Serta Simmons Bedding and Tuft & Needle Close Merger

SERTA SIMMONS BEDDING­ AND TUFT & NEEDLE CLOSE MERGER

ATLANTA AND PHOENIX (September 28, 2018) – Today, Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (SSB), the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America, and Tuft & Needle (T&N / tuftandneedle.com), the original market disruptor and one of the nation’s leading direct-to-consumer sleep product companies, have finalized their previously announced merger.

With this merger now complete, SSB will begin integrating the industry-leading direct-to-consumer features refined by Tuft & Needle across its household name brands: Serta, Beautyrest, Simmons and Tomorrow.

With this merger, customer-centric innovations will become the standard for the entire SSB house of brands. Additionally, value-add services will be developed and piloted for SSB’s key retail partners. By accelerating its direct-to-consumer reach and capabilities, SSB will continue to lead in transforming the industry to one that is customer focused.

Tuft & Needle co-founders JT Marino and Daehee Park have been appointed to expanded roles within SSB: Marino is named Chief Strategy Officer and Park is appointed Chief Growth Officer. Both report to SSB CEO Michael Traub.

“As the leader, we will drive the shift in our industry to one that listens to customers, meets their expectations, and truly serves them. We are excited to merge with Tuft & Needle to create the number one customer-centric sleep company with the broadest reach, best-in-class manufacturing and over 150 years of experience,” said Michael Traub, SSB Chief Executive Officer.

“We have opened a new chapter in the mattress industry. Over the coming months, we will begin to showcase to our customers and retail partners key changes in how we operate and go to market. Also, we will offer retail partners new services and tools to support their success in the evolving market. SSB is clearly taking a strong industry-leading position by recognizing the future as delivering best-in-class experiences for customers wherever they choose to shop,” said Tuft & Needle Co-founder JT Marino.

Tuft & Needle joins SSB’s current house of brands which includes Serta, Beautyrest, Simmons, and Tomorrow. All brands will share a commitment to innovation with distinctive products and differentiated customer experiences across channels. Tuft & Needle will continue to deliver and innovate on its exceptional experiences and products.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC is the leading sleep company and the largest manufacturer, marketer and supplier of mattresses in North America. Majority-owned by Advent International, SSB owns and manages the two best-selling bedding brands in the mattress industry: Serta®, which has five other independent licensees, and Beautyrest®. The brands are distributed through national, hospitality, and regional and independent retail channels throughout North America. SSB also owns Tomorrow®, a direct-to-consumer mattress brand. Based in Atlanta, SSB operates more than 30 manufacturing plants throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about SSB and its brands, visit www.sertasimmons.com.

About Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle (“T&N” / tuftandneedle.com) is a bootstrapped, Phoenix-based company that is the pioneer and leader among direct-to-consumer mattress startups. The company was founded in 2012 by JT Marino and Daehee Park to create exceptional mattress and bedding products and revolutionize the consumer sleep experience. T&N has served 1 million happy sleepers and was named as Entrepreneur’s Best Company Culture in 2017 and one of TIME’s best inventions. T&N is proud to have earned the highest customer loyalty score (Net Promoter Score® of 74) in the mattress market, with over 95% of customers loving their mattress. T&N stores are available in Scottsdale and, Gilbert AZ and Seattle, and most recently, Kansas City. For more information about T&N, visit tuftandneedle.com.

Media Contact:
Alissa Stevens
Zeno Group
630-390-5568
Alissa.Stevens@zenogroup.com

Serta Simmons Bedding Opens New Manufacturing Plant in Seattle

Expands Regional Presence as Part of $100 Million Manufacturing Investment

SEATTLE, Wash. (September 19, 2018) – Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”), the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America, has announced the opening of a new, larger plant in Seattle, Washington.

The new plant comes as SSB nears its 100-year mark in Seattle next year. It is also the fourth facility to open as part of SSB’s $100 million investment to expand its manufacturing footprint and support increased consumer demand.

“We are excited to open a new, larger manufacturing facility in Seattle, a city that is a known incubator for game-changing innovation in the US,” said Michael Traub, CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding. “This new site allows us to bring together employees from our former Seattle-Beautyrest factory and Puyallup-Serta factory under one roof and will help meet demand from customers across North America.”

The plant, located in Puyallup, occupies 280,000 square feet, employs approximately 210 people, and produces around 1,000 mattresses per day. Products assembled in the Seattle facility are shipped throughout the Western US region and in other markets as needed.

