In light of three phone calls I received recently, I would like to challenge that statement. In fact, based on the calls I got, I’m thinking terrible things come in threes. And, for sure, no good deed goes unpunished.

Here’s why: I got calls from three different reps (each representing different factories) who said they had lines that they cultivated, grew and continued to grow, taken from them as house accounts.

And as someone who has worked with the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association for the past five years, this news, sadly, is becoming more and more commonplace, especially as the economy struggles and business for relatively high-ticket, often-postponable items like ours remains challenged.

Sadly, in the wake of economic downturns, the plight of independent sales representatives often goes unnoticed or worse, swept under the rug. These individuals, who tirelessly build relationships and accounts, are now facing a harsh reality: having their hard-earned accounts taken away by the very factories they represent. This practice not only undermines the efforts of these reps but also highlights a fundamental injustice in the business world.

Independent sales representatives who do it right play a vital role in the economy. They serve as a strong and reliable bridge between manufacturers and consumers, leveraging their expertise, networks and dedication to drive sales and promote products.

Many of these reps invest significant time and resources in nurturing client relationships, understanding market dynamics, providing marketing intelligence and advocating for the brands they represent.

However, amidst economic turbulence, some factories certainly appear to be utilizing drastic measures to cut costs and maintain profitability. One such measure is the termination or reassignment of accounts from independent reps to in-house sales teams or larger distributors. While this may seem like a strategic move from the factory’s perspective, it’s a devastating blow to the independent reps who rely on these accounts for their livelihood.

The decision to strip away accounts from independent reps is not just about reallocating resources; it’s a betrayal of trust and a disregard for the value these reps bring to the table. These individuals often serve as the face of the brand in their respective territories, offering personalized service, localized expertise and a deep understanding of customer needs. By severing ties with independent reps, factories risk alienating loyal customers and sacrificing the competitive edge that these reps provide.

Furthermore, and equally as dangerous, this practice perpetuates a power imbalance in the business ecosystem. Independent sales reps operate with limited bargaining power compared to large corporations. They lack the resources and leverage to challenge unilateral decisions made by factories. As a result, they find themselves at the mercy of these factories, vulnerable to sudden changes that threaten their livelihoods.

Moreover, the repercussions extend beyond the economic realm. For many independent reps, their work is not just a job but a passion. They take pride in building long-term relationships, supporting local businesses and contributing to the success of the brands they represent. The abrupt loss of accounts not only impacts their financial stability but also takes an emotional toll, shaking their confidence and sense of purpose.

In light of these challenges, and in light of what appears to be an uptick in this power imbalance, I think it is time for factories guilty of this practice to rethink their approach to managing independent sales reps, especially during times of economic hardship. Rather than viewing them as expendable assets, factories should recognize the value of these reps as strategic partners in driving sales and fostering brand loyalty.

Moreover, a more equitable and transparent relationship between factories and independent reps is essential. This includes providing clear communication, fair compensation and opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth. By fostering a culture of respect and reciprocity, factories can harness the full potential of independent reps and navigate economic challenges more effectively.

I know for a fact that many independent reps are out there every day representing their respective factories based just on goodwill, a verbal agreement and a handshake. From where I sit, factories that suddenly decide that profitable accounts cultivated by their reps should suddenly become house accounts, send a message that integrity takes a back seat to bottom-line results.

In the spirit of balance, I will also say that not every rep has or brings an A-game on to the field. As with any group, you will have overachievers, achievers, just-enoughs and, yes, some who should really find another line of work that they might be better suited for.

But to penalize a rep who has built up a line and consistently hit his or her numbers is just wrong.

In conclusion, the practice of taking away accounts from productive, engaged and successful independent sales reps amidst economic hardship is not just unfair; it’s short-sighted, counterproductive and destroys trust, not just between the rep and the factory, but within the industry as well.

My message to the factories is this: If you’ve developed a team of successful, loyal and productive independent reps, my hat is off to you.  If you’ve hired reps who are not meeting your expectations, find reps who will. And if you are punishing successful reps by bringing their accounts in house, there is probably something that needs fixing in your house.

It undermines the contributions of these reps, perpetuates inequality in the business landscape and erodes trust within the industry. To build a more resilient and inclusive economy, we must recognize and respect the invaluable role played by independent sales reps and ensure that they are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve.

The post In defense of the independent sales rep appeared first on Home News Now.

