Each location will be managed by a local, established bedding retailer who knows the local market, is seasoned in the bedding business and operates the store as an independent retailer.

Wal-Mart is in the bedding business. Independent bedding company Mattress Works has signed a lease agreement with Wal-Mart to establish bedding shops in the vestibule space of Wal-Mart Super Centers. The first three independently operated sleep shops have opened in South Carolina-based Wal-Mart Super Centers in North Myrtle Beach, North Charleston and Travelers Rest.

Mattress Works will recruit "local partners" to run each location. "Each [location] will be managed by a local, established bedding retailer who knows the local market, is seasoned in the bedding business and operates the store as an independent retailer," said David Karr, CEO of Mattress Works.

Mattress Works locations will occupy 450-1150 square-foot footprints at the front of Wal-Mart Super Center stores. Product points will be between $299 and $1,299.

With store roll-outs now underway, Mattress Works is actively seeking key retail Operating Partners to operate their own Mattress Works location in all markets served by Wal-Mart Super Centers.

Park Place Corporation is the authorized supplier of Mattress Works mattresses, foundations and box springs. Mattress Works and Park Place Corporation have signed a multi-year supply agreement, during which time Park Place Corporation will supply current and future locations of Mattress Works sleep shops.

In addition, Mattress Works has signed a supply agreement with Hickory Springs Mfg. Co. for bed frames and powered bed bases.

Hickory Springs' CEO, Don Coleman, applauded the "innovative approach" that Mattress Works has brought to the sales and marketing of a comprehensive line of bedding products. "We at Hickory Springs are pleased to be a key supplier with both Mattress Works and Park Place Corporation in this creative and unique introduction."