Over the past year, SSB has also opened new, larger plants in Houston, Texas, Moreno Valley, Calif. and Windsor Locks, Conn. SSB also plans to relocate to new corporate headquarters in Doraville, Ga., in early 2019. The move to Doraville will bring approximately 500 Serta, Beautyrest and SSB corporate employees together under one roof for the first time.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC is the leading sleep company and the largest manufacturer, marketer and supplier of mattresses in North America. Based in Atlanta, SSB owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry, Serta®, which has five other independent licensees, and Beautyrest®. The two brands are distributed through national, hospitality, and regional and independent channels throughout North America. SSB also owns Tomorrow®, a direct-to-consumer mattress brand. The company operates more than 30 manufacturing plants throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about SSB and its brands, visit www.sertasimmons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by SSB in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. SSB undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.


Media Contact:

Serta Simmons Bedding
Noreen Pratscher, VP of Corporate Communications
npratscher@sertasimmons.com
770-730-1822

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC to Merge With Tuft & Needle

Combined Company to Create the Leading Customer-Centric House of Brands in Mattress & Bedding Industry

ATLANTA AND PHOENIX  (August 21, 2018) – Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (SSB) and Tuft & Needle (T&N / tuftandneedle.com) today announced they have entered into a definitive agreement to merge the companies, and create the #1 customer-centric house of brands in mattress and bedding.  The transaction brings together the largest manufacturer, marketer and distributor of mattresses in the world with the original market disruptor and one of the nation’s leading direct-to-consumer sleep product companies. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.  The transaction is expected to close in the next 60 days.

Through this merger with T&N, SSB will strengthen its market leadership position and expand its offering in the direct-to-consumer segment. The combined company will offer innovative product lines, enhanced services, and better value to consumers, while accelerating Tuft & Needle’s trajectory as a leading direct-to-consumer mattress and bedding brand.  The transaction is also expected to generate operational efficiencies in combination of the two companies.

“Tuft & Needle is the original disruptor in the direct-to-consumer mattress industry and is a rare example of an economically healthy, fast growing start-up,” said Michael Traub, SSB chief executive officer.  “Combining SSB’s nearly 150-year legacy and leadership in product innovation with Tuft & Needle’s expertise in delivering a best-in-class consumer experience, this merger will greatly accelerate our growth and innovation in the direct-to-consumer segment, and significantly enhance our e-commerce capabilities across brands. Together we have a clear path to transform the consumer experience at scale as well as the future of the industry.”

Tuft & Needle co-founders JT Marino and Daehee Park will report to SSB CEO Michael Traub and join the SSB leadership team. In addition to leading Tuft & Needle, in their expanded roles they will help drive the continued transformation of SSB into an omni-channel, consumer-centric company.

With this merger, SSB’s retail partners will have access to new offerings that will include advanced consumer insights, avenues for generating higher foot traffic, and consumer-centric innovations as key drivers for growth in the evolving market.  This retailer program is expected to launch in early 2019. Tuft & Needle will lead the development of these omni-channel marketing tools for retailers.

“We started Tuft & Needle because we saw a clear opportunity for the mattress industry to put the customer at the center of everything it does. The industry is evolving faster than we could have imagined, and we’re proud to have been the catalyst and driver for the transformation,” said JT Marino, T&N co-founder. “Under Michael’s leadership, SSB is actively driving toward evolution within the company and the greater market. By joining the SSB team, we look forward to fully leveraging each organization’s strengths and accelerating our trajectory together towards the vision of being recognized as the global leader in sleep. Tuft & Needle will continue to build our brand and culture in our unique way, while immediately beginning to infuse our learnings and capabilities into the broader SSB organization.”

Following the close of the transaction, each of the brands in the SSB portfolio will remain unique and independent in the market, while sharing a commitment to innovation with distinctive products and differentiated consumer experiences across channels. SSB’s current brand portfolio includes Serta, Beautyrest, Simmons, and Tomorrow. All brands will continue to serve consumers through traditional retail as well as direct-to-consumer channels.

SSB is backed by Advent International, one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors, with deep expertise in the retail and consumer sector.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC is the leading sleep company and the largest manufacturer, marketer and supplier of mattresses in North America. Majority-owned by Advent International, SSB owns and manages the two best-selling bedding brands in the mattress industry: Serta®, which has five other independent licensees, and Beautyrest®. The brands are distributed through national, hospitality, and regional and independent retail channels throughout North America. SSB also owns Tomorrow®, a direct-to-consumer mattress brand.  Based in Atlanta, SSB operates more than 30 manufacturing plants throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about SSB and its brands, visit www.sertasimmons.com.

