As of May 4, when Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb allowed more parts of that state’s economy to reopen, customers were able again to flop down to test the firmness of floor models at Holder Mattress Co.’s two stores. But after studying the logistics and hygiene requirements, Taylor decreed only one customer or group can shop at a time since everything needs to be sanitized between buyers.
Holder Mattress’s sales took a huge hit in April because of coronavirus-related lockdowns, with sales down almost 70% from 2019 to just under $25,000 for the month. There are some obvious guidelines, like requiring masks, limiting numbers allowed inside establishments, and spacing customers out in the store.
One thing helping Holder Mattress through this crisis is what allowed the business to survive in the age of internet mattress sellers and big box stores. The firm’s nine employees are true multi-taskers - the five people who work in the company’s small factory in Kokomo, Ind., build mattresses part of the time, but also do deliveries other days. The company’s controller is a woman who knows how to sew, so she makes handles and other cloth parts when she’s not doing the books.
Taylor said this will be crucial in paying bills and continuing to pay workers. She didn’t lay off any of her employees, and continued to pay their health insurance.