Introducing MIDAS: When is a Buying Group NOT a Buying Group?

The mattress retail trade is present process vital change, and the Mattress Industry Dealers Association (MIDAS), based by retail veterans Greg Jent and Steven Houk, is main the cost.

Designed to unite impartial mattress retailers, MIDAS focuses on making a collaborative group that prioritizes training, innovation, and mutual success. This distinctive group isn’t nearly rebates and particular pricing—it’s about constructing a community that empowers retailers to thrive collectively.

The Origin Story: From Fb to a Formal Affiliation

The MIDAS journey started in 2020, a pivotal 12 months that introduced vital adjustments throughout industries. What began as a easy Fb group, the “Mattress Trade Community,” was created by associates from throughout the nation. This group rapidly grew right into a vibrant group of mattress retailer homeowners. Their preliminary purpose was modest but profound: to offer a platform the place retailers may ask questions, share insights, and be taught from each other.

Over time, the group developed past social media, remodeling right into a powerhouse of collaboration and assist. As Greg Jent displays, “I knew we wanted one thing extra, one thing higher, than what we had been getting from conventional shopping for teams. When the final recession hit, it wasn’t 2% rebates that saved my shops. It was the individuals who had been in my sneakers earlier than and shared their information with me.” This foundational spirit of shared information and mutual assist grew to become the cornerstone of MIDAS.

By Mattress Retailer House owners, For Mattress Retailer House owners

Tony Campus, proprietor of Mattress on Demand, emphasised what units MIDAS other than different choices: “They really hear and are deeply invested within the success of impartial retailers.”

MIDAS is a shopping for group that actually lives as much as its tagline: by mattress retailer homeowners, for mattress retailer homeowners. It’s designed to deal with the distinctive challenges and alternatives confronted by impartial retailers, making certain their voices and experiences are on the middle of each resolution.

Steve Houk was lately requested what position MIDAS may play within the evolution of the mattress trade. He responded, “The mattress retail trade is evolving quickly, embracing a real omni-channel expertise—a seamless mix of on-line and in-store interactions. Whereas ‘omni-channel’ might really feel like a buzzword, it completely captures the course the trade is heading. Our purpose is to assist retailers in navigating this transition by equipping them with the instruments, methods, and assets they want to achieve this hybrid mannequin. By fostering innovation and flexibility, we intention to assist them thrive in a panorama the place prospects count on comfort, customized service, and suppleness throughout all channels.”

In contrast to different shopping for teams, MIDAS is uniquely positioned as a result of it’s created by mattress retailer homeowners who perceive the challenges of the trade firsthand. Their mission is evident: to empower impartial retailers with the instruments, training, and group they should thrive. As Steve Houk states, “I imagine that small enterprise is the spine of this nation.”

A Group Constructed on Training and Empowerment

Trying forward, MIDAS plans to launch a digital coaching community for its members. This initiative will present on-demand entry to instructional assets, finest practices, and professional recommendation tailor-made to the wants of impartial mattress retailers. By making a complete on-line coaching platform, MIDAS ensures that members can constantly develop and adapt to trade adjustments at their very own tempo.

At its coronary heart, MIDAS is about fostering a way of belonging and mutual assist amongst mattress retailers. It’s not only a community; it’s a household of impartial enterprise homeowners who genuinely care about one another’s success. Whether or not it’s sharing a hard-earned lesson, providing recommendation throughout a troublesome time, or celebrating a milestone, the MIDAS group exemplifies what it means to raise one another up.

The core philosophy of MIDAS is to leverage the expertise of profitable retailers to mentor and educate newcomers. The purpose? To make sure that retailer homeowners run their companies successfully, moderately than being overwhelmed by them. By means of communication, assets, and networking alternatives, MIDAS equips members to navigate the complexities of the mattress trade.

Tackling the Mattress-in-a-Field Alternative

The rise of bed-in-a-box mattresses presents impartial mattress retailers with a singular alternative to develop their attain and choices. MIDAS is dedicated to serving to its members see these merchandise as a complement to their conventional enterprise fashions moderately than a risk. By offering coaching on efficient advertising methods, stock integration, and buyer engagement, MIDAS permits retailers to place bed-in-a-box choices as a priceless a part of their stock.

With on-line mattress gross sales rising from 19% to 52% since 2020, MIDAS offers members with the instruments to embrace e-commerce methods and meet the expectations of at this time’s digital-savvy prospects. This method not solely enhances the buying expertise but in addition ensures the continued relevance and success of impartial mattress shops in an evolving market.

Small Companies, Huge Impression

“I really feel just like the trade has wanted one thing like this for a very long time and I’m glad somebody lastly took the initiative to create it. I’m enthusiastic about being a founding member,” shared Brandon Brewer of MidTenn Furnishings in Murfreesboro, TN.

MIDAS is greater than only a shopping for group; it’s a motion. With a mission to assist small companies—the spine of America—this affiliation is poised to make a long-lasting influence. By means of collaboration, training, and a shared imaginative and prescient, MIDAS helps impartial mattress retailers not simply survive however thrive in an ever-changing market.

Because the saying goes, the whole lot they contact turns to gold. With MIDAS, the way forward for impartial mattress retail shines brighter than ever.