About Tuft & Needle
Tuft & Needle (“T&N” / tuftandneedle.com) is a bootstrapped, Phoenix-based company that is the pioneer and leader among direct-to-consumer mattress startups. The company was founded in 2012 by JT Marino and Daehee Park to create exceptional mattress and bedding products and revolutionize the consumer sleep experience. T&N has served 1 million happy sleepers and was named as Entrepreneur’s Best Company Culture in 2017 and one of TIME’s best inventions. T&N is proud to have earned the highest customer loyalty score (Net Promoter Score® of 74) in the mattress market, with over 95% of customers loving their mattress. T&N stores are available in Scottsdale, Gilbert and Seattle, with Kansas City planned to open in Q3 2018. For more information about T&N, visit tuftandneedle.com.

About Advent International
Founded in 1984, Advent International is one of the largest and most experienced global private equity investors. The firm has invested in over 340 private equity transactions in 41 countries and as of March 31, 2018, it had $41 billion in assets under management. With offices on four continents, Advent has established a globally integrated team of over 190 investment professionals across North America, Europe, Latin America and Asia. The firm focuses on investments in five core sectors, including business and financial services; healthcare; industrial; retail, consumer and leisure; and technology, media and telecom. After more than 30 years dedicated to international investing, Advent remains committed to partnering with management teams to deliver sustained revenue and earnings growth for its portfolio companies. For more information, visit www.adventinternational.com

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Media contact:
Kara Colety
Zeno Group
914-755-2856
Kara.Colety@zenogroup.com

Tomorrow Sleep Partners with CB2 for First Brick-and-Mortar Experience

New York, NY, June 28 — Thursday, June 28th, Tomorrow Sleep’s hybrid mattresses will be available for purchase in CB2 stores nationwide. The American home retailer will be selling twin, full, queen and king-size Tomorrow Sleep mattress in medium soft and medium firm in 13 stores across 9 states.

Born as a subsidiary of mattress expert Serta Simmons Bedding, Tomorrow is new to the growing bed-in-a-box industry, but their rapid expansion and high-customer ratings have made them one of the top contenders in the race to capture direct-to-consumer mattress sales.

This is the first time the one-year-old sleep e-tailer has partnered with a brick-and-mortar company to deliver in-store trials and purchases. “A lot of our customers are looking for a way to try our mattress before they buy it,” says Tomorrow Sleep Founder and President Bryan Murphy. “At CB2 people can finally experience the comfort and quality of our hybrid mattress IRL.”

Born out of Crate & Barrel, CB2 offers stylish home essentials and versatile decor to create environments that complement every lifestyle. “CB2’s sleek, modern aesthetic is a great fit for the Tomorrow mattress” says Tomorrow Sleep Senior Brand Director Anna-Karin Loureiro, “We couldn’t be happier with CB2 being our first retail partner.”

With more DTC  brands expanding into brick-and-mortar retail, partnering with CB2 is a natural progression for the young company . “It’s a matter of being in the right place at the right time,” Murphy says. “We can’t imagine a better scenario than providing CB2 shoppers the convenience of pairing their new bed frame with the mattress of their dreams and we’re so grateful that we get to provide that.”

Contact: Lauren Frankel
45 West 45th St
Floor 12
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 973-568-2520
Email: press@tomorrowsleep.com

Serta Simmons Bedding Opens New Manufacturing Plant in Moreno Valley, Calif.

Third Facility to Open as Part of $100 Million Manufacturing Investment

Moreno Valley, Calif. (May 17, 2018) – Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”), the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America, has announced the opening of its new plant in Moreno Valley, Calif.

The plant is the third of four facilities set to open as part of SSB’s $100 million investment to expand its manufacturing footprint and support increased consumer demand for its two best-selling brands in the U.S., Serta® and Beautyrest®.

“Serta Simmons Bedding has been a part of the Moreno Valley community for more than 12 years, and, with the opening of this new facility today, we look forward to being here for many more,” said Michael Traub, CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding. “This new facility—which is more than double the size of our previous one, and includes new technology and a larger workforce—will better position Serta Simmons Bedding to meet demand for our best-selling brands.”

