NC Company Symetri Launches New Sealy, Inc® Web site Today
July 25, 2001, High Point, NC – When mattress retailers and shoppers looking for information about Sealy, Inc., log onto www.sealy.com today, their on-line experience promises to be new, refreshing and geared directly to their needs. The Web site, developed by NC’s Symetri æ one of the fastest growing e-business design and development companies in the Southeast æ will set a new standard within the mattress manufacturing industry, according to company representatives.
“We believe that www.sealy.com is the most consumer-friendly site in the mattress manufacturing industry, said Connie Turner, account manager for Symetri. “Sealy presented us with the challenge to ensure the simplicity of the site while providing customers with the details they need to make an informed purchase decision.”
Andy Padjen, information architect for Symetri, adds, “Developing Sealy’s Web site was a perfect example of our proprietary User Experience Development Process at work.” Padjen explains that before beginning design, Symetri representatives conducted extensive research with Sealy retailers and consumers to determine their specific needs. “By combining the comprehensive knowledge we had of Sealy’s business with the information we gleaned from our interviews with Sealy’s customers, we were able to accomplish two objectives: first, inform customers about Sealy’s offerings; and second, present information in a practical, easy-to-use manner.”
For example, in response to consumer confusion with the mattress shopping experience, Symetri incorporated into the Web site an extensive "Learning Center" that demystifies mattress shopping. This section includes pages such as “Answers To Popular Questions,” a consumer "Buying Guide" and "Mattress Shopping Tips."
Symetri also developed a “Product Catalog” section that provides retailers and consumers with easy-to-navigate information about Sealy’s mattress offerings. On-line customers will find images of each product line æ including Sealy’s new Advanced Generation Sealy Posturepedic line being launched in conjunction with the new www.sealy.com æ accompanied by its respective features, benefits and price ranges.
Ron Jones, Sr., chairman and CEO of Sealy, Inc., conveyed the importance of providing consumers with quality assistance, “Given that our Web site is where they often turn for information about the company and our products, we wanted to assure their experience on the site measured up to their experience with our mattresses – top of the line.” Symetri and Sealy first began working together in the spring of 2000 when Sealy named Symetri interactive agency of record for e-business. Chosen for their unique ability to enable enterprises to mold technology, user research, and innovative thinking into solid business solutions, Symetri has provided a competitive advantage to many national and regional companies in a variety of industries.
Sealy, Inc. Background
Sealy is the largest bedding manufacturer in the world. In the U.S., Sealy serves more than 7,000 retail outlets in all 50 states. Including its subsidiaries, Sealy has 31 manufacturing plants in the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Brazil, Argentina and Mexico. There are a total of 11 international licensees operating in Australia, Israel, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, Saudi Arabia, Japan, New Zealand, Thailand, South Africa, the Bahamas, and the United Kingdom. In addition to its licensees, Sealy has a joint venture in Southeast Asia, India, and Korea.
Symetri Background
Symetri, based in High Point, N.C., is an e-business design and development company that provides interactive technology solutions for its clients. Since its inception in April 1999, Symetri has tripled its workspace and was recognized by a top North Carolina business publication in its “Best Places to Work” competition. The company recently announced aggressive expansion plans with the opening of a new office in Atlanta, Ga. It is one a handful of companies nationwide that offers combined expertise in both interactive design and cutting-edge technology. Symetri helps clients be more cost and time efficient, thereby increasing profitability. Symetri has developed relationships with Thomasville Furniture Industries; Wachovia Bank; Sara Lee’s Hanes Hosiery and L’eggs divisions; and Kimberly-Clark Health Care.
