After a very successful launch of The Bedding Center at the Spring 2007 High Point Market, Merchandise Mart Properties Inc. (MMPI) has expanded and relocated the area to the first floor of Plaza Suites. The new Bedding Center, which is completely sold out for the upcoming market, will be ready to welcome buyers for the Fall High Point Market, October 1–7.

“The response has been overwhelming, said Tom Mitchell, senior vice president, MMPI High Point, “but we are not surprised, since this is such an important category for our industry. We knew from our research that buyers coming to High Point Market wanted more opportunities to shop bedding while they were here, so we created The Bedding Center to respond to that need.”

Feedback from participants from last market is proof of the incredible success of the inaugural launch of The Bedding Center. Gerry Borreggine, President/CEO, Therapedic Sleep Products said, “We think a strong foundation has been laid at this Market [Spring 2007 High Point Market] from which the mattress industry can look to build upon in reestablishing High Point as a bedding destination.”

The Bedding Center has nearly doubled in size since last market, growing from 15,000 to 25,000 square feet. Buyers will find the latest bedding products available from the following participating companies: Alfa Airbeds, Arason Enterprises, Inc, Carolina Mattress Guild, Corsicana Bedding, Eclipse International, Glideaway Sleep Products, Hickory Springs Manufacturing Co., Industrias Tobia, Pacific Coast Feather Co., Springwall Mattress, and Therapedic.

“The participants in the Bedding Center are very excited about their new location,” said Mitchell. “While the Bedding Center was extremely successful in the Suites at Market Square, we felt that Plaza Suites was a better location based on the typical dealer base that is buying this category. Top 100 retailers account for approximately 30 percent of total U.S. bedding sales, and these are the buyers that regularly shop Plaza Suites.”

For more information about participating,

please contact Julie Messner at (336) 821-1509

or jmessner@mmart.com