'Innovation is part of who we are. The moment we bring something new to market, we're already thinking about what comes next.' With this conviction, Lou Paige, Chief Executive Officer of Englander since January 2025, captures the spirit of a company that has been shaping the way people sleep for over 130 years. Now, under his leadership, Englander is preparing to make a significant move into the European interior market.
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Lou Paige, CEO of Englander
tradition with a modern twist
Founded in New York City in 1894 by Max Englander, the company quickly distinguished itself with simple yet groundbreaking ideas. From Red Cross mattresses during the First World War to pioneering latex products in partnership with Goodyear in the 1950s, Englander has consistently been, in Lou's words, 'the pioneers in designing a better night's sleep'. This tradition of marrying craftsmanship with innovation remains the hallmark of the brand today.
That commitment is reinforced by the way the company works with its partners. 'We're not just about selling a product and moving on,' Lou says. 'Our team spends a lot of time with retailers, showing them how to tell the story, how to help customers choose the right bed, and why sleep matters for health and well-being. That's been a huge part of our success in the States.'
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Why Europe, why now
Despite a strong international footprint with 22 partners across 35 countries, Englander admits it has not previously focused on Europe. That is about to change. Lou sees 'many synergies' between the brand's heritage and the European market. 'Europe and Englander share something important, a respect for history and tradition. At the same time, Europe really values brands that deliver on quality. Out of the top 30 mattress companies worldwide, half are based in Europe. This is a place that knows how to design, produce and market bedding. For us, that's exciting. We want to be part of that conversation.'
It is this shared appreciation of heritage and quality that makes Europe a natural next step for the brand's expansion. But Englander is not coming merely to compete. Rather, the company intends to collaborate. 'We're looking for real partners, not just distributors,' Lou explains. 'If you've got passion for making great products and giving people a better night's sleep, then we've got something to talk about.'
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Bringing fresh ideas to the table
According to Lou, penetrating the European market is not about filling gaps, but offering a fresh perspective. 'I don't think European brands are lacking anything. What we can add is a different perspective, some new marketing approaches, and the resources of our digital, PR, and social media teams. And honestly, we learn just as much from our international partners as they do from us. That back-and-forth is where the magic happens.'
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Looking ahead
For designers, buyers, and manufacturers in the interior world, Englander's arrival offers the chance to connect with a player that blends long-standing heritage with a willingness to adapt and collaborate. Lou sums it up in straightforward terms: 'At the end of the day, our job is simple, give people a mattress they love and sleep they can feel. If we can do that together with great partners in Europe, then everybody wins.'
More information:
Englander
[email protected]
www.englander.com
+1 888-909-0551
Chicaco, Illanois, USA
