With a heat wave upon Western Massachusetts, I decided it was finally time to break out my sandals. I have a ratty old pair of Birkenstocks that I used to be fond of, but I’m starting to lean towards replacing them. But, I’m not sure if I want a more athletic style sandal like the ones made by Ecco shoes or just anther pair of Birks?
Have any opinions? Feel free to share!
This weekend I’ll be headed up to Portland Maine for a long awaited seminar and test for my aikido studies.
How does this relate to futons?
Well, I’ll be crashing on an old all cotton futon at the dojo for the weekend. It’s been about ten years since I’ve been on an all cotton, so it’ll be an exciting trip that will get me back to my futon roots! And, the aikido ought to be fairly exciting too!
The development of new futon frames and futon mattresses might seem about as exciting to the average person as insurance lead generation or maybe the quantum mechanics of blue dwarf stars. But to a select group (futon retailers) seeing a new futon model, or change in an existing futon design can be a fun thing to see. Take the Convert-a-Couch line, they’ve reinvented the concept of the sleeper sofa around the function of a traditional futon frame.
With the economy still in a bit of a slump, and wholesale inventories falling, it’s no surprise that the futon industry has followed suit. In therory this should take stress off suppliers by tieing up less of their resourses in merchandise that’s not moving. But, can the effects be negative as well?
Well, I have at least one futon manufacturer that’s about to be taken off my website to make room for a more reliable futon furniture supplier due to dwindling inventories. If sales are lost due to out of stock items nobody wins, retailers lose out on sales, which gets passed along to wholesalers. The end result is often an unhappy consumer who has to settle for an item that wasn’t their first choice.
Today I found some great sales on electronics at Buy.com. I’m headed to Portland Maine on May 2nd and wanted to pick up a digital camera. Well, I found some great deals at Buy.com and might just be getting a camera for the trip! Now I’ll have some good pictures of my black belt test!
At Goodnight Moon Futon, I carry quite a few futon frame options. One of the best values on the website has to be the unfinished futon frame collection from KD Frames. KD futon frames are made in the US from Tulip Poplar, have five year warranties, and sell for under $250 with free shipping.
Sure, I have futon frames that are more dressed up, but the unfinished futon frames from KD Frames hold their own in terms of function and durability.
So, when I went out to Las Vegas last year to see all the new futons from my favorite manufacturers at the World Market, I got a personalized tote bag at the door. We’ve had it kicking around ever since, and have been using it as a shopping bag. This cuts down on the paper bags we use. Thanks Las Vegas World Market!
If you want a frame with built in storage, optional drawers, and a stylish look the Picasso Futon Frame is for you. Flip top arms allow extra storage for your couch goodies and arm side magazine racks can really cut down on clutter. Right now we’re taking 10% off the Picasso and it’s matching accessories!
With the invention of the Convert-a-couch, it almost seems like the future of the futon we all know and love is in turmoil. In much the same manner as the CRT TV’s of old were displaced by the slim, lower impact build of high def plasma TVs and plasma tv mount setups, the traditional futon with it’s hard wood arms and shifty futon mattress could be in danger of being seen as outdated.
As often as I think about how cool the convert a couch is, I always end up thinking that a classic futon is going to be hard to replace. Beautiful wood grains and sturdy wood feel will always leave a lasting impression over pillow top arms and micro fiber. Plus, futons can be customized by changing out the futon cover, so they’re more versatile.
Over the past couple months I’ve seen a surge in customers who are interested in chemical free futon mattresses, like the 100% Organic futon, Non Borate futon, and Athens futon on my website. Usually my customers gravitate towards the 100% Organic futon at first, but then they see just how expensive it is and quickly switch to the Non Borate futon. There’s not much difference in how the Organic Futon and Non Borate futon mattresses feel, they’re both made from 100% cotton without fire retardants.
So, what’s the difference?
The materials in the 100% Organic Futon mattress are grown using organic pesticides and fertilizers. Basically, you’re paying a higher price for an organic certification. Usually three times higher, with no benefit to the feeling of the mattress. So, if you’d like a chemical free futon mattress option, at a lower price, check out the Non Borate futon mattress.
