Simmons Backcare® Training Program In A "Class" Of Its Own

Furniture World Magazine

Preliminary grades are in for the all-new Simmons BackCare® training program and it looks like Simmons retail sales associates are going to graduate with high honors. After introducing the new training seminar just three months ago, Simmons is celebrating resounding success as sales associates coast-to-coast clamor to become the "valedictorian" of the BackCare brand. The foundation of the program is to educate retail sales people on how to effectively communicate BackCare to potential customers and translate that communication into a sale. Simmons BackCare training curriculum features BackCare classes during each regional sales meeting, with homework including a BackCare brochure or "study guide" outlining important brand features and benefits. First quarter "classes" are completed and Simmons will continue the program for the remainder of the year, anticipating to "graduate" more than 5,000 sales floor people by the conclusion. "We're very encouraged by the enthusiasm and support our dealers have expressed for this program," said Tim Oakhill, Simmons Company vice president of BackCare. "This program makes learning about the BackCare brand interesting, informative and most importantly, relevant to consumers. BackCare can significantly contribute to a quality night's sleep and our training arms sales associates with information and language to convey that message." The final exam for the program is the call-in quiz. After participating in the initial training session, sales associates are tested on their BackCare knowledge through a toll-free telephone quiz, which is comprised of 10 randomly selected questions from a pool of 20 questions relating to the brand, such as: How many zones are in the BackCare mattress? Who endorses the BackCare brand? Who is BackCare working in association with to create the product? The "diploma" for passing the test is a BackCare wristwatch. According to Oakhill, the training and call-in quiz are receiving so much attention that even BackCare retail executives are asking to participate. Maker of Beautyrest®, BackCare® and the Connoisseur Collection®, Atlanta-based Simmons Company employs more than 2,500 people and operates 19 plants throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Simmons is committed to helping consumers attain a higher quality of sleep and supports that mission through its Better Sleep Through Science philosophy, which includes developing superior mattresses and promoting a sound and smart sleep routine. For more information on Simmons and their educational programs for home furnishings retailers go to the Simmons web area on furninfo.com