Until fairly recently, the mattress industry was one with very little disruption. There were a few key retailers in the mattress game that had the market cornered.
But then, Casper came along and changed everything with its bed-in-a-box. Shoppers were able to purchase the mattress online and have it shipped straight to their doors, giving them what they needed with convenience and ease.
The award-winning mattress company, which has inspired competitors and copycats with its model, continues to disrupt the industry, too.
Since launching back in 2014, Casper has moved from strictly online to brick and mortar stores.
Casper actually opened a Dreamery in New York — the first of its kind! City dwellers can pay $25 USD for a 45 minute nap session. Each sleeping nook comes equipped with a Casper mattress and pillow. Nappers even receive pyjamas, skincare samples, and coffee after their rest.
And Casper has brought a similar concept to Toronto.
The city’s second Casper store recently opened on Queen St. West.
While Casper’s Queen St. West location isn’t quite the same Dreamery that’s featured in New York, shoppers looking for a quick escape can still book naps in Casper’s nooks — and the naps are completely free! Scheduled in 15 minute intervals, shoppers can book appointments online, or pop into the store to see if a bed is free.
The retail space, which is inspired by the comforts of home, features four miniature homes. Each home is equipped with a Casper bed frame, sheets, pillows, bedside tables, and, of course, a mattress! Curtains add extra privacy for those looking to take a quick snooze, or just try out the mattress before they decide to purchase their own. Dimming lights within the homes offer a full sensory experience.
In addition to the miniature homes, visitors can browse Casper’s expansive collection of home products.
As shoppers walk through the store, they’re taken from day to night with custom murals by local artist Kellen Hatanaka. Adorable miniature beds and sheet sets line the wall opposite the cash desk, and are just a couple of the features that encourage shoppers to touch and feel Casper’s offerings.
Towards the back, shoppers will find a table next to a bin full of pillows that are there for testing. Simply grab one from the bin and test its comfort — it’s as simple as that!
If you like what you touch and see, you can purchase the item right in store, walk away with it then, or have it shipped to your home. The choice is yours!
Casper’s first Toronto location opened at Sherway Gardens earlier this year.
The stores are the first of many. Casper plans to open 200 North American stores in the next three years, with British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec high on the priority list.
If you want to visit a Casper store for yourself, you can visit the new store at 342 Queen St. West, or at Sherway Gardens (on the main level at the Centre Court).
Take a peek at some more pictures of Casper Queen St. West below.
Images by Amanda Phuong. Featured image courtesy of Casper.