US bedding market still in decline

Both December sales and Q4 2009 sales of mattresses were up by 2.8 % and 3.9 % respectively according to ISPA (International Sleep Products Association). However, overall sales for the full year of 2009 were down, for the second year in a row by as much as 9.9 %, based in preliminary figures.

ISPA figures only represent 45 % of the US industry but are indicative of total industry trends. Information issued by ISPA also revealed that innerspring mattresses gained market share in both units and dollars at the expense of speciality sleep products. Innerspring mattress sales declined by 8.7 % during the year while speciality mattresses (including full foam) declined by 10.6 % in terms of units. The fourth quarter results showed a strong rebound by the speciality sleep mattresses with sales up 19.7 % over the previous quarter.

In terms of prices innerspring mattress prices fell by 0.3 % during 2009 and speciality mattresses prices by 3.5 % versus 2008. Final figures for 2009 will be released by ISPA later this year.