From Humble Beginnings
Brenan and Laura Clark started the Mattress Barn 2000. With marriage just ahead, Brenan and Laura needed furnishings. Consequently they discovered that mattresses had vastly different prices from several different stores. Furthermore most stores had extremely high overhead and needed to greatly inflate the prices in order to cover their cost. Brenan and Laura ended up buying a bed from a gentleman who was selling them out of a storage unit with virtually no overhead. This helped the Clarks decide that there was a better way to retail furniture and more importantly mattresses. After renting a storage unit of their own, and selling beds for a couple years. They especially realized that they needed more space and more models to keep up with the demand. Moving the Mattress Barn into a larger space, in particular without compromising low overhead and low prices, became a necessity. We decided that a conventional store was not the answer. There were already several other stores in town and the Clarks needed something unique and different. In 2003 Brenan set out to find a larger storage unit. One that could accommodate at least 10 queen size mattress sets for the least expense possible.
Larger Space
The unused space behind Radio Shack along East College Drive in Marshall was perfect. Within a short time, 18 mattress models filled the space. Also the addition of bedroom furniture, futons, and recliners around the outside edges. Business continued to go very well and within a few years the Mattress Barn was again at a crossroads. As sales leveled out and it became apparent that another move might be necessary in order to take sales to the next level. Brenan and Laura decided that more models to choose from was not the problem. Even the largest stores typically only have around 20 mattress options to pick from. The main problem with the current location was awareness and visibility to the public, however the backdoor entrance and low overhead was the key to all of the previous success.
About Mattress Barn Show Trailer
The solution was to remain at the current location but to purchase a mobile showroom trailer. The trailer increased awareness of the Mattress Barn all throughout Southwest MN. Furthermore this new trailer has allowed the Mattress Barn to show off many of its most popular models at Fairs, Home Shows, and Parking Lot events. Without increasing overhead or increasing the retail prices. This form of retail may have given the Mattress Barn an unfair advantage. However we know that all of our customers work very hard for their money and we want to give them the best value that we can.
About Mattress Barn New Store 2014
In 2014, we decided that our sales had reached a level that would facilitate a move to a larger location. Without increasing any of our industry leading low prices we purchased the Prairie Event Center at 1507 East College Drive. This building was formerly the VFW. It had been on the market for many years and we were able to get the property for a very low price. Remodeling the main level and major gutting of the basement, transformed the building into a very efficient mattress and furniture store. Laura and I continue to enjoy the interaction with our customers and the hours that we are able to work together. In conclusion, we don’t mind working hard ourselves to ensure that each customer is getting the very best bed for the money they have budgeted to spend. Shopping at Mattress Barn is sure to be one of your best decisions.
About Clearance Barn 2023
Clearance Barn was built as an extension of Mattress Barn in 2023 to produce the flexibility we needed to move overstock and close out discontinued items, as well as, trade-in used furniture. New display models sell for a fraction of normal price and gently used furniture is steam cleaned and repaired as needed, making it an exceptional value. This family run business started from scratch in 2000 and continues to grow and expand. Now, all four of our immediate family members are working full-time, along side, our amazing employees who treat this business as their own, to provide exceptional service to all of Southwest Minnesota and beyond. Inventory changes daily, so be sure to check out our Facebook page!