Dive Brief:
- Mattress Firm and DoorDash announced Aug. 19 a partnership to provide two-hour, on-demand delivery of mattresses and bedding accessories from Mattress Firm’s more than 2,300 locations across the U.S.
- DoorDash will provide real-time location updates on product delivery in the DoorDash app, according to a Mattress Firm press release.
- DashPass members will not have to pay additional delivery fees and will have reduced service fees on eligible orders, according to the announcement.
Dive Insight:
Mattress Firm’s partnership with DoorDash has arrived in time for back-to-school season. The company noted that mattress delivery service would be ideal for college students moving into dorm rooms or off-campus apartments.
“This partnership catapults us into a new era of customer service,” Mattress Firm Chief Digital Officer George Hanson said in a statement. “We’re not just delivering quality mattresses and pillows, but also a shopping experience that meets the on-demand expectations of today’s consumers. Our partnership with DoorDash combines our sleep expertise with on-demand delivery to ensure Americans can enjoy better rest sooner than ever before.”
More non-food businesses have turned to delivery providers like DoorDash and Instacart to execute same-day deliveries. While DoorDash has added retailers like Ulta Beauty, Academy Sports and Outdoors and Lowe’s to its platforms this year, rival Instacart, has attracted major retailers like Sally Beauty and Kohl’s.
As Mattress Firm harnesses DoorDash’s delivery network, it remains to be seen whether the company will soon have a new owner. Though Tempur Sealy International last year agreed to buy Mattress Firm for $4 billion, the Federal Trade Commission in July voted unanimously to block the transaction. Tempur Sealy International said it intends to challenge the decision in court.
Overall demand for home and furniture items has cooled since a rise during the height of the pandemic. In July, furniture and home sales were flat from the year-ago period, according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.
Both Mattress Firm and Tempur Sealy International have felt the impact of that declining demand. In Mattress Firm’s Q3 earnings, the company reported net revenue was essentially flat at $981.7 million. Tempur Sealy International saw its Q2 net sales decline 2.8% year over year to $1.2 billion.