The plant occupies 533,000 square feet, employs approximately 350 people, and will produce more than 1,500 mattresses per day. Products assembled in the Moreno Valley facility will be shipped throughout the Western U.S., with orders fulfilled in generally less than 72 hours.

In addition to Moreno Valley, SSB has recently opened new, larger plants in Houston, Texas, and Windsor Locks, Conn. SSB also plans to open a new plant in Seattle, Wash. later this year, and to relocate to new corporate headquarters in Doraville, Ga. by early 2019. The move to Doraville will bring approximately 500 Serta, Beautyrest and SSB corporate employees together under one roof for the first time.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC is the leading sleep company and the largest manufacturer, marketer and supplier of mattresses in North America. Based in Atlanta, SSB owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry, Serta®, which has five other independent licensees, and Beautyrest®. The two brands are distributed through national, hospitality, and regional and independent channels throughout North America. SSB also owns Tomorrow®, a direct-to-consumer mattress brand. The company operates 39 manufacturing plants throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about SSB and its brands, visit www.sertasimmons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by SSB in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. SSB undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.


Media Contact:

Serta Simmons Bedding
Noreen Pratscher, VP of Corporate Communications
npratscher@sertasimmons.com
770-730-1822

Serta Simmons Bedding Opens New Manufacturing Plant in Windsor Locks, Conn.

Second Facility to Open as Part of $100 Million Manufacturing Investment

Windsor Locks, Conn. (April 11, 2018) – Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”), the largest manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in North America, has announced the opening of its new plant in Windsor Locks, Conn. The new plant is home to more than 240 employees, many of whom transferred from its former plant in Springfield, Mass.

The move comes as part of SSB’s plans to expand its manufacturing footprint and support increased consumer demand for its two best-selling brands in the U.S., Serta® and Beautyrest®.

“We’re excited to have opened a new, larger facility in Windsor Locks, which is an important step in our strategy to increase manufacturing capacity,” said Michael Traub, CEO of Serta Simmons Bedding. “By introducing new technology, adding headcount and moving to larger facilities, we’re better positioned to support our retail partners’ great consumer demand in the Northeast region.”

The plant, which is 268,000 square feet and double the size of the former plant in Springfield, is the second of four new manufacturing facilities SSB intends to open by the end of this year. Products assembled in the Windsor Locks facility are shipped throughout the Northeast region, fulfilling orders generally in less than 72 hours.

In addition to Windsor Locks, SSB has recently opened new, larger plants in Houston, Texas, and Moreno Valley, Calif., and plans to open a new plant in Seattle, Wash. later this year. SSB also intends to relocate to new corporate headquarters in Doraville, Ga. by early 2019. The move will bring approximately 500 Serta, Beautyrest and SSB corporate employees together under one roof for the first time.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC
Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC is the leading sleep company and the largest manufacturer, marketer and supplier of mattresses in North America. Based in Atlanta, SSB owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry, Serta®, which has five other independent licensees, and Beautyrest®. The two brands are distributed through national, hospitality, and regional and independent channels throughout North America. SSB also owns Tomorrow®, a direct-to-consumer mattress brand. The company operates 39 manufacturing plants throughout the United States and Canada. For more information about SSB and its brands, visit www.sertasimmons.com.

Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by SSB in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. SSB undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investors Contact:
Serta Simmons Bedding
Paul Dascoli, CFO
pdascoli@sertasimmons.com
770-673-2625

Media Contacts:
Serta Simmons Bedding
Noreen Pratscher, VP of Corporate Communications
npratscher@sertasimmons.com
770-730-1822

Beautyrest® Launches New Beautyrest Platinum™ And Beautyrest Complete™ Lines

 

ADDS ADDITIONAL MODELS TO EXISTING COLLECTIONS AT LAS VEGAS MARKET

Leading mattress brand offers dealers a preview of its 2018 advertising campaign 

(ATLANTA – Jan. 25, 2018) – The Beautyrest® brand, one of the industry’s leading mattress brands, is excited to introduce two new lines – the Beautyrest Platinum™ and Beautyrest Complete™ collections – at this month’s Las Vegas Market, along with key additions to its Beautyrest Black® and Beautyrest Silver™ offerings. Beautyrest will also provide dealers with a look at the brand’s new “Be More Awake” marketing campaign, which will launch to consumer audiences later this year. Together, the new introductions and new marketing campaign position the brand for success in advance of the 2018 selling season.

