Better Bedding’s Death Decried By Furniture Trade Magazine
“Better Bedding, the East Hartford, Conn.-based sleep shop chain recently sold to Sleepy’s, deserved a better fate than it received,” writes David Perry in his recent Furniture Today article about the former Connecticut company.
“The sale to Sleepy’s took the founding Wholley family, a name synonymous with integrity and professionalism, out of the business the family founded back in 1976. And that is a shame, because the Wholleys ran a first-rate business and did an excellent job of meeting their customers’ needs for many years.
“We were so impressed with Better Bedding that we named them one of our inaugural Retail Giants of Bedding five years ago when we launched that program.
“Like many retailers, Better Bedding suffered during the industry’s downturn. It filed for Chapter 11 protection last year, returned to profitability, and made a bid to emerge from bankruptcy protection later this year. The creditors committee, headed by longtime supplier Sealy, signaled its support for that plan.
“But then, according to court documents filed in connection with the case, Hicksville, N.Y.-based Sleepy’s, the nation’s largest bedding retailer, which competes with Better Bedding, made its own offer, promising earlier payment to the creditors. For the complete article click here.
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4 Responses for “Better Bedding’s Death Decried By Furniture Trade Magazine”
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Its sad to see them go. I hope the economy doesn’t affect too many more businesses.
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The first Better Bedding store I visited was Rte 66 in Middletown. The somewhat disgruntled man’ provided no service and could care less. I described him to my friends as less passionate than a used car salesperson. He offered me no help and pointed to 3 mattresses and said that was all he had in my price point. I then went into Better Bedding in Manchester near all the big stores. The salesman was terrific. He reminded me of William Macy. He was good. I bought a mattress. I was even sent a card by the owners from E. Hartford. I guess the difference between Middletown and Manchester makes and breaks stores too. But yes it is sad to see another small family run business eaten up by a giant. A mattress monopoly? Hmmm. Never thought about it but I will sleep on it!
It’s a shame for this store to close. I worked for Consumer Protection for 20+ years and could count on one hand the number of complaints.
Better Bedding was the only store in the area to show you a price list of mattresses for all bedding stores. With the list you could make a comparison. Sleepy’s has a lousy reputation with DCP.