Sourcing Bedding Suppliers for Home Retail Companies

Sourcing and setting up a network of reliable bedding suppliers is a challenge which most Home Retail Companies initially underestimate. The quality of your stock can directly influence both your bottom line and customer attitudes towards your company.

Establish a relationship

You will need to establish a relationship that goes beyond supply towards advice on product applications (longevity versus luxury) as well as health and safety adherence. Bedding Suppliers that can share their expertise on materials, branding and packaging make ideal partners as you get the combined benefit of the supplier and your experience. For fairly new home retailers direction on product presentation and in-store promotions also help fast-track marketing efforts.

Manufacturer/Supplier and Supply Chain Optimisation

Purchasing direct from the manufacturer not only allows the retailer to brand the product with a company label but also allows for reduced acquisition costs. Such supply chain optimization has applications in all industries manufacturing and/or distributing goods, including retail, industrial products, and consumer packaged goods.

Another aspect to consider is how much your supplier is able to produce in a given period. Sourcing reliable bedding suppliers which respond quickly to market fluctuations means that the retailer will be able to reduce their buffer stock/safety stock levels. (Safety stock is defined as extra units of inventory carried as protection against possible stockouts). This 'manufacture-on-demand' approach reduces the retailer's storage costs and allows for flexible supply which answers demand.

Choosing Bedding Stock

When looking at Duvets and pillows you will need to decide whether you wish to stock bedding with synthetic or natural fibre fillings - or both. It is handy to stock pillows in sets of 2 (for single beds) and sets of 4 (for double beds.) Look at stocking different tog ratings for the different seasons Light summer duvets start at 4.5 tog rating and winter duvets can go as warm as a 15 tog rating. Lastly you could decide to stock mattress toppers too (also known as mattress protectors).

So, the process is not complicated it just requires that you find the right bedding supplier to suit your home retail needs. Quality goods, speedy delivery and flexible range of goods all sum up to a good partnership. Add to that custom branding and a dollop of customer-centric advise and you will be on the right track.

Whether you're interested in becoming a retailer of our quality products, or looking for an own brand bedding manufacturer Pownall and Hampson (UK and Ireland) is the bedding manufacturing company for you.