It is expected that the global home bedding industry will experience a market growth of 11.6% by 2027. As North America is now on the path to Covid-19 pandemic recovery, we’ll look at what the future of the bedding industry may look like in the coming years in terms of technology, distribution, and more.  Global Home Bedding Industry: The Future is Looking Bright With more and more consumers willing to spend money on premium and luxury bedding products, it is no wonder that the future of the global home bedding market is looking up. Due to an increasing prevalence of back issues among the millennial and baby boomers generation, consumers are putting more of their time and finances into creating an ideal sleep environment in their homes.  Additionally, the growth in the housing market across North America and Europe has resulted in a surge in demand for high-quality home décor and bedding products that we can guarantee all retailers have noticed.  While the COVID-19 pandemic certainly impacted the home bedding industry when it comes to disrupted supply chains and the closure of the in-store shopping experience, this period of time saw more people spending time at home which directly translated to an increased interest in investing in luxury and comfortable bedding items online.  What Are Initial Insights Telling Us? In 2020, the global home bedding market was estimated at $73.78 billion (USD) and is expected to be over $80 billion by the end of 2021. While the bed linens category of the home bedding industry is expected to experience continued growth, so will that of bedding essentials such as duvets, pillows, and mattresses.  As many consumers have seen an increase in the amount of time spent at home, it is clear that quality and aesthetics will be key for consumers when it comes to home décor. Additionally, a growing trend to switch up home interiors as a result of being influenced by social media influencers or Netflix shows is boosting sales in this industry.  For this reason, retailers and bedding manufacturers alike must be willing to provide products that are sustainable, on-trend, comfortable, and durable.  How Might the Bedding Market Change?  While the global bedding industry has undoubtedly experienced great success in the last decade, changes will be needed in order to meet customer expectations and demands. After all, as customer buying behaviors change, so must the products that are being placed on the physical and virtual shelves of retail stores. With that in mind, here are some of the expected changes that retailers, bedding manufacturers, and consumers can expect in the coming years.  Textile Preferences In recent years, a light has been shone on the fabrics and materials used in the bedding industry. With a growing awareness to be more sustainable, consumers are searching for those products that are ethical and environmentally friendly. This trend is expected to continue with many wholesale bedding suppliers ramping up their supply of sustainable bedding items to retailers across North America and beyond.  Similarly, consumers are also looking more for fabrics that are hypoallergenic. For this reason, it is expected that Down and Down-Alternative products such as duvets and pillows will continue to drive considerable growth in the bedding market over the next 5 years.  Distribution Channel  Although 2020 marked a year of increased online sales, it is expected that the offline distribution channel will continue to be the main driver of sales for bedding products. The preference of consumers continues to show that purchasing luxury bedding items is best done in-person as it facilitates the ability to have a first-hand look at products.  Yet, this doesn’t mean that the online distribution channel won’t be utilized. This distribution channel is expected to grow by 10.2% between now and 2028. With the retail industry in North America changing, it is expected that retailers will continue to experience an increase in the numbers of consumers buying home and bedding products via online stores - especially for returning and loyal customers.  Technology   Advances in technology have always been a factor that has driven change, especially in the duvet, pillow, and mattress industries. For example, the use of recycled materials such as Recycled Down and eco-friendly manufacturing processes has opened the industry up to new innovative ways to make wholesale bedding products that customers are going to enjoy.  While there isn’t a direct insight into what technologies may be used in the coming years, we can guarantee that advancements in this area will leave a significant mark on the global home bedding industry.  Westex: A Leading Duvet Manufacturer in North America At Westex, we pay close attention to the changing trends of the global home bedding industry. Regardless of whether they are a result of consumer demands, buying habits, or advancements in technology, we are driven to provide retailers with the products that their consumers want most.  Over the last few years, we’ve expanded our range of duvets, pillows, and mattress protectors to incorporate Down-Alternative materials such as bamboo, silk, and recycled microgel. We are also proud to be the first manufacturer to bring Recycled Down to the North American bedding market.  By partnering with us, your retail brand will get access to high-quality, environmentally friendly bedding selections that provide guaranteed comfort and quality. Our private label program also makes it easy for retailers to seamlessly build the brand they want.  For more information on how Westex can help your retail store be part of a bright home bedding industry in the coming years, reach out to us today and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.