The Mattress Firm story began when a single location in Houston, Texas first opened its doors in 1986. From the very beginning, the company set out to be a different kind of mattress retailer, focused on creating a unique shopping experience for the customer with a large selection of quality, brand name products, competitive pricing, and knowledgeable, well-trained associates. It was a concept that quickly caught on, and as its reputation grew, so did the company; and by 1994 Mattress Firm had added several new locations throughout the state of Texas.
In 1994, the company opened its first franchise location in Denver, Colorado; officially expanding outside its home state of Texas for the first time. Over the next several years, Mattress Firm grew exponentially, adding new corporate stores and franchises at a remarkable pace. By 2002, the company owned and operated approximately 250 locations across North America and was considered the second-largest independent retailer in the country at the time.
In 2002, Mattress Firm was purchased by Sun Capital Partners Inc., a Boca Raton, Florida-based private equity firm. Mattress Firm soon introduced a new store design, opened several new Mattress Firm Super-Centers which offered an even greater selection from top manufacturers, introduced the company’s same-day Red Carpet delivery and created the Firm Network, a unique in-store broadcast network featuring programming to educate consumers about sleep, and offering guidance for selecting the right mattress.
One thing that never changed, however, was the company’s approach to providing a uniquely positive experience for its customers; enabling the company to thrive and continue its expansion across the country. As new research emerged showing the link between proper sleep and good health, Mattress Firm responded to the growing demand for specialty mattresses by expanding its product selection to include pressure relieving mattresses from top manufacturers Tempur-Pedic® and Select Comfort™.
In January of 2007, Mattress Firm was sold to J.W. Childs Associates LP and the company has continued its remarkable growth ever since; with plans to add more than 150 stores during the year, through acquisitions and organic growth. What began with a single location in 1986 has grown to become one of the largest and most successful specialty bedding companies in the world. Approaching 500 locations across 22 states, and growing, Mattress Firm remains committed to making it easy for Americans to get a good night’s sleep.