“This year is an exciting one for Beautyrest with respect to both our new products and our marketing initiatives,” said Beautyrest Executive Vice President of Marketing Jim Gallman. “We’re introducing 24 new mattress models in Las Vegas, with the majority of those in our Beautyrest Platinum line, and expanding our accessories program with the exciting Beautyrest Complete collection. With innovative products and our new breakthrough marketing campaign, we will energize dealers about our plans for 2018, illustrating how we will stand out to consumers in a very competitive marketplace.”

NEW BEAUTYREST PLATINUM LINE

Featuring a contemporary aesthetic with simple yet sophisticated patterns, the new Beautyrest Platinum line comprises 16 innerspring and hybrid models ranging in price from $1,299 to $2,999 that focus on regulating the nuances of temperature and support to offer smarter, restorative rest.

The 11 Beautyrest Platinum innerspring models and five hybrid models incorporate temperature-management technologies, such as the new InfiniCool™ Surface and InfiniCool HD Surface, which are enhanced with cooling materials to help move heat away from the body. Select innerspring models include BackCare® 3X, a support layer engineered with over 2,000 pressure-relief microcoils, while all hybrid models offer the new PressureSense™ Hybrid Support System, which features alternating Pocketed Coil® springs and Pocketed Memory Foam™ in the center third of the bed that conform to the body for the right balance of pressure relief and support.

Furthermore, the brand will include a complimentary Beautyrest Sleeptracker® monitor with all Beautyrest Platinum mattresses in 2018, adding extra value to each purchase while giving consumers the unique smart bed benefits of monitoring and improving their sleep with any Beautyrest Platinum bed.

NEW BEAUTYREST COMPLETE LINE

Designed to work with Beautyrest mattresses as a comprehensive system, the Beautyrest Complete collection features pillows, mattress covers and pillow covers that help customers transform their sleep from mere rest to renewal. The seven pillows in the collection include memory-foam and non-memory-foam options, as well as an array of comfort levels and price points that will fit any customer’s sleep needs. While a set of machine-washable fiber pillows priced at $35 serves as a promotional offering, the collection’s pillow portfolio features an $89 opening price point and provides consumers with a choice of memory foam or moisture-wicking fiber technologies – both of which provide temperature-management benefits. Luxury options include two Beautyrest Black-branded pillows priced at $149 – one composed of memory foam with an AllerPur™ Technology cover to keep the sleep environment clean and fresh, while the other is 100 percent goose down with a 400-thread-count Supima® cotton cover.

Featuring a cutting-edge design that is unlike anything in the marketplace, Beautyrest Black AirCool™ mattress and pillow covers wick away moisture, enhance comfort, relieve pressure and increase breathability. Thanks to their unique 3-D construction, the covers allow a sleeper to experience the true feel of a mattress or pillow and eliminate any concerns about diminished comfort, which can be an issue in other cover products. With a pillow cover price point of $69 and a mattress cover price point of $299, consumers can choose to purchase either product in one of two technologies – the InfiniCool Technology option is designed to move heat away from the body, while the AllerPur Technology option is infused with natural humidity-absorbing microcapsules that can reduce allergens found in the sleep environment.

BEAUTYREST BLACK AND BEAUTYREST SILVER ADDITIONS

Four new Beautyrest Black Special Edition models will be added to the current Beautyrest Black collection in 2018. Offering a choice of feels at $3,299 and $3,699, the new models pair Advanced Pocketed Coil™ Technology with a layer of 2,200 contouring nanocoils for refined support and spinal alignment. Each Special Edition bed also includes a new HD Performance Knit fabric cover that is designed to wick moisture away from the sleep surface. Beginning in 2018, Beautyrest will include a complimentary Beautyrest Sleeptracker® monitor with the purchase of any Beautyrest Black mattress, enabling customers to transform their Beautyrest Black bed into a smart bed.

This January also marks the premiere of three new Beautyrest Silver models, which are designed to emphasize key price points and allow dealers to promote them more deeply. The introductions include two euro top models that offer a choice of feels at $799, along with a pillow top option that when paired with the existing Beautyrest Silver portfolio provides a triple choice at the $999 price point.

THE “BE MORE AWAKE” ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN

Las Vegas Market attendees will get a preview of Beautyrest’s upcoming 2018 marketing campaign, which conveys how the brand’s unparalleled science and technology helps consumers explore the boundaries of sleep. Building on the theme “Be More Awake,” the campaign pairs visceral elements with live action and bold copy to reframe the conversation around sleep. Rather than focusing on the need for better sleep, the campaign demonstrates what it means to be truly awake, with Beautyrest mattresses providing the energy and clarity you need to unlock your full personal potential during the day.

“Historically, the mattress industry has focused its marketing efforts on how consumers can obtain the best sleep. In 2018, our campaign is a departure from this traditional message,” said Gallman. “The ‘Be More Awake’ campaign shifts the conversation from telling consumers how to sleep to sharing why they need it.”

BEAUTYREST BLACK DIAMOND DEALER PROGRAM

In addition, the Beautyrest brand is honoring select dealers at its Market showroom as part of the new Beautyrest Black Diamond Dealer program. The initiative recognizes top-performing Beautyrest Black dealers, who have demonstrated excellence by achieving specific thresholds in sales and selection. Dealers who attain Diamond Dealer status will receive several benefits, including early access to the new Beautyrest Black Special Edition, enhanced marketing assets and priority on the Beautyrest Black dealer locator.

“We developed the Beautyrest Black Diamond Dealer program to acknowledge the role key dealers play in the success of our Beautyrest Black line,” said Beautyrest Vice President of Channel Marketing Andrew Long. “While the program rewards those dealers that have shown their dedication to the Beautyrest Black line, it also encourages others to increase their engagement with the brand, and we look forward to growing our Diamond Dealer roster in the future.”

2017 SLEEPSELLS SUCCESS

This Market, the Beautyrest brand is also sharing the continued success of the SleepSells program, an online destination featuring education and training elements for retail sales associates (RSAs). Over the past year, the number of total registered RSAs grew by 21 percent. A comparison of 2016 and 2017 figures revealed that last year, total SleepSells sessions grew by 11 percent, page views grew by 21 percent, and the average user spent more time on the site than in 2016.

“Our goal for SleepSells is to arm RSAs with the information they need to be successful, and while we certainly post Beautyrest-related news, much of the content centers on sales tips, consumer insights and general industry knowledge – everything an RSA needs to confidently sell to customers,” said Beautyrest Vice President of Marketing Communications Michelle Montgomery.

For more information about Beautyrest, visit www.beautyrest.com. To learn more about SleepSells, visit www.sleepsells.com.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”) owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry – National Bedding Company L.L.C. (the largest licensee and majority shareholder of Serta, Inc.) and Simmons Bedding Company, LLC. SSB is based in Atlanta and operates 32 manufacturing plants in the United States, six in Canada and one in Puerto Rico. Its subsidiary, National Bedding Company L.L.C., is based in suburban Chicago and markets a broad range of products under the Serta® brand, including Perfect Sleeper®, iComfort®, iSeries®, Sertapedic® and a portfolio of licensed products. In addition to National Bedding Company L.L.C., Serta, Inc. has five other independent licensees in the United States that manufacture and market Serta-branded products. SSB’s other subsidiary, Simmons Bedding Company, LLC, is based in Atlanta and markets a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black® and BeautySleep®. Both subsidiaries also serve as key suppliers of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties.

 

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Serta® Unveils New iComfort® Mattress Collection Using Latest Hybrid Technology at Las Vegas Market

Leading Mattress Manufacturer Also Showcases New “Not Just Sorta Comfortable. Serta Comfortable.” Advertising Campaign

Hoffman Estates, IL (January 28, 2018) – Serta – a pioneer in comfort for more than 85 years and the number one mattress manufacturer in the U.S. – is launching its newest iComfort Hybrid mattress collection at the Winter 2018 Las Vegas Market. Now designed from the inside out with the brand’s most advanced technologies, the new collection is designed to deliver cooling comfort and support using the same TempActiv™ cooling technologies used in the brand’s successful iComfort Foam line and the new Hybrid Coil® Support System, a breakthrough innerspring system.

“The iComfort Hybrid collection represents a significant breakthrough in Serta’s hybrid technology that we’re pleased to introduce at the Las Vegas Market,” says Andrew Gross, executive vice president of marketing for Serta. “Every model is built with advanced comfort and support features, including the advanced Hybrid Coil® Support System featuring strategically placed coils that provide a trifecta of comfort, support and durability from top to bottom.”

The new iComfort Hybrid collection offers a variety of models ranging in price from $1,299 – $2,999 (MSRP for a standard queen mattress set). In addition to the iComfort Hybrid collection debut, Serta will be showcasing their new simplified adjustable base program, which includes a new Motion Plus™ model, along with an iComfort Accessories line of pillows and mattress protectors and its already released Serta® and Serta® Perfect Sleeper® Express Mattress-In-a-Box lines.

“In an effort to streamline the selling story for our retailers and provide customers with a better, more simplified shopping experience, the iComfort Hybrid collection offers a reduced number of models while still maintaining a wide range of feels from luxuriously plush to extra firm,” says Gross.

New Campaign Focused on Comfort

The brand’s product launches will also be supported by a new and exciting advertising campaign “Not just sorta comfortable. Serta comfortable,” building on Serta’s long-standing delivery of unmatched comfort. The campaign will roll out with digital support on February 4 and television starting February 19, aiming to extend Serta’s position as the best-selling U.S. mattress brand and raising the bar when it comes to comfort through its product offerings and benefits.

Las Vegas market attendees can visit Serta at A701 to sample and experience the full assortment of 2018 products. Serta will be accepting orders on the new products at market with the goal of having all retailers placed by the end of April.

For more information, visit www.Serta.com or follow along online at www.facebook.com/sertamattresswww.twitter.com/sertamattresses and www.instagram.com/sertamattress.

About Serta, Inc.

Serta, Inc. (“Serta”), through its licensees, is the #1 mattress manufacturer in the United States. Serta’s product portfolio includes the Perfect Sleeper®, and the iComfort® Sleep System, both named Consumers Digest Best Buys. Serta through its licensees also manufactures the iSeries® Hybrid Sleep System and the exclusive Bellagio at Home® mattress collection.

As the leading provider of mattresses to the hospitality industry, Serta partners with hotel groups such as Hilton Worldwide, Marriott International, Intercontinental Hotels Group, Choice Hotels International, Best Western International, Omni Hotels and Resorts, as well as Bellagio Las Vegas. In addition, Serta is distributed internationally in more than 150 other countries.

With its worldwide network, Serta is able to respond quickly to customers’ needs while still preserving strict control standards to ensure the highest quality. For more information, visit www.serta.com.

Serta Simmons Bedding Issues Outlook For 2018 U.S. Sleep Market

Predicts continued growth for the almost $9 billion bedding industry

Serta and Beautyrest to Present New Product Innovations and New Campaign Messaging at Las Vegas Market Show

ATLANTA — January 25, 2018 –– Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”), the number one manufacturer and distributor of mattresses in the U.S., provided this year’s predictions for the bedding industry in advance of the Las Vegas Winter Market Show.

Chief Executive Officer Michael Traub expects the almost $9 billion bedding industry’s growth to continue throughout 2018. “Despite facing several challenges in 2017, including the rising costs in raw materials, and physical stores witnessing dramatic consumer shifts to online and direct-to-consumer purchasing, the U.S. bedding industry will remain a stable consumer product sector with moderate growth in 2018.”

Traub continued, “One of the most critical turning points for key players in the industry will be adapting to the evolution of consumer purchasing preferences. E-commerce is growing in our industry, meaning that consumers have even more options for purchasing a mattress. Bedding retailers will need to explore omni-channel strategies by increasing their e-commerce capabilities, and adding in-store offerings to drive more foot traffic.”

Last year, to better serve the needs of its retail partners, SSB added Serta and Beautyrest mattress-in-a-box products to its lineup, that can be sold in retailers’ physical stores or through their online channels. SSB also launched its own direct-to-consumer brand, Tomorrow, which is aimed at the growing segment of consumers who prefer to purchase online.

Traub concluded, “SSB’s portfolio of market leading brands allows our company to offer products across multiple channels and with a range of price points to meet consumer needs. In 2018, we will continue to invest in our brands and introduce new solutions that position our retail partners for success.”

SSB’s most recent product launches include an all-new line of Serta’s iComfort® Hybrid mattresses and new Beautyrest Platinum line. The unveiling of these products will be supported by new brand campaigns for Serta and Beautyrest, who both announced new lead agencies in 2017. Both brands will introduce their new campaign messaging, along with their latest product innovations, at the 2018 Las Vegas Winter Market, January 28 — February 1.

About Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC

Serta Simmons Bedding, LLC (“SSB”) owns and manages two of the largest bedding brands in the mattress industry – National Bedding Company L.L.C. (the largest licensee and majority shareholder of Serta, Inc.) and Simmons Bedding Company, LLC. SSB is based in Atlanta and operates 32 manufacturing plants in the United States, six in Canada and one in Puerto Rico. Its subsidiary, National Bedding Company L.L.C., is based in suburban Chicago and markets a broad range of products under the Serta® brand, including Perfect Sleeper®, iComfort®, iSeries®, Sertapedic® and a portfolio of licensed products. In addition to National Bedding Company L.L.C., Serta, Inc. has five other independent licensees in the United States that manufacture and market Serta-branded products. SSB’s other subsidiary, Simmons Bedding Company, LLC, is based in Atlanta and markets a broad range of products including Beautyrest®, Beautyrest Black® and BeautySleep®. Both subsidiaries also serve as key suppliers of beds to many of the world’s leading hotel groups and resort properties.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical fact or relating to present facts or current conditions included in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. You can identify forward-looking statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “seek,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “could,” “continue,” “likely,” “should,” and other words. Such statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results projected, expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement made by SSB in this press release speaks only as of the date on which it is made. SSB undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

 

A Look at Hurricane Maria from Our Puerto Rico Employees

During the calm before Hurricane Maria, employees at our Simmons Caribbean Bedding plant in Puerto Rico knew what to do. 96 hours ahead of impact: review hurricane plan with regional vice president, finance, and corporate HR and IT teams. 72 to 48 hours: protect raw materials and equipment; 24 hours: secure facility shut down power and servers. Go home and hope for the best.

Unfortunately, nothing could’ve prepared them for what came next.

Hurricane Maria came ashore as a Category Five storm, decimating the island, leaving power and all communications down. Some fared better than others, but nobody escaped damage. When the storm finally passed, Celestino Torres, Operations Manager, Puerto Rico, surveyed the aftermath. “I can see our plant from my house and it looked OK,” he says. “But once we cleared the road and drove over the next day, we were shocked by the damage.”

The plant infrastructure was damaged and large fans had blown off the roof, leaving gaping holes and major flooding. Despite being well protected, raw materials and equipment were also damaged. Even more concerning was the welfare of our 26 employees. “It took about two weeks to contact everyone,” says Raquel Rodriguez, HR business partner, Puerto Rico. “Some had lost everything they owned, but thank goodness, we were all ok.”

Meanwhile, employees and contractors began coming to the plant to repair and restore. Working hard around the clock, they brought the plant back online, using generators for power, in just 10 days. “People were happy to get back to work, just to have some sense of normalcy,” says Celestino.

But living conditions were abysmal, with no power, no communications and an alarming shortage of fuel, food and water. Thanks to quick brainstorming and support from a local dealer, the group got a refrigerator/freezer, washer, dryer and stove for the plant, taking advantage of generator power to set up a community center of sorts.

Early on, Hilda Soto, the plant’s controller, realized there was a reason cars were parked on the highway…they’d found a pocket of cell service. Despite the broken toes she’d sustained during Hurricane Irma and a house full of storm refugees, Hilda worked from the side of the highway several hours each day, processing payroll, managing now cash-based systems and coordinating with the corporate team in the U.S.

“It took a couple of days to get word from the plant, but once we did, our Corporate office, plus our sister plants and several suppliers quickly gathered supplies, using Waycross as a staging area to fill a shipping container,” says Bob Brown, Vice President of Finance for the South region. “We placed huge orders with Amazon and Sam’s Club, and after three hurricanes in the south, we had to source generators from California. Our West Palm site also gathered supplies, filling extra space in another shipping container bound for Puerto Rico.”

Our Puerto Rico employees couldn’t have been more grateful. “The response from our company was overwhelming. They sent a generator for each employee, water, food, batteries, flashlights, satellite phones, toiletries, diapers, even games for our kids,” says Raquel.  “When you receive that kind of love, it’s difficult to express the gratitude you feel.”

Celestino couldn’t agree more. “Our employees were going through a bad time, but thanks to our company’s commitment to all of us, we received relief. The company brought the light back to our lives.”

Today, 60 percent of the island, including our plant, is without power; water service isn’t fully restored and damage remains widespread. “Culturally, Puerto Ricans are very resilient and when adversity strikes, we strike back harder,” says Raquel. “Maria took away a lot, but she was not able to take away our fighting spirit, which means Puerto Rico will rise stronger and more beautiful than ever!”

#PuertoRico se levanta