Australian bedding manufacturer AH Beard has expanded into China with the opening of a branded retail store in Shanghai.
The 114-year-old Australian company – one that’s particularly popular in the hotel industry in Australia and New Zealand – has partnered with local retailer, Shanghai Green Foreign Trade Limited, in its introduction of a range of beds aimed at the more affluent end of the immense Chinese market.
The partnership plans to open more AH Beard stores and produce AH Beard ranges for the ‘Greendream’ Bedding stores.
The first AH Beard store in China, located in the JSWB Mall, Hongqiao (Shanghai), was opened on July 6.
Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard officiated at the store opening, one that was also attended by Australian Consulate representatives and local Chinese government officials.
“We’ve come a long way since the straw and tufted kapok mattresses first crafted back in 1899,” said Allyn Beard, Director, AH Beard.
“We are a proud Australian company spanning five generations and our foray into China is the beginning of us taking our all-Australian made product to the world, each proudly carrying the Australian Made green and gold swing tag.”
He said the range for China comprised three collections: AH Beard Prestige, AH Beard Natural and AH Beard Innovations.
“Our specialised team has combined traditional craftsmanship with the latest in spring technology,” he said.
“Each mattress is handcrafted using the finest Australian natural materials including Elliotdale wool, Southern Highlands alpaca, Namoi cotton, Hamilton Downs merino, King Valley mohair and Sovereign cashmere.
“These luxurious comfort layers sit atop honeycomb nested springs and micro coils, encased in the finest Australian-made damask fabrics.”
He said the China project is in response to an increasing trend for China’s growing middle class to purchase fashion and home wares made in the US, Europe or Australia.
“With an increasing awareness of global brands and an understanding of the importance of healthy sleep, our products are well positioned to fulfil the needs of the Chinese market,” he said.
“The AH Beard brand delivers a high quality, hand crafted product made with traditions handed down over our 100-plus year history.”
Established in 1899, AH Beard is an Australian owned family business with manufacturing facilities in each state of Australia and New Zealand.