Futon Association Taps RTP for Expo Ads in Furniture Today
With a focus on bringing home the consumer value message to futon retail buyers FAI created a series of ads to run in the industry’s leading trade pub, Furniture Today. “The message is simple,” said FAI President Tom Tedesco, “Consumers love quality, value, and versatile futon furniture, and what better reason to come shopping for the latest and greatest at the Las Vegas show in March.”
August Lotz Announces New Additions To Futon Mattress Line-Up And Futon Frame Distribution With Royal Sleep
Throughout this year, August Lotz has been making additions and improvements to its futon mattress line up. For example, their upper end innerspring now incorporates a latex wrap, while some of the others now utilize a patented optimizing layer which reduces compression by 40 percent in cotton and poly based futon mattresses. Not only did they improve the mattresses, but they did so while maintaining the same price points. Additionally, they broadened their price point structure by creating a new line of futon mattresses called the Value Line Collection, available in both black and natural ticks. Now, August Lotz is announcing a new and exciting line up of colored ticks on the Value Line Collection full futon mattresses (and in other sizes on some models as custom orders). They will be available at the beginning of the new year in the following colors: Burgundy; Forest Green; Khaki; Navy Blue: Black; and Natural. The company president, Mark Schlichter stated:
“As everyone in the industry knows, we offer an outstanding line up of futon mattresses. We have been known for many years as a premium futon mattress manufacturer. Now, with the Value Line, our product starts at $42 in a full size and hits every price point along the entire spectrum to the upper end. If the futon retailer wants a simple good, better or best type offering in solid colors, we now provide that too. Having our Value Line collection available in colored ticks adds great value to an already strong futon mattress line-up.”
Schlichter also stated if futon store owners want a diverse premium line up, August Lotz has a great story with a wide range of comfort selections and price points. He said he is more confident than ever once futon retailers try them, they will immediately recognize the value and quality.
Additionally, they now offer four innerspring futon mattress models and four all synthetic models designed to hit a wide range of price-points. Many futon retailers have commented on the August Lotz design features, such as the patented memory foam hinge, which allow its top price point mattresses to fold properly and easier than a typical high end futon mattress.
“Many futon store owners have told me it created an objection to their other premium mattresses for this very reason,” Schlichter stated. “We really feel as though we have created an advantage for our futon retailers. Additionally, we have an excellent and experienced team designing, testing and building our futon mattresses... and we also have our own garnetting facilities.”
In other company news, August Lotz announced they have forged a new alliance with Royal Sleep. Royal Sleep is a manufacturer of conventional bedding, and has distributed futon products all throughout the Southern United States for ten years. They have distribution channels from Arizona to the Carolinas, and all states South and now distribute a selection of August Lotz futon frames from their facilities in Texas and Florida. When asked about this new partnership, Schlichter stated: “We are excited about our alliance with Royal Sleep. We know Royal Sleep has an excellent reputation for quality and customer service, as we do also, which is why we make such a good fit for each other. They have a very effective network throughout the South. Because of this, our futon retailers now have the availability to order and ship smaller, more frequent orders while maintaining a cost efficient freight percentage. This will allow futon retailers in the Southern U.S. who felt they couldn’t afford to order a few pieces at a time while keeping the freight reasonable a new opportunity to carry quality August Lotz products.”
Bourne International introduces Full Line Program
Bourne International now offers futon buyers increased opportunities in sales. “Futon retailers have been mentioning that they now can sell entire living room groupings. One retailer mentioned that they never thought they would be able to sell a futon set for over $3,500,” said Chet Stoler of Bourne. “It consisted of futon furniture, tables, room dividers and an entertainment center. They are now displaying bedroom furniture and “it works,” said one of our futon retailers in Wisconsin.”
Bourne International will be introducing new products at the upcoming Futon Expo in March. Products shown will vary from promotional futon frames well under $100 to upscale Oak and Teak furniture for futon dealers. They will feature futon frames, beds, casegoods and various TV armoires with other coordinating pieces. This coupled with their “Partners in Retail” program will assist dealers with in store point of sales material, such as: story boards, arm displays with light boxes for vignette viewing, advertising slicks and other material to help futon stores sell their products.
Strongbow Sleepworks Designs With Details In Mind
“Strongbow takes great pride in being able to have its futon furniture considered as part of a beautiful home,” said company President Raj Gokal, who added, "In many ways we like to be considered true trendsetters in the futon industry."
One example of this leadership is how they have been able to complement their beautiful futon frames with items like shelves, entertainment centers, and beds. "These accessory items have been given the same attention to detail as our incredible line of futon furniture," Gokal said. Strongbow products also come in an assortment of wood colors and finishes, and they can be purchased separately or as a set. For instance, their Zelda is accompanied by a coffee table, end tables, a bookshelf, CD rack, mirrors, an entertainment center, and a platform bed.