HIGH POINT — Natuzzi’s Reimagined Gallery program announced last fall is starting to gain traction around the globe, with 113 retailers signing up globally, including 21 in the U.S. and Canada.

This represents about 121 gallery locations in development worldwide, with 29 in the U.S. and Canada, Codrin Coroama, chief wholesale officer, told Home News Now.

In North America, the company has updated 12 of its existing galleries thus far, with another 18 currently in the development process.

Since the program was first announced, the company has made some tweaks, including to the sizes. Initially, for example, they were in 1,200-, 2,000- and 3,200-square-foot sizes, representing small, medium and large. They have since been expanded slightly to 1,300, 2,200 and 3,500 square feet in size.

Coroama said that 2,200 square feet, which features about 10 room settings, has been the most popular size. The cost of this footprint is $48,000, which includes products and display systems that are delivered to the retailer and ready to place on the floor. By comparison, the 1,300-square-foot gallery offers six room settings and is available at $30,000, while the large gallery offers 20 room settings and starts at $82,000.

He added that the company has enhanced the merchandising aspect of the galleries with new products that include its Natuzzi Editions Houston New Generation Zero Gravity collection and the Roma, a sofa with an adjustable armrest and backrests and standard and extra-deep-seating options.

“Both models were introduced at the April High Point Market and received fantastic feedback, thanks to their Italian-inspired design and innovative features,” Coroama said.

Another new offering that can be showcased in the gallery footprint is what he described as the concept of Space Performance, which offers room-set options tailored to the needs of the retailer.

“The classic room set focuses on space efficiency, while the power-pad room set emphasizes versatility, functionality and customization, inspiring consumers’ creative expression,” Coroama said.

He also noted that on July 1, gallery partners will have access to a digital marketing platform that is “designed to amplify their marketing campaigns across digital channels.”

“This platform will be integrated with Natuzzi’s marketing planner and digital content database, providing support to drive local engagement and ultimately boost sales,” he said.

Retailers and their customers can also look at products on the Natuzzi website, where a number of custom configurations, fabrics and leathers are available, allowing them to pick and choose the look and design footprint they want. Upholstered beds also are available in multiple configurations and fabrics, also shown in detail on the website.

The post Natuzzi Reimagined Gallery concept starts to gain traction appeared first on Home News Now.

“Independent furniture stores selling Meridian have seen increased traffic with younger customers coming in to furnish their living space with more contemporary pieces,” said Michael Rosilio, president of Meridian Furniture. “Social media has made it possible to reach customers that otherwise might not have known about us.”

Best Buy Furniture, located in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, is a three-store traditional brick-and-mortar chain that features the brand, promoted through leading influencers and a strong social media presence. According to Best Buy Furniture Chief Executive Jordan Lulu, Meridian Furniture, which offers top quality, trendy furniture with unique designs, has been a go-to partner, especially when targeting celebrity influencers.

“Not only were the product styles what they wanted, but the price points were unbelievable,” said Lulu. “Meridian gives us the designer looks influencers and celebrities want for half the price. We’ve done a lot of work on influencing. We had never seen such a big increase in sales before posting on social media and running ads on Instagram, Facebook and Google, and we do all that in-house. And it helps that Meridian has the overall aesthetic, appeal, and packaging that young consumers love.”

Influencers well-known to the TikTok generation such as “Food God,” formerly known as Jonathan Cheban, who made appearances on “Keeping Up With the Kardashians,” and YouTube star Jake Paul have taken to Instagram and TikTok to share their homes being furnished by Best Buy Furniture, and Lulu has furnished homes for free in exchange for social media posts. Part of why the 26-year-old’s marketing approach is successful is because he’s connecting with influencers that millennials and Gen Z are interested in. So far, Best Buy Furniture has garnered over 174,000 followers across all social media platforms, with at least one social media influencer—Ed Bassmaster—who pranked salespeople on the floor garnering more than a million views.

“We’re shifting a lot of our attention online, to our e-commerce website. Customers can purchase Meridian Furniture at any of the three Best Buy Furniture suburban locations, two in Pennsauken, New Jersey, and one in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and we can place an order and ship something directly to California or Missouri or Boston or any other city in the U.S. for really competitive pricing,” Lulu said. “It’s rare for manufacturers to give us that backend system and support to be able to cater to all these customers.” 

The post Meridian helps dealer Best Buy Furniture attract younger customers through social media appeared first on Home News Now.

