Popular PrimeTime session Mattress University was back with a bang in August 2025. After years of testing various formats and listening to member feedback, the Nationwide Marketing Group (NMG) Furniture, Bedding & Outdoor team decided to go big and “put the ‘university’ back into Mattress University.” Launched in Nashville, the supersized, revamped format is a three-part, member-led series designed to drive maximum value and help NMG retailers grow their business by up to 33 percent.

Mattress University: Part One 

“Matt U” kicked off with NMG Director of Bedding Nick Norton, who outlined the new format, including what to expect in parts two and three. Building on the idea of Commit > Plan > Execute, part two was designed to encourage peer-to-peer learning, with NMG retailers leading breakout sessions in three critical focus areas — increasing foot traffic, increasing ticket size, and increasing close rate.

Mattress University: Part Two 

Following Norton’s intro and overview, attendees were invited to select one of the three focus topics and break out into separate rooms to dig into more detailed strategy discussions. Not only was each session member-led, but each also incorporated unique vendor examples to further emphasize the value of the member-vendor relationship and best practices for working together.

Session Leaders 

Increase Close Rate 

• Member: Kevin Split, City Furniture
• Vendors: BEDGEAR & Serta Simmons Bedding

Increase Ticket Size 

• Member: Jason Goodman, City Mattress
• Vendors: King Koil & PureCare

Increase Foot Traffic 

• Member: Greg & Katy Law, Sweet Dreams Furniture & Mattress
• Vendors: Ashley & Tempur Sealy

Session highlights included specific examples of success with marketing campaigns, social media strategy, financing options, inventory management, sales tactics, gift with purchase promotions, leaning into vendor knowledge and resources, and so much more.

Overall, attendees had the opportunity to learn from one another and take advantage of insider insights to drive inspiration and targeted growth. The smaller size of each breakout group brought the “university” classroom-style learning to life in a more intimate and personalized setting. Following these 45-minute sessions, everyone returned to the main meeting room for a member Q&A panel.

Mattress University Presenters (August 2025)

Mattress University: Part Three 

With NMG’s Norton moderating, the member panel consisted of the retailers who presented during part two. Between audience members posing questions to those on stage and panelists picking one another’s brains, the final session proved successful in creating an open atmosphere of peer-to-peer learning — while highlighting the reality that even those who teach continue to be students themselves.

What’s Next for Mattress University 

Whether you couldn’t make it to Mattress University this time around or wish you had a chance to attend the two breakout sessions you missed, we have great news! This format will continue for both 2026 PrimeTime shows, giving you two more opportunities to learn and grow with your fellow retailers.

Stay tuned for more details about our next Mattress University, happening in March 2026 at our Fort Lauderdale PrimeTime event and expo. We hope to see you then!