewash finish, for example, were very big in Phoenix. Buyers recognize Monticello Oak falls within the mainstream; this is popular, high-volume furniture."

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Patented Innovations

"Retailers really loved the innovative, patented wall hugging benefits, the quality and detail of manufacture, and features like the bed stabilizers, the ease of assembly benefits, the gallery point of sale and advertising materials. Retailers bought, and they bought big. Our pricing is very sharp," he noted. "Exactly what I've been searching for," one veteran futon retailer told Monticello Oak executives. "You definitely did your homework. You clearly listened to us."

The Monticello Oak Collection is manufactured by Budoff Classic Furniture. In 1939, the corporation began manufacturing fine oak furniture for residences, schools, businesses, and leading resorts. The company's Monticello Oak Collection was designed by international designer Steven Sanfilippo.

Each futon collection includes oak frame, love seat, chair, coffee table, and end tables. All are built entirely from solid white oak, an easily harvested and replenishable North American resource.

For more information contact The Glasser Group, telephone (800) 466-9099. FAX (800) 303-6353, Email: LG211@aol.com.

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Big Sleep's "Dream Sleep" Futon Now Features Reflex Foam

Santa Fe Springs, CA &emdash; Big Sleep Futon announced it's Tri-Core, foam cavity futon, the "Dream Sleep" which will now feature Reflex Foam from Foamex. Bruce Sheppard, the man behind the new design, states that by combining their revolutionary tri-zone spring system with a Reflex Foam cavity Big Sleep is able to give the consumer softer seating and total lumbar support when sleeping.

Reflex Foam by Foamex comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee that Big Sleep passes along to the consumer. Independent testing proves Reflex Foam outlasts all conventional cushioning materials, so it made sense to use only the best material available for their top of the line "Dream Sleep" futon mattress.

The "Dream Sleep" is retailing very well on the West Coast after its introduction at San Francisco last January. Big Sleep also expects the numbers to grow after the response it received at the Phoenix show. Sheppard further stated Big Sleep was in the process of obtaining a patent for the "Dream Sleep" futon mattress.

For more information contact Big Sleep at (562) 921-7299.

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Island Futon Company Introduces Practical Tips On How To Sell A Futon

A nine page sales education manual, a guide to properly present futons to prospective consumers, is being supplied to the industry by Island Futon and is now available.

The Retail Sales Education Manual details futon benefits, steps of the sale, proper in-store greetings, qualifying the customer, product demonstration, Island Futon features and benefits, and it concludes with a test on product knowledge.

The education guide provides practical tips on day-to-day selling techniques which were obtained from leading industry sales people over years of retail experience in both futon and furniture sales.

The booklet advises salespeople to qualify how the futon will be used so that the presentation can be directed accordingly. It suggests questions such as: "What room will the futon be used in? Who will be using it? How often will it be converted to a sleeper? Will the futon be slept on frequently? Does the customer have a mattress firmness preference?"

The guide provides essential advise such as: "The opening and closing of the frame by the salesperson must be smooth and fluid. This requires substantial practice before demonstrating futons to customers." Information is also provided about Island's environmentally-friendly Nyatoh (knee-ah-toe) wood, warranty information, heavy duty frame construction, packaging, as well as advise on building the sale with mattress, covers and "non-slip" pad selections and, lastly, closing the sale. The booklet is part of Island Futon's retail marketing program, considered a futon industry benchmark. The Retail Sales Education Manual was prepared by The Glasser Group of Tampa, FL., which is responsible for sales and marketing of Island Futon products. Earlier this year, Island introduced new point of sale materials as well as a comprehensive retail advertising package for its customers.

Island products are marketed as "The New Standard For Imported Hardwood Futon Frames". For additional information, please call The Glasser Group. Voice: (800) 466-9099. FAX: (800)303-6353, Email: LG211@aol.com.

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King Koil Gears Up For Busy Season

King Koil is gearing up for a busy 1997 season. "Our new ten inch double foam and cotton futon mattress is off to a great start", said Frank Stavis, King Koil spokesman. "We are working on an exciting new "Comfort Cushion" futon mattress", said Stavis. The new mattress will have a slightly softer seating surface while maintaining a firm sleeping surface, and will be introduced shortly.

"Sales of our new front opening and closing Gloucester frame and our new Bedford frames have far exceeded our initial expectation. We have just completed expansion of our futon production facility which will double our capacity," he said The company's goal is to have all orders arrive at the customers' door within one week of ordering.

"Our one-stop shopping package (futon mattresses, hardwood frames, and futon covers), has become more important every day to retailers of all sizes," added Stavis.

For more information on the full line up of King Koil Northeast's futons, call (860) 688-6496, and starting midsummer, visit their new web site at: http://www.pcdev.com/websites/kingkoil.

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