As a business rooted in healthcare products, Mammoth has seen its sleep solutions thrive in the face of a global pandemic, says founder and CEO, John Tuton, speaking to Furniture News for the November 2020 issue's Great British Beds feature …
How has Mammoth responded to the challenges presented by Covid-19 to date?
It certainly has been a challenging few months, but I’m glad to say that we were in a strong position going into lockdown and, as a team, have responded swiftly to ensure that we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities through the second half of the year.
I’m appreciative of the support that the Government has provided through the furlough scheme, which has ensured that we’ve been able to retain staff and bring them back into the business at the right time. Now is a crucial period for the industry, and we are all-hands-on-deck to ensure that we provide all the support we can for our retail partners.
We know how tough this period has been for them, and our focus over the coming months is very much on doing all we can to help them trade effectively.
As a brand, we feel that we are perfectly positioned to help consumers now, as they look to make more health-conscious buying decisions, and place an increased focus on their wellbeing. That has been reflected in our strong sales performance through the summer sale and into the autumn.
Unsurprisingly, people are looking for greater hygiene in both their experience and product, as well as products backed by science which they know will genuinely help them. Our collections are rooted in healthcare and scientifically tested, and shown to improve sleep. I think people are recognising the importance of sleep in their lives.
While face-to-face contact was reduced through the pandemic and the cancellation of events, we are working more closely than ever with our retailers. We keep in contact regularly and have taken every necessary step to ensure customers can purchase safely and make good decisions for their health and wellness.
We continue to drive footfall to stores and boost sales, with a focus on advertising, promotions, size upgrades and PoS support, as well as the store locator on our website. We have also launched our ‘sleep hub’, featuring free advice, tips and cutting-edge science from some of the country’s leading experts including University of Oxford sleep scientist, Dr Nicola Barclay.
Have you launched any new products this year?
Excitingly, Mammoth is driving forward new product launches for 2020 and 2021, including a new collection in partnership with a global publisher and national retailer which will be announced over the coming weeks – so watch this space!
In 2021 we will be revamping and extending our in-store existing Rise, Shine and Move Comfort Collection with exciting new tech, proven to do people good.
Shine
We have also used the last few months to accelerate our other growth plans, expanding across other areas of the furniture trade and into wider services, reinforcing the holistic approach we take to health, wellness and comfort. We will continue to navigate the changing retail environment and challenges it brings, with our strongest-ever team and continued investment in our brand.
What are the advantages of being a British manufacturer right now?
It’s great to see British businesses supporting each other, and that’s something we’re proud of at Mammoth. There has never been a more important time to buy British.
We span the country, from our roots in the North East to manufacturing sites and capabilities in Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire, London, Nottinghamshire and Lancashire.
Because our products are manufactured in the UK, we control the quality of the supply chain and reduce the risk for cross-contamination. As you’d expect from a company founded in the medical device arena, safety is key, and we have implemented robust measures to protect our staff and customers.
Has Covid-19 changed the way you do business?
In many respects, Covid-19 has further reinforced the need for products and services that genuinely do people good. We adapted to the situation, and put steps in place to support our customers.
Logistically, aspects of the way we do business adjusted to include things like more agile working and a greater online focus, but our fundamental beliefs haven’t changed.
People are actively looking for products with a health and wellbeing focus, and things which make them feel good during a difficult time. We know that better sleep leads to better physical and mental health, and Mammoth’s sleep credentials, backed up by science, offer evidence-based health benefits to the consumer.
I look back to where I started my career in healthcare, supporting seriously ill patients in their recovery and providing sleep education to senior clinicians. Mammoth’s Medical Grade Foam technology was developed from the medical devices of front-line healthcare, and our mattresses are scientifically tested and shown to improve sleep, posture and relaxation.
We have always been more than a mattressmaker, and take a holistic approach to wellbeing. Covid-19 has further reinforced our brand values, and we continue to live and breathe them.
Read the rest of the interview here (from p33).
