Bed manufacturer taps designers, homeowners

CEBU, Philippines - Bullish with the vibrant real estate and construction industry in Cebu, a homegrown manufacturer and retailer of adjustable beds aims to capture the local market by tapping interior designers, architects and homeowners as potential clients.

SlumberHigh, a Cebu-based maker of adjustable beds, recently opened its showroom at Chatswood Bldg., A.S. Fortuna corner Hernan Cortes Sts., in Mandaue City last Saturday.

SlumberHigh owner George Pañares told The FREEMAN that it is high time to upgrade the sleeping habits of locals instead of just using flat beds taking into account the real estate boom in the province.

He described the fully adjustable beds as the latest trend in comfort and luxury with add-on of health benefits to the user. For instance, he cited that the adjustable beds can alleviate back pains and can result to better and restful sleep.

He said that they intend to introduce their products to industry players such as developers, interior designers, architects, and the high-end market of homeowners particularly the condominium owners.

In the year 1990, Pañares founded an export furniture factory after 11 years of experience working in the furniture manufacturing industry. After 15 years of growth and success, he decided to open up stores to cater to the local market in the country.

In 2007, he was able to come up with beds that are easily adjustable to accommodate the user’s preferred position while resting, hence the adjustable beds that eventually became a new trend of beds that have been popular overseas.

“Whether you have your back reclined, your legs elevated or both, a simple push of a wireless control button allows you these choices. What’s more, either side of the bed can be adjusted individually; this means that while you’d rather sit up with your back reclined as you watch television or read a book, your partner can sleep soundly on his side of the bed. You can position each side of the bed anyway you want,” he stated while demonstrating how to use the bed.

The 50-square meter showroom houses three models of adjustable beds. SlumberHigh’s fully adjustable beds come in five models with prices ranging from P106,000 to P160,000.

SlumberHigh used to have an outlet in Cebu in 2009 but later transferred to Manila. At present, they have stores at SM North EDSA and SM Megamall and a factory in Liloan, Cebu in addition to the newly-opened showroom in Mandaue.

Pañares revealed that they are eyeing to be present in a mall in Cebu and expand its presence in Mindanao hopefully within this year.

They also plan to develop more product innovations and conduct aggressive marketing campaigns after the opening of their showroom.

They are further looking at penetrating the online market by opening a shop via Internet to reach more consumers. (FREEMAN)