The Eclipse HOPE mattress collection, distinguished by its stylish cover with pink highlights, offers a variety of premium mattress offerings, with the top-of-the-line model featuring BIA’s patented Spinal Zone Version III, a product that has micro coils embedded in the lumbar region of the mattress for additional support and comfort. With over 1,200 coils in the queen size model, the HOPE mattress not only provides for a restful night’s sleep, but is a prime example of cause marketing that resonates with consumers.

With every purchase of the HOPE mattress, BIA donates five percent to the Susan G. Komen foundation, a leading breast cancer awareness organization.

“We are proud to partner with the Komen foundation to help raise awareness for breast cancer prevention. By offering the product in the summer, it enables dealers to have the time to order, plan and start promoting the program prior to October,” said BIA Chief Operating Officer, Phil Carlitz. “Our goal is to arm dealers with everything they need to promote and drive traffic this fall when consumer interest and awareness is at its height and raise as much as we can for this cause.”

“The striking pink accents on this mattress stand out in our showroom, and it will turn dealer’s heads. Women continue to the be the primary decision maker in mattress purchasing decisions and consumers will gravitate to the Eclipse HOPE display in support of this important cause,” he added.

The Eclipse HOPE mattress collection starts at $999 in queen and will be prominently displayed at BIA’s Las Vegas showroom space B-1118 at the World Market Center.

The post Bedding Industries of America supports breast cancer awareness with Eclipse Hope mattress appeared first on Home News Now.

Founded in 2014, Theptex (Thailand) Co., Ltd. specializes in high-quality, 100 percent natural latex sheets products, including mattresses of custom shapes, furniture and more. By using the GOLS certified organically grown latex from Thailand’s natural rubber trees, Theptex is able to produce products that have one of the highest percentages of natural latex in the mattress industry, boosting consumers’ health, one sleep at a time.

With close to 100 employees, Theptex is able to supply products to a wide range of countries, including Thailand, China, India, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Australia, USA, and Europe. Their innovative approach to health-forward mattresses sets them apart from their competitors, using varied approaches to not only aid in peaceful sleep, but to help with various health conditions as well, including orthopedic issues and pressure ulcers.

Their use of pinholes in their mattresses aid in cooling and heating properties naturally, producing a more restful and healthy sleep experience.

“We are thrilled to be welcoming Theptex (Thailand) Co., Ltd. to our international network in an effort to expand our brand’s reach and to experience what the Thailand markets have to offer,” said Nick Bates, president of Spring Air International. “We look forward to many years of watching the company advance in this market while simultaneously advancing our international efforts.”

“With our company’s roots deeply seeded in Thailand’s culture and natural product, Theptex aims to provide a healthy, restful sleep to all consumers, regardless of which mattress they choose. Producing innovative and high-quality products are at the utmost importance to us, and through researching Spring Air’s mattresses, it is clear that their goals align with ours; we were impressed by their efforts on this front,” said Saurabh Gupta, a company director. “As we embark on this journey together, we are committed to achieving our mutual business objectives while creating long-lasting value for our consumers and stakeholders.”

The post Spring Air International adds Thailand to growing licensee base appeared first on Home News Now.

DALLAS — Upholstery manufacturer American Leather, known for its innovation and superior product engineering, has evolved to include a design program for retailers. The Shop-in-Shop concept highlights design and lifestyle elements of its motion and stationary lines. The concept debuted in 2023 and currently has five locations in operation with another 10 in the works.

“The Shop-in-Shop concept is where American Leather’s unique story unfolds, and consumers are met with the true brand personality within a retail store,” said Ashley Fothergill, creative director for American Leather. “The vignettes are customizable and span up to 2,000 square feet to provide retailers with options that work best within their space.” He continued, “Shop-in-Shop can also be thought of as a service American Leather provides to make custom product design easy.”

The Shop-in-Shop footprint also features a design center, filled with top-quality leather and fabric options that customers can touch and feel, as well as arm and leg customization options to showcase the endless possibilities of the brand. For the finishing touch, customers can choose between a wide range of metal and wood finishes.

Aside from the Shop-in-Shop design center, customers can customize pieces for their own homes by using the draping tool on American Leather’s website to see a 3D rendering. Users can shop by fabric, color, patterns and more to create and visualize their dream piece. Once customers have chosen a combination, they can print out the spec sheet and use the online locator to be directed to the nearest dealer.

Carrie Cox, director of brand experience for American Leather, works closely with each retailer partner to design custom Shop-in-Shop vignettes that will appeal to the regional customers’ aesthetic and style preferences. Cox thoughtfully selects the materials that work best in those markets, whether that is showcasing popular bison leather in Colorado or colorful yet durable fabrics in Florida.

