A window opened for me at the recent High Point Market, giving me a clear view of something that had been hidden. Now I’ve got a better idea of what lies ahead for the mattress industry next year. I’ll get to that in a moment.
But first, let me note that the window I referenced is both literal and figurative.
The literal window (actually windows) is in the glass-enclosed walkway that crosses Elm Street, connecting the Furniture Plaza Building and the C&D Building. It affords a nice view of the Casa Italia building half a block away, a sleek half-ship of a building that is permanently docked at market. That is one of the market’s iconic sights.
Over the years, I’ve enjoyed the views of the downtown market scene as I’ve passed through that walkway on my way to — or from — Market Square. It’s part of an extended journey through the market labyrinth from Market Square to Plaza Suites that I enjoy sharing with market guests, one that affords unique views of the market landscape as it unfolds across several blocks.
Imagine my surprise one recent market when I found the windows of my favorite walkway covered, obliterating those nice views of the market district. An exhibitor’s name was splashed across the outside of the windows. My walkway had become a billboard.
I am happy to report that the covering is now gone, and the walkway once again provides a window on the world below. I paused to take in that scene at the recent market. My guest also enjoyed the view.
I’ve been thinking about that sun-splashed walkway as I reflect on my five days in High Point. Market is always a good chance to catch up on where the industry has been, and to look ahead at where it may be going.
In my conversations with bedding exhibitors, retailers and suppliers, I got several reports of a challenging retail landscape this year, one punctuated by strong holiday promotions starting with the Memorial Day holiday and continuing through Labor Day, but with lackluster business following those times of increased activity. Sales in October were soft, I was told, but there is hope the year will finish on a strong note.
While I wasn’t focusing on next year’s outlook, I did pick up some important clues to how next year may shape up for the mattress category.
On the negative side of the ledger, there is concern that the chaotic business climate inaugurated by President Trump this year with his on-again and off-again tariffs will continue in the new year. “The Trump factor will still be in play in 2026,” one executive told me. That means more uncertainty for business, and business, as we know, doesn’t like uncertainty.
On the positive side of the ledger, the industry welcomed the recent interest rate cut and is hoping for more cuts in the future. Lower interest rates should boost the housing market, and that should provide a boost for the mattress industry, bedding execs say.
Another positive is that the current mattress recession must end sometime. I had been hoping this would be the turnaround year, but a year of geo-political challenges has dashed those hopes, it appears. Still, growth is the normal course of business in Mattressville when we aren’t in a recession of some sort, and we are overdue to get back to a more normal course of business.
As I peer through my window on the industry, I see some concerns about next year, but I also see reasons for optimism. That’s how my view looked in late October as I made the rounds in High Point. How will that view change in the months to come? I’ll let you know.
