Readers air views on FR, ISPA numbers, price hikes
David Perry, Executive Editor -- Furniture Today, August 4, 2008
Today my readers get their say. My June 16 column about setting the record straight on the safety of fire-resistant mattresses provoked one reader to blast me for writing "a false article on the FR chemicals in mattresses." My critic continued: "Since you are not interested in the facts, I won't waste my time sharing them here. But please know that when the consumer is presented the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth as to why the Consumer Product Safety Commission put these ridiculous rules in place, they don't want a 'safe' mattress."
My response: I'm not interested in facts? I quoted extensively in that column from the CPSC's study of FR chemicals, which it deemed safe. Those are the facts, according to CPSC. I quoted facts and now I'm accused of not being interested in facts. That criticism is way off base.
My June 30 column questioning the accuracy of the International Sleep Products Assn.'s monthly statistics brought this comment: "Unfortunately ISPA does not have a true grasp on what is happening with the industry on a timely basis.... However, without the majors providing accurate information it is difficult to see how they can even closely approximate what is happening, which begs the question of why even publish such a report."
My response: ISPA CEO Dick Doyle made a similar point to me about the importance of having majors participate in the monthly reports. Several majors do take part, but some don't. While I have questioned the accuracy of the monthly reports on occasion, I strongly believe they should be continued. Some guidance on what is happening in the industry is better than none. What we need is a history of the variance between the monthly figures and the annual figures, so we can keep the monthly figures in proper perspective.
The industry's sales slump also drew a couple of comments from my readers. "My personal belief is that survival is not a given for many if their only plan is to hold on and wait for a better economy," one producer wrote. He said his vendors "continue to project much gloom about the industry's health." My comment: Amen.
Another producer lamented "the unprecedented price increases our industry is getting on raw materials. ... Coupled with all the other problems faced by our customers and consumers, this is turning out to be the most difficult year I have ever seen in the mattress business. What does your crystal ball show?"
My crystal ball confirms that this is going to be the worst year in the industry in decades. But here's a thought: Why don't we raise prices? Who says we must make $299 queen-sized sleep sets? Does the consumer know that last year's $599 bed is now a $699 bed? I don't think so.
And here's another thought: Let's talk about the importance of better sleep. We've got to break out of this price-price-price marketing strategy.
Contact David Perry at dperry@reedbusiness.com
