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FurnitureFan features search engine for sleep products
¡¾2001.07.25¡¿

FurnitureFan features search engine for sleep products
July 25, 2001

By Brian Carroll

SUDBURY, Mass. -- Internet marketing services company FurnitureFan has developed a proprietary search engine for mattresses and sleep products.

When consumers click "Mattresses" on the FurnitureFan.com home page, they are directed to what the business-to-business company calls a Mattress Finder. Searches are conducted based on such parameters as price (good, better, best); mattress type, such as airbeds or waterbeds; density and feel, from pillowtop to very firm; and size.

Shoppers also can browse the site's Sleep Center, where additional information on selecting mattress is provided.

"The unique needs of mattress shoppers called for a unique search engine," said Mitch Russo, FurnitureFan's chief executive officer. "Mattress-buying prerequisites, from individual sleep habits to personal preferences, differ greatly from those of traditional furniture purchases."

As with every product search at FurnitureFan.com, a consumer first ranks criteria, enters a ZIP code, and specifies the maximum distance the person is willing to travel to visit the store or stores carrying the desired merchandise.

Josh Loew, director of business development at Sealy, one of FurnitureFan's partner manufacturers, said, "We are pleased to be the first mattress manufacturer to partner with FurnitureFan as part of our strategy to use the Internet to better communicate with our customers."

FurnitureFan has a total of about 1,500 stores in its database and in its online showrooms, Russo said.

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