Slumberland approaches 20 years in business

By Nathan Lilley, General Manager
Posted 10/21/21

It’s not often one can speak in absolutes, but in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic one thing is clear: Every industry has been impacted. There have been closures - temporary and permanent - …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Slumberland approaches 20 years in business

Posted

It’s not often one can speak in absolutes, but in the case of the COVID-19 pandemic one thing is clear: Every industry has been impacted. There have been closures - temporary and permanent - there have been supply chain challenges, and there have been staffing issues. For many Mexico businesses, there have been benefits, and despite challenges, they’ve done well.

Just ask Logan Ray, who has been manager of Slumberland, Mexico for almost five years. A community fixture for nearly 20 years, the business has seen its share of dynamics since it opened its doors. And thanks to the curveballs of COVID, the store has seen more than its share over the last couple of years. That said, Ray and the Slumberland team - which includes his father, and Slumberland owner, Ron - things have been good. 

I have loved every minute of it,” Logan said. “Mexico and its surrounding communities are amazing and I have really enjoyed moving back home after college and serving through the store and other organizations.”

While COVID hampered - or downright crippled - some industries, the furniture business has thrived. People found themselves working from home. And more time at home meant varied epiphanies on the state of their home offices and living space.

For our business and industry COVID put us on hyperdrive,” Logan said. “Everyone wanted to turn their homes into their offices and do more home improvements to make their homes their own little paradise.”

COVID’s shadow has resulted in growth for both Slumberland’s brick-and-mortar and online stores.  grown both for our brick and mortar location as well as our online sales. Recent trends have been brighter and bolder colors, according to Logan. 

“We’ve had several requests for more greens, blues, and even reds,” he said.

And during the last two quarters, customers have shifted their attention to the bedroom, upgrading their mattresses.Timing for that couldn’t be better, as Slumberland held its Sleep Solutions gallery grand opening in September.

We think the new layout and product assortment will make it really simple and easy to find the perfect mattress,” he said.

The industry has had its share of challenges, though, as furniture has been subject to supply chain issues like nearly all industries.

Supply of products has been extremely challenging,” Logan said. “The demand has continued to stay at high levels, but due to lack of raw materials, employees not returning, and logistical issues, products throughout the home goods industry has slowed down with no end in sight”.

In summary and in Logan’s words: “ Demand is still extremely high and supply is still very limited.”

Summer months were highlighted with their share of sales, including a tent sale, which fared well.


It was an amazing turnout for us,” Logan said. “Fortunately I was able to reserve a truckload of in stock merchandise several months beforehand for customers to be able to take right away.”

Slumberland’s location at 2715 East Liberty makes it tough to miss, and its presence is enhanced by an ever-changing marquee of staff witticisms.

It’s a group effort with our team,” Logan said. “We are always thinking of things that would be fun and write them down and save them for when it needs to be changed.”

And people notice.

“We get a great amount of feedback (on them),” Logan said.  “People love them and we are told constantly that they can’t wait to see what we put up next and that it’s something that several people look forward to on the morning commute. I think laughter is the best form of marketing and if we are able to put a smile on someone’s face and brighten their day then it makes us feel really good about what we are doing here at the store.”


X