One indicator of success is modern furniture retailer Cantoni, which recently rebranded its store in Dallas featuring an American Leather Shop-in-Shop experience and sales increased by 50%. The American Leather x Cantoni partnership is a long-standing one with American Leather being featured throughout the luxury chain. “What is different about how we have approached this particular collaboration was that we were looking to create an environment that houses a more complete array of our products, beyond motion, with examples of our stationary and conversational pieces,” Fothergill said. He added, “The assortment reflects all that American Leather is capable of but in a way that beautifully balances our brand’s DNA with the contemporary aesthetic Cantoni is renowned for.” 

Two additional Cantoni locations in Houston and Atlanta are in progress with the goal of completion before the end of 2024. Other Shop-in-Shop concepts are planned for other locations across the U.S. including in Atlanta, New York, Connecticut, Florida, North Carolina, Seattle and Dallas.

“I think the success we have seen has come about via thinking outside the box a little and we credit Cantoni for allowing us to do so. We removed SKUs from the floor giving the product more space to breathe and more room for the client to interact with the product. We have developed vignettes that help to provide the client with a sense of how American Leather would work in their home.”

Fothergill added, “These projects harness the partnerships that have long been the backbone of the American Leather business, with retailers and American Leather sharing both the experience and the ‘lift’ but in a way that reflects the strengths of each.”

The post American Leather finding success with Shop-in-Shop at retail appeared first on Home News Now.

LOGAN, Utah — As part of a restructuring announced this week, Malouf Home has named Mark Thatcher president and Jesse Gibbs as head of business development and rep management.

Thatcher fills a role previously held by Eric Holmstead, who has been president since 2022. Before this he was national sales manager since 2019.

Holmstead will now serve as head of merchandising and global sourcing, addressing challenges on the sourcing side of the business, while also helping manage the development of new products.

“I’ve been working exclusively with our retail partners for the last 10 years, and my strong relationships and understanding of how to succeed in this space will influence the new products we’ll bring to market,” Holmstead said. “We’re already seeing the overwhelmingly positive response to our new mattresses. There are more big opportunities out there for our retail partners and for us, and I’ve already started working on them.”

Thatcher has been with the company as vice president, sales for the past two and a half years and before that was director, business development at case goods manufacturer Maven.

Before this he was director, online marketing and online marketing manager at Icon Health and Fitness for  more than 16 years.

As part of the restructuring, the company sales team has launched a new structure that classifies accounts by size, instead of by region.

“We needed to rethink the types of support we were offering our partners, so we can help maximize their business and offer them the right resources,” Thatcher said. “This new sales structure will create better partnerships with a higher impact for our retailers’ bottom

line.”

Jesse Gibbs has been with the company for just over eight years, previously serving as vice president, national sales, district sales manager and territory sales manager. Before joining Malouf, he was in product development and management roles at HRI Research for more than seven years.

In his new role, the company said that Gibbs is “working to provide more tools and resources for outside sales representatives, so they best serve the needs of retail partners, in addition to strategizing for tradeshows.”

CEO Sam Malouf said, “I believe we’re going to look back on this as a key moment for the company. We are returning to our entrepreneurial core, leveraging market shifts and focusing on our retail partners and customers. There’s a bright future ahead.”

The post Mark Thatcher named president of Malouf Home appeared first on Home News Now.

HICKORY, N.C. — Industry equipment, materials and service providers showing at this past week’s Furniture Manufacturing Expo had a chance to connect with furniture manufacturers hoping for a turnaround if not in the second half, sometime early next year.

Held June 13-14 at the Hickory Metro Convention Center, it featured nearly 100 exhibitors offering equipment ranging from sewing machines to large-scale fabric and leather cutting machines plus materials such as hardware, plywood panels, brackets, nailhead trim, dowels, webbing, adhesives and more for manufacturers and distributors. Many came to visit with existing resources, and many came to meet new resources to help diversify their mix of suppliers.

“With what happened to the supply chain during Covid, I would hope that everyone sees the benefit of having multiple suppliers,” said Mark Hill, a trader with lumber and engineered wood particleboard supplier Richmond International.

With customers in the upholstery and case goods segments as well as wood cabinetry, he noted that the company has shown at the expo for several years. This time around, it saw new customers and prospects from North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey and Ohio and as far west as California.

“This is one of the best shows we do every year because it attracts a lot of decision makers,” he said, noting that the company has warehouses around the country that serve customers in those regions, many of whom buy product in truckloads.

For Richmond and other suppliers, a key purpose of the event is to help educate customers about the services and products available, as opposed to actually selling product. Those buying decisions, more often than not, take place between shows where companies can review their options, similar to large retailers attending a furniture market.

“Right now, the market is flat and it’s not as hard to find stuff,” Hill added, noting that it’s still important for the industry to know what’s available in the marketplace.

Leggett & Platt, for example, showcased new mechanisms for recliners and sleepers, allowing customers to see some of its various innovations in person, including a recliner that converts into a glider rocker. As importantly, it gave the company and its customers a chance to reconnect in a casual and informal setting.

“It’s just an opportunity for us to engage with our customer base,” said Taylor Knuckles, a company sales professional who covers North Carolina and the Northeast. In addition to some customers from up north, he said the show mostly drew existing customers and some prospects  from the North Carolina region as well as Georgia and Tennessee. He agreed that this also is an efficient way for suppliers and their customers to meet in one setting.

“People are wearing multiple hats, so time is of the essence,” he said, adding, that the face-to-face meetings give companies a chance to interact on a personal level. “Everyone’s asking the same question — ‘How’s business?’ 98 to 100% of the suppliers here would give you the same answer — ‘it’s soft right now.’”

For that reason, the company and others are offering new products and solutions aimed at spurring manufacturing efficiencies and/or interest among consumers.

Seat spring manufacturer Barber Manufacturing, for example, showed some of its innovations in the segment, including rigid bar, drop- in construction that features single-cone springs attached to roll-formed steel channel bars. Together, they form a rigid bar drop in for a recliner, that provides more comfort than sinuous spring construction.

A similar type of construction also was available to drop into the frame of a dining chair. (This writer tested it out as he hadn’t seen anything like it in the market previously. The fact that he did the entire interview seated in the chair — without wanting to get up — was one indication this could be a hit at retail.)

“It is more expensive than sinuous (spring support), but we have some customers for it,” noted Jan Miller, general manager, adding that sinuous spring support also has been the norm in recliners.

However, this could be a game changer as the coils provide comfort across the entire seat regardless of the position of the recliner. By comparison, the sinuous springs provide more give in the middle, but are typically more rigid along the front and back of the seat.

Associated Hardwoods was on hand to help educate customers about how it can tailor the specs of wood frames and plywood to the needs of the customer, thus allowing them to do as much or as little of the wood processing as they want in house. 

“Even with it being slow, it’s still a challenge,” said sales associate Jay Osmer regarding labor and getting workers with the right skill sets.

Thus, lumber yield remains a critical element, particularly for furniture manufacturers looking to maximize efficiency and also cut down on material costs.

“The furniture industry is dependent on yield,” Osmer said. “Yield is money.”

The company visited with customers — some from as far away as Texas, with others stopping by from North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee — to help communicate the services and technologies the company can provide not just during a slow economy but also when business improves.

Hickory Springs was on hand to help educate customers — existing and new prospects including upholstery and bedding manufacturers from the Carolinas plus Michigan, Indiana, Tennessee and Massachusetts, to name several — about its many products and services. Part of the education process also was on how some of these products also can help customers improve efficiencies, while also maximizing the comfort level and durability of their products ranging from sofas to mattresses.

Conversations also focused on the state of the economy, noted Jason Porter, vice president of sales for the furniture segment.

“We are asking them and they are asking us, how they are seeing things and how we are seeing things,” he said, adding, “People are optimistic that we will come out of this. The key is timing. We are preparing for what’s coming.”

Miller, of Barber Manufacturing Co., said the company saw both existing customers and new prospects. Here, too, conversations also touched on the economy, with hopes of a turnaround sooner than later.

“It’s feast or famine for a lot of people,” Miller said, adding that middle to upper end is generally not having as hard a time as the lower middle to lower end of the spectrum. Some companies, he noted, are maintaining their workweek, while others are working three- to four-day weeks, with others still working overtime. “But not many,” he said.

Some also noted that in typical election-year fashion, many are waiting to pull the trigger on spending until after Nov. 5. Lower interest rates, they note, also will have a major impact on home buying and selling, which typically spurs furniture sales.  

