1-800-Mattress was once a household name in the mattress retail industry. Known for its catchy phone number and promise of convenience, the brand made it easier than ever for customers to shop for mattresses without leaving their homes. At a time when phone-ordering was revolutionary, the company gained huge popularity and built strong brand recognition.
But in recent years, people have started asking: Is 1-800-Mattress still around? and What really happened to this once-famous company? In this article, we’ll explore the rise and fall of 1-800-Mattress, the reasons behind its closure, and what it meant for employees, loyal customers, and the industry as a whole.
A Little Background: 1-800-Mattress
Founded in 1976 by Napoleon Barragan in New York, 1-800-Mattress became an innovative force in the retail space. At a time when mattress shopping typically involved visiting large showrooms, the company flipped the script by letting customers order over the phone with just one simple number.
The brand’s catchphrase, “Leave the last ‘S’ off for savings,” became well-known and reflected its commitment to reasonable prices. Over time, 1-800-Mattress expanded its operations, launching showrooms and eventually embracing online sales as e-commerce started to grow. For decades, the company remained a trusted name in mattress retail.
Is 1-800-Mattress Still in Business?
The short answer is no, 1-800-Mattress is no longer in business. After years of success, the company faced increasing competition, changing consumer habits, and financial difficulties1-800-Mattress formally shut down and declared bankruptcy in 2009.
Although the brand had strong recognition, it could not keep up with the rapid rise of online-first mattress companies. While the name occasionally resurfaces online, the original business as it once operated does not exist anymore.
Reason for Closure of 1-800-Mattress
There were several reasons behind the downfall of 1-800-Mattress. First, the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon and direct-to-consumer mattress startups such as Casper and Purple changed how people shopped for mattresses. Customers preferred online shopping with fast shipping and easy returns.
Second, the economic downturn during the late 2000s hit many retail businesses hard. 1-800-Mattress struggled to adapt quickly enough, and mounting debt left it unable to compete. Despite attempts to restructure, the company ultimately couldn’t survive the combination of financial pressure and new competition.
Which Brands Replaced 1-800-Mattress in the Market?
After the closure of 1-800-Mattress, other brands quickly filled the gap. Mattress Firm became one of the largest brick-and-mortar mattress retailers in the U.S., while online-first companies like Casper, Purple, Tuft & Needle, and Nectar dominated the digital space.
These brands offered a modern shopping experience, from easy online ordering to free trial periods and direct shipping. While 1-800-Mattress pioneered convenience in its time, these newer companies pushed the concept further and appealed to a new generation of shoppers.
What Happens to the Employees of 1-800-Mattress?
When the company shut down, many employees lost their jobs. For those who worked in showrooms, warehouses, and customer service centers, the closure was a difficult transition. Some employees were able to find work in other mattress retailers, while others moved into different areas of retail and sales.
The loss of jobs highlighted the risks faced by employees when long-standing companies close down suddenly. While some experience was transferable, the closure still left many in a tough position.
Is 1-800-Mattress Coming Back to the Market Soon?
As of now, there are no signs that 1-800-Mattress will make a comeback. Although the brand name is still recognizable, the retail mattress landscape has changed dramatically. Today, customers expect seamless e-commerce platforms, free delivery, and competitive trial offers—features that newer brands already excel at providing.
Unless a larger retailer buys the brand name and relaunches it in a modern form, it seems unlikely that 1-800-Mattress will return to the market.
Customer Impact: What Happens to Loyal Shoppers?
For loyal customers, the closure of 1-800-Mattress meant losing a trusted retailer. Many shoppers had relied on its simple ordering process and competitive prices. After its closure, customers had to turn to other options, often adjusting to the new online-first model of buying mattresses.
The positive side is that the industry as a whole has become more customer-friendly, with new companies offering long trial periods, free returns, and home delivery. Even while 1-800-Mattress still evokes nostalgia, consumers now enjoy even more convenience.
Conclusion
1-800-Mattress was a pioneer in changing how people shopped for mattresses, offering convenience long before online shopping became the norm. However, financial struggles, rising competition, and shifting consumer habits led to its closure in 2009.
Today, brands like Mattress Firm, Casper, and Purple have taken its place, offering modern solutions for a new generation of buyers. Although 1-800-Mattress is gone, its influence on the industry remains clear—it paved the way for the convenience-driven shopping experience that customers now take for granted.
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