“Business has been way off for close to a year now,” said Mark Miller, a senior account manager at Beeson, which supplies the industry products ranging from plywood and sandpaper to screws, glue and safety supplies. “Furniture is driven by the overall economy, and consumers are not spending money. And furniture factories are not spending money they don’t have to spend and are very frugal on what they do spend. Everybody is waiting for and hoping for a change in November. You cannot keep going down the path we have been going. … People have been tightening their belts and trying to run smarter and more efficient, and you can only do that for so long.”

He said this was the company’s first year at the show and that he was pleasantly surprised at the depth and breadth of attendance from states as far west as California, Utah and Texas, not to mention Oklahoma, Illinois and Massachusetts.

“I thought this would be a more regional show, and it’s been much broader than that,” he said, noting that this will help with new business prospects.

“We are looking at expanding our customer base,” he said, adding, “Our current customers are very loyal and are giving us everything they can. We are just looking for new customers to broaden our scope.”

The post Furniture Manufacturing Expo offers a glimpse into state of industry appeared first on Home News Now.

Machinery ranged from large-scale fabric and leather cutting machines to smaller sewing machines and embroidery equipment. Resources were also on hand with the latest components, ranging from hardware and hardwood samples to spring seating and sleeper mechanisms. Home News Now captured much of this with photos taken on the show floor. To catch a glimpse of the varied displays and people we saw at the event, scroll through the slideshow below.

Tom Inman, left, president of Appalachian Hardwood Manufacturers Inc., and Steve Walters, of Richelieu USA, at the Appalachian Hardwood booth during the show.

Atlanta Attachment Co., a sister company of Hickory Springs, showcased some of its sewing, cutting, material handling and custom equipment for the furniture and mattress industries.

Consew and Meistergram showcased some of their latest sewing and cutting equipment at the show.

A show attendee checks out some of the multiple products offered by Heico Fasteners, ranging from decorative hardware and nailheads to dowels, webbing, zippers and more.

Richelieu USA also showed a wide mix of products ranging from screws and decorative hardware to hinges, drawer slides, lighting, glues, finishing products and more. It has an estimated 145,000 items in stock across industry segments and also has access to another 200,000 SKUs for special orders, the company told Home News Now.

Pathfinder Cutting Technology brought one of its fabric-cutting machines to the show, where it provided live demonstrations of its latest technologies in the sector.

Andre MacDonough, a field technician at Zund, showed off equipment that determines how to nest patterns to be cut on a piece of leather. The goal is to minimize waste and improve yield and efficiency in the cutting of leather and fabric.

Zund occupied a space near the front entrance of the exhibit hall, providing visitors a view of some of its cutting equipment in action.

ABM International, a resource for industrial quilting machines, showed some of the patterns that its equipment can produce, offering customers a glimpse at its many custom capabilities in such processes.

The process of custom embroidery is shown on a machine that ABM International brought to the show.

More vendors are seen at the show on Friday. They said traffic was noticeably lighter on the second day of the event, but were still seeing existing customers and new prospects alike. The show allowed vendors to educate customers about their equipment, products and services in hopes of boosting their business in the second half and beyond.

The post Inside the Furniture Manufacturing Expo appeared first on Home News Now.

Bed Quarter, a company founded 27 years ago, has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Sudair Industrial Area, north of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and operates more than 40 mattress stores in the region. As part of the agreement, it will manufacture and distribute the Eclipse brand in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon, and expand into North Africa in partnership with BIA.

“The Bed Quarter executive team is comprised of very experienced mattress producers in the region, some of whom we worked with years ago, so we are excited about what they will be able to do to expand the Eclipse brand in the region,” said Stuart Carlitz, founder of BIA. “They are not only great manufacturers, but also great retailers with a strong direct-to-consumer business. They have a keen understanding of the mattress shopper in the region and can really use that knowledge to help retailers in other countries benefit from flooring Eclipse products in their showrooms.”

“Eclipse is an outstanding brand that embodies the best of American design and manufacturing, something that many customers and retailers in our region are looking for today,” said Abdul Salam Al Mazro of MAZ Holding Group. “We are so happy to add the exciting Eclipse brand, which has more than 100 Years of history and legacy. Its special patented spinal zone technology, approved by COCSA to our existing branded line of bedding retail business, will strengthen our position in the region.”

“I am so happy to be working with Stuart and his team once again, added Arun Sharma, chief executive officer of MAZ Holding Group.. “There is a lot of opportunity for us to grow sales in this area with our Bed Quarter retail stores.”

The post BIA expands its presence in the Middle East, North Africa with new license agreement appeared first on